title: Fiber optic light collection system for scanning-tunneling-microscope-induced light emission.
abstract: We report a compact light collection scheme suitable for retrofitting a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) for STM-induced light emission experiments. The approach uses a pair of optical fibers with large core diameters and high numerical apertures to maximize light collection efficiency and to moderate the mechanical precision required for alignment. Bench tests indicate that efficiency reduction is almost entirely due to reflective losses at the fiber ends, while losses due to fiber misalignment have virtually been eliminated. Photon-map imaging with nanometer features is demonstrated on a stepped Au(111) surface with signal rates exceeding 10(4) counts/s.
authors.affiliation: Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA.
authors.forename: Neil J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: Zakya H
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Kafafi
authors.forename: Antti J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mäkinen
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008027:Light; D016252:Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055100:Optical Fibers; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity