The Scanning Tunneling Microscope is an evolving instrument for microtopographic mapping and chemical analysis of refined surfaces with resolution on the atomic scale. The goal of this contract is to provide a new and innovative design for the STM, extending its flexibility and accuracy. More specifically, the design goals are: 1) to provide a compact instrument suitable for vacuum flange mounting with high inherent resonant frequencies, and achieving full resolution in a conventional laboratory environment, 2) to provide fine emitter positioning control with sufficiently improved linearity to provide accurate dimensional measurements, 3) to provide much improved coarse and fine specimen positioning control permitting accurate X-Y positioning. The instrument must be ultra-high-vacuum compatible, capable of using fast response servo systems and, when combined with appropriate electronics, capable of performing spectroscopic measurements. To achieve these goals, research in micro movement and micro measurement is necessary. Phase II will provide for the construction and testing of a user-friendly, rugged instrument with substantially improved performance, ready for marketing.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee:A wide range of commercial markets, including the microcircuit, diamond turning, optical fabrication and metal finishing industries require improved micro topographic mapping of surfaces. Biological surface science and electronics laboratories require atomic resolution in their research microscopes. Estimated market is similar to electron microscopes, i.e. about 10,000 instruments.
