Open STM: A low-cost scanning tunneling microscope with a fast approach method

TL;DR

This paper presents a low-cost, portable STM designed for educational and basic research use, featuring a fast tip approach algorithm and safe operation at low voltages, capable of atomic-scale imaging.

Contribution

The authors developed an affordable, easy-to-use STM with a novel tip approach method that reduces setup time and enhances safety for novice users.

Findings

Successfully imaged atomic features of HOPG sample

Achieved sample loading time of approximately 1 minute

Operates safely at voltages not exceeding 15V

Abstract

In this paper, we have designed a low-cost scanning tunneling microscope (STM) priced at 300 USD or 2000 CNY. This microscope is suitable for educational purposes and low-demand research imaging at the nanometer level. This microscope's motion components and scanner are controlled using piezoelectric materials, avoiding the thermal drift associated with traditional motor control. Our tip approach algorithm, which considers the capacitance and friction characteristics during piezoelectric slider movement, has reduced the time required for sample loading to establish tunneling current to approximately 1 minute. The dimensions of the microscope body are 45x45x31.5mm(WxLxH), and the control voltage does not exceed 15V, ensuring the safety of operators with limited experience. In the performance verification, we performed a scanning tunneling scan on a Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite(HOPG) sample with bias voltages of 50mV and 60mV, resulting in clear observations of the atomic features of HOPG in the STM pattern.