Scanning Tunneling Microscope - STM

Definition: A type of microscope in which a fine conducting probe is held close to the surface of a sample. Electrons tunnel between the sample and the probe, producing an electrical signal. The probe is slowly moved across the surface and raised and lowered so as to keep the signal constant. A profile of the surface is produced, and a computer-generated contour map of the surface is produced. The technique is capable of resolving individual atoms, but works better with conducting materials.