Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Winter 2007
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Chemistry
Committee Chair
Dr. Eric L. Bullock, Department of Chemistry
Second Committee Member
Dr. Andrew A. Piacsek, Science Honors Research Program Director
Abstract
The invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) 25 years ago gave researchers the ability to peer directly inside the fascinating world of molecular structures. Since that time, the design of STMs has be refined, allowing researchers to custom build their own STMs to meet their specific needs. A research grade STM was designed and constructed, along with a very stable two stage extension spring vibration isolation system. This STM was specifically designed to image molecular self-assembly at surfaces at a fraction of the cost of comparable research grade STMs currently available. The STM was constructed out of a machinable ceramic with an extremely small thermal coefficient of expansion, ensuring that all of the components expand and contract at the same rate, thereby increasing stability and image clarity. Images acquired using this new design show molecular resolution and high stability.
Recommended Citation
Klein, William P., "Designing and Constructing a Research Grade Scanning Tunneling Microscope System for Imaging Individual Molecules in Surface Self-Assembly" (2007). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 81.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/undergrad_hontheses/81
Comments
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