Scanning tunneling microscopy

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is a technique that images surfaces at the atomic level. It uses a sharp metal tip brought very close to a material's surface. When a voltage is applied, electrons “tunnel” between the tip and the surface, creating a current that varies with distance. By moving the tip and measuring this current, the STM maps the surface's atomic structure with extraordinary precision. This allows scientists to see individual atoms and understand surface properties, providing insights crucial for materials science, nanotechnology, and quantum research.