Using SPM in Ultrahigh Vacuum Systems

For experiments that require atomically clean and flat surfaces, or extremely well controlled environments, it is often necessary to prepare and study samples in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system. Both scanning tunneling and atomic force based techniques can be applied. Maintaining good UHV conditions (10-11 Torr) is challenging and places additional constraints on SPM equipment and experiments. The results are worth the effort, as evidenced by the detailed atomic resolution images that can be obtained.

Atomic level studies allow observation of phenomena on the scale of single molecules and single dangling bonds, bringing information to light that can only be inferred from macroscopic analytical techniques. In the near future, UHV-STM experiments may be the key to accessing quantum information and computation technologies in a solid state device structure. The ability to directly and immediately access single atoms, molecules, and dangling bonds is an important advantage that STM holds over other techniques in this arena. Success in sensing and perhaps manipulating the spin degree of freedom of a single atom will provide a pathway to quantum computing and other quantum technologies.

The Solid State Quantum Computer

Electron Spin Precession STM

Related Links

• Film Growth
• Ultra-High Vacuum
• Low Temperature
• Polymer
• Magnetic Imaging