Scanning Tunneling Microscopy in high vectorial magnetic fields

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, rotatable STM setup that allows for precise measurements in high magnetic fields from various directions, enhancing the study of quantum materials.

Contribution

A novel, space-efficient rotatable STM design that maintains performance and enables magnetic field orientation flexibility for advanced surface studies.

Findings

Preserves noise and accuracy comparable to standard STMs.

Allows full rotation within a 37 mm diameter space.

Enhances control over magnetic field direction in experiments.

Abstract

The Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) is a powerful instrument to study electronic density of states at surfaces down to atomic scale. Many interesting samples require studying variations as a function of the magnetic field, which is most often applied perpendicular to the surface. Conventional STM designs make it challenging to perform measurements when the magnetic field must be applied in other directions. Here we present a new STM setup installed on a rotatable platform. We have designed and built a new STM, which is small enough to allow for full rotation on a space with a diameter of 37 mm, well below the available space within many magnets. We show that the new rotatable STM setup preserves the performance of state-of-the-art STMs in terms of noise and accuracy. Our new approach significantly enhances control over the direction of the applied magnetic field and opens exciting new possibilities to study quantum materials.