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. |
|