Observation of AlGaAs/GaAs multiquantum well structure by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract
We have imaged an AlGaAs/GaAs multiquantum well structure by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In order to localize the structure the STM is integrated in a conventional scanning electron microscope. The observed surface structure has a periodicity of ≊180 Å and shows an apparent corrugation of ≊10 Å in the constant current mode. We discuss the possible mechanisms of the observed contrast, which we tentatively attribute to the different electrical properties of the two different layers.