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Integration of point-contact microscopy and atomic force microscopy: application to characterization of graphite/Pt(111)

Journal Article · · Physical Review B
The electrical current through the point-contact junction of an AFM tip is used to image the surfaces of bulk graphite (HOPG) and the surface of a graphitized carbon monolayer on Pt(111) under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Lattice-resolved images are obtained simultaneously in topography, lateral friction, and contact current channels. Lattice resolution in current maps persisted up to 0.9 mA and pressures of up to 5 GPa. In both bulk graphite and the case of graphitized carbon monolayer on Pt(111), the current images show only one maximum per unit cell. In addition, the contact current images of the graphite monolayer reveal local conductivity variations. The authors observed local conductivity variations in the form of Moire superstructures resulting from high order commensurability with the Pt lattice.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Director, Office of Science. Office of Basic Energy Studies. Division of Materials Sciences (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
5175117
Report Number(s):
LBNL-44137; No.259
Journal Information:
Physical Review B, Journal Name: Physical Review B Vol. 60:24
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English