ABSTRACT
Processing of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) images is essential to explore nanoscale phenomena. Image processing and pattern recognition techniques are developed to improve the accuracy and consistency of nanoobject and surface characterization. We present a robust and versatile method to process SPM images and reproducibly estimate nanoobject position and dimensions. This method is using dedicated fits based on the least-square method and the matrix operations. The corresponding algorithms have been implemented in the FabViewer portable application. We illustrate how these algorithms permit not only to correct SPM images but also to precisely determine the position and dimensions of nanocrystals and adatoms on surface. A robustness test is successfully performed using distorted SPM images.
ABSTRACT
The dynamics of nanostructured surface phases on SrTiO(3)(001) have been analysed using in situ scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) above 800 degrees C. During high-temperature annealing, the formation, growth and ordering of the nanostructures has been observed. Dilines, with a width of approximately 1 nm, are formed from a TiO(2)-rich intermediary at 800 degrees C. STM during annealing at 825 degrees C has enabled us to follow both the growth and dissolution of dilines. Following extended annealing, trilines with a width of approximately 2 nm and ordered two-dimensional (2D) nano-arrays form from the diline domains. Our observations of diline dissolution implies random nucleation and growth, followed by rearrangement at elevated temperature to form domains.
ABSTRACT
We report on the experimental observation of STM-induced photon emission in ultrahigh vacuum on a network of 4-nm silver spheres. The spheres are covered by a dielectric, electrically insulating, organic layer and deposited on Au(111). The bias-dependent spatial distribution of the photon emission rates reveals the electric-field distribution of the different coupled plasmon modes in this model.
