Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy: Beyond Imaging Surfaces, Atoms and Molecules

Abstract

Direct observations of surfaces, individual atoms and molecules have been achieved after the invention of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). The STM, which was invented by Binnig and Rohrer in 1981, has become an indispensable tool and it has revolutionized the real-space imaging of molecules, providing a detailed understanding (growth, nucleation, electronic coupling to the surface) and how they interact with each other and with surface atoms. Here, STM can be used as a powerful tool not only imaging but also manipulating individual atoms/molecules to obtain desired geometries for nanoscale applications. Such as mechanical (lateral, vertical), electric field-induced, and elastic-inelastic tunneling-induced manipulation are all major techniques that can be applied via STM. In this chapter, the mechanism, techniques and capabilities of the STM will be introduced.