Easy and reproducible method for making sharp tips of Pt/Ir

Authors
Lindahl, J Takanen, T Montelius, L
Citation
J. Lindahl et al., Easy and reproducible method for making sharp tips of Pt/Ir, J VAC SCI B, 16(6), 1998, pp. 3077-3081
Citations number
7
Categorie Soggetti
Apllied Physucs/Condensed Matter/Materiales Science","Material Science & Engineering
Journal title
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY B
ISSN journal
10711023 → ACNP
Volume
16
Issue
6
Year of publication
1998
Pages
3077 - 3081
Database
ISI
SICI code
1071-1023(199811/12)16:6<3077:EARMFM>2.0.ZU;2-C
Abstract
We have investigated a simple yet powerful method for making sharp scanning tunneling microscopy tips of Pt/Ir. It consists of three electrochemical p olish/etch steps, not requiring any special micropolishing. The tips, as se en by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, are sharper than 20 Angstrom. Furthermore, they are smooth, without mini tips and covered with an oxide layer not much thicker than the native one (as seen from a freshl y cut wire) when all three steps are applied. (C) 1998 American Vacuum Soci ety. [S0734-211X(98)06006-5].