Scanning Probe Microscopy – From Surfaces to Single Atoms

Abstract

This article highlights the important role of scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy in modern surface science experiments. Imaging with atomic resolution, manipulation of matter atom by atom, spectroscopy of confined electrons, molecular vibrational quanta, surface phonons, single‐atom spin flips, and single‐molecule fluorescence photons are some of the diverse applications of the microscopes. The impact of the actual atomic or molecular termination of the tip is emphasized. A variety of examples presents the state of the art in quantum physics of surfaces and interfaces and demonstrates that scanning probe techniques significantly contribute to the understanding of matter at the atomic scale.