High-Resolution Scanning Tunneling Microscope and its Adaptation for Local Thermopower Measurements in 2D Materials

Abstract: We present the design, fabrication and discuss the performance of a new combined high-resolution Scanning Tunneling and thermopower Microscope (STM/SThEM). We also describe the development of the electronic control, the user interface, the vacuum system, and arrangements to reduce acoustical noise and vibrations. We demonstrate the microscope performance with atomic-resolution topographic images of Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and local thermopower measurements in the semimetal Bi2Te3 sample. Our system offers a tool to investigate the relationship between electronic structure and thermoelectric properties at the nanoscale.