| Title: | Learning the Physics of a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) Using a Computer Program |
| Meeting: | 119th AAPT National Meeting: San Antonio, TX |
| Location: | N/A |
| Date: | Friday, August 6 |
| Time: | 9:30 a.m. |
| Author: |
N. Sanjay Rebello, Clarion
Univ. of Pennsylvania 814-226-2573, srebello@clarion.edu |
| Co-Author(s): | Dean A. Zollman |
| Abstract: | The Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) Simulator is an interactive computer program designed to enable students to learn how an STM works. The program is not designed to substitute a real STM, but rather to give students insight into the physics of the STM. The program demonstrates how the concepts of potential energy diagrams, wave functions, and tunneling are applicable to an STM. Students begin with a real STM image, taken elsewhere, and view the cross sectional profile of the sample along any direction. They manipulate the position and voltage of the probe tip, observe its effect on the potential energy barrier and wave function of the electron, and measure the tunneling current. They can also simulate different modes of operation of the STM. The program is accessible to students over a wide range of academic levels. We have successfully used the program in physics courses taken by non-majors. |