09/2024 Imaging adsorption sites of organic molecules by an adaptive tunnelling current feedback
An automation method for AFM imaging that provides in a single image both, submolecular resolution on organic molecules and atomic resolution on the surrounding metallic surface has been developed. The method is based on an adaptive tunnelling current feedback system that is regulated according to the response of the AFM observables, which guarantees that both the molecules and the surface atoms are imaged under optimum conditions. This facilitates statistical analysis of molecular adsorption geometries and could in the future contribute to autonomous AFM imaging as it adapts the feedback parameters depending on the sample properties.
Original publication:
Daniel Martin-Jimenez, Qigang Zhong, André Schirmeisen and Daniel Ebeling
Nanotechnology 2024, 35, 475703