Tunneldusmikroskoopia

Tunneldusmikroskoopia, also known as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), is a powerful tool used in nanotechnology and materials science to image surfaces at the atomic level. Developed by Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer in 1981, STM operates on the principle of quantum tunneling, where a sharp metal tip is brought very close to the sample surface, typically within a few angstroms. When a voltage is applied between the tip and the sample, electrons can tunnel through the vacuum barrier, creating a measurable current. By scanning the tip across the surface and monitoring the tunneling current, STM can generate high-resolution images of the sample's topography.

STM is particularly useful for studying conductive materials and can provide information about the electronic structure of the surface. It has been instrumental in the development of nanotechnology by enabling researchers to visualize and manipulate individual atoms and molecules. The technique has also been applied in various fields, including the study of graphene, the investigation of magnetic properties at the atomic scale, and the characterization of biological molecules on surfaces. Despite its high resolution, STM has limitations, such as the requirement for conductive samples and the need for a stable, ultra-high vacuum environment. However, its ability to image surfaces at the atomic level has made it an indispensable tool in modern scientific research.