Construction of a scanning tunneling microscope and first results

Abstract

In this thesis, construction of a Scanning Tunneling Microscope in air is explained. A step motor sample approach mechanism and a tripod scanner are used in the construction. Atomic resolution images of graphite samples are obtained in both constant current and constant height modes. Loss of trigonal symmetry in some Graphite images are also observed. This anomaly is attributed to the multiple atom tip or slipped top layer of Graphite.