High-resolution scanning tunneling microscope and its adaptation for local thermopower measurements in 2D materials

Abstract

We present the design, fabrication and discuss the performance of a new combined high-resolution Scanning Tunneling and Thermopower Microscope (STM/SThEM). We also describe the development of the electronic control, the user interface, the vacuum system, and arrangements to reduce acoustical noise and vibrations. We demonstrate the microscope’s performance with atomic-resolution topographic images of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and local thermopower measurements in the semimetal ${\mathrm{Bi}}_2{\mathrm{Te}}_3$. Our system offers a tool to investigate the relationship between electronic structure and thermoelectric properties at the nanoscale.