Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) is a technique used in space and astronautical engineering to image surfaces at the atomic level. It works by scanning a sharp metal tip over the surface of a sample, and measuring the tunneling current that flows between the tip and the sample. By maintaining a constant tunneling current, the tip can be moved up and down to maintain a constant distance from the sample surface, allowing for the creation of a three-dimensional image of the surface topography. STM has been used to study the properties of materials in space, including the electronic structure of surfaces, the behavior of molecules on surfaces, and the growth of thin films and nanostructures.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Sample Return Missions: Sample return missions are space missions that involve the collection and return of samples from celestial bodies such as the Moon, asteroids, and comets. These missions are important for scientific research as they provide direct access to ... Read More >>
- User Acceptance Testing: User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is the final phase of the software testing process where the software is tested in the real-world scenario by the end-users or clients to ensure that the software meets their requirements and is ready for relea ... Read More >>
- Magnetometer: A magnetometer is a device that measures magnetic fields. In space and astronautical engineering, magnetometers are used to measure the magnetic fields of planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies. They are also used to measure ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06