STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscopy)

Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) is a technique that allows scientists to visualize and study surfaces at the atomic level. It works by bringing a sharp metal tip very close to a conductive surface; a tiny electrical current flows between the tip and the surface when they're close enough. By scanning the tip across the surface and measuring this current, the STM creates detailed images of the surface's atomic structure. This method provides insights into material properties and surface phenomena with extremely high resolution, making it a powerful tool in nanotechnology and surface science research.