The primary objective of this proposal is the design, construction, and evaluation of a novel Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) for routine surface microtopographical analysis. This prototype instrument is designed to cover an extensive magnification range from 2500X to 108X. Since the entire STM unit is small enough to be mounted on a 6-in conflat flange, it can be readily installed onto any ultra-high vacuum chamber with a standard sized port. The instrument will be designed to operate in both vacuum and ambient air environments. Furthermore, the STM design will not only be user-friendly to the operator but will also incorporate features allowing ease of manufacture and maintenance. The high low magnification STM promises to fulfill most of the requirements of surface microscopy in a non-destructive fashion with few of the disadvantages encountered in conventional forms of microscopic imaging.Anticipated Results and
Potential Commercial Applications: With its capability for achieving atomic resolution in air and vacuum, the STM can be used for a wide range of materials research and problems of technological importance in the areas of microelectronics, catalysis, metallurgy, and bioengineering. Upon successfully completing the R&D phases of the program, it is expected to manufacture the instrument for sale to others and offer commercial analytical services.
