title: Hydrothermally-grown ZnO nanowire tips for scanning tunnelling microscopy.
abstract: The probe tip is pivotal in determining the resolution and nature of features observed in the Scanning Tunnelling Microscope (STM). We have augmented a conventional Pt/Ir metallic tip with a hydrothermally grown ZnO nanowire (NW). Atomic resolution imaging of graphite is attained. Current-voltage (IV) characteristics demonstrate an asymmetry stemming from the unintentional n-type doping of the ZnO NW, whereas the expected Schottky barrier at the ZnO-Pt/Ir interface is shown to have negligible effect. Moreover the photoconductivity of the system is investigated, paving the way towards a photodetector capable of atomic resolution.
authors: Nanoscience, University of Cambridge, 11 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0FF, UK.
authors: H S
authors: HS
authors: Wong
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Tan
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Wang
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Durkan