A compact scanning tunnelling microscope with thermal compensation

Abstract
A simple high-eigenfrequency scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) with atomic resolution is described. A small tube of piezoelectric ceramic is used as the scanner unit. Long-term drift is suppressed to first order using a compact construction of axial symmetry in combination with a thermal drift compensation in the z direction. The instrument is designed also for cryogenic applications and may be operated in conjunction with a personal computer.
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