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Analysis of photon scanning tunneling microscope images

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Physics; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.350650· OSTI ID:5519087
; ;  [1]; ; ;  [2]
  1. Department of Physics, University of Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama 35899 (United States)
  2. Health and Safety Research Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831 (United States) Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 (United States)

Photon scanning tunneling microscope (PSTM) images are made by scanning an optically conducting probe tip in an evanescent field above a sample surface. These images contain a mixture of topographical information, scattering effects, and variations in optical properties across the sample. Proper interpretation of PSTM images is therefore dependent upon knowledge of the field-surface interactions giving rise to these features. The subject of this work is the calculation of PSTM image features arising from the topography of the sample surface. Image features of a model sinusoidal grating structure are calculated using small perturbation theory. Image amplitudes are shown to depend on the sample orientation and the shape and position of the probe tip. The calculated results are compared with actual PSTM images of a holographically produced sinusoidal grating surface.

DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5519087
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Physics; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics; (United States) Vol. 71:1; ISSN 0021-8979; ISSN JAPIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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