USE OF SCANNING-TUNNELING-MICROSCOPY IN METALLOGRAPHY

Scanning tunneling microscopy was used for the first time to study the bainitic microstructure of an austempered Fe-1.0C-4.0Cr-2.0Si alloy w hen certain experimental procedures were taken to minimize surface abs orption and oxidation. Specimen preparation methods and observation pr ocedures required for the study of easily oxidized materials by scanni ng tunneling microscopy, and the interpretation of the scanning tunnel ing image, including microstructural contrast, phase morphologies, etc ., are discussed. The results demonstrate that scanning tunneling micr oscopy, which is used mainly in studying special materials, such as pu re gold, single crystal silicon, etc., is another powerful metallograp hic tool.