MODIFICATION OF GOLD SURFACES WITH LOW-TEMPERATURE SCANNING TUNNELINGMICROSCOPE

Modifications of gold surfaces with either constant-height mode rectan gular voltage pulses or constant-current mode triangular voltage pulse s were carried out using a scanning tunneling microscope at various te mperatures. Wrinkles were found near the structures created by applyin g positive triangular pulses to the surface. The size of the structure s created by the triangular pulses was more sensitive to temperature w hile they were being created than those created by the rectangular pul ses. It is believed that field evaporation is the mechanism for consta nt-current triangular pulse modification. Necking between tip and samp le is suggested for constant-height rectangular pulse modification. We have also tried to use tunneling spectroscopy to characterize the tra nsferred material after modification.