Lab Guide: Daniel Szwarcman, rooms 314/202, Multi-disciplinary Bldg., Tel:640-5912/9018

In this lab we will study novel microscopy techniques, belonging to the ScanningProbe Microscope fa the sample surface using a very sharp needle (called a “tip”).  
In this fashion a topographic map of the surface can be obtained. Physical and chemical properties can be measured, such as Van der Waals interactions, friction, electrostatic and magnetic forces.

In the STM lab we will learn the basics of this microscope’s operation, which is based on the existence of a tunneling currant between the tip and the sample.Using the STM we will characterize the surfaces of gold and HOPG.   In the AFM lab we will learn how Van der Waals interactions between the tip and the sample are used to obtain a topographic map of the sample surface. We will also use the AFM as a lithographic tool and explore its operation.

AFM image of gold nanorods on silicon                          AFM Litography on silicon                                AFM image of single stranded DNA on a gold surface