Note: advancement in tip etching for preparation of tunable size scanning tunneling microscopy tips.
The two aspects of a scanning tunneling microscopy tip, the macroscopic profile and the nanoscale apex, can be tailored by controlling the tension during electrochemical etching and the solution-electrode contact area via acetone vapor. The apex diameter is shown to be proportional to the square root of the tension, and is demonstrated over apex diameters of 150-500 nm. The apex was found to be created in four distinct shapes where a secondary etching can reshape the tip into a single geometry. Improvement in tip height and stability of the profile are demonstrated versus a non-acetone fabrication control.
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
J P
JP
Corbett
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
S G
SG
Pandya
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
A-O
AO
Mandru
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
J
J
Pak
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
M E
ME
Kordesch
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
A R
AR
Smith