Shape of Field-Induced Nanostructures Formed by STM

Abstract

Creation of controlled and reproducible nanostructures on material surfaces using scanning tunneling microscope is a novel technique, which can be used for a variety of applications. We have examined the shape of the nanostructures so formed on the gold film using tungsten tip and examined the formation parameters, which govern their shape and size. During our investigations it is found that the reproducibility of mound formation can reach up to 90%under optimum operating conditions, whereas the pit formation can be made with almost 100%reproducibility. Formation mechanism of such nanostructures is also discussed.