This project is establishing a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) in an undergraduate Modern Physics Laboratory. It is enabling undergraduates, for the first time, to actually see atomic surfaces and "see atoms". The aim is to actively expose advanced physics majors to contemporary, state- of-the-art surface physics. The mechanical part of the microscope is being built in the departmental machine shop, using a proven design, and interfaced to a PC computer. The design of this STM permits its use by senior undergraduate students and yet allows modifications and improvements by such students. The students are able to use the latest methods of preparing scanning tips and study naturally clean, quality surfaces of carbon, gold, TaS2 and TaSe2. These surfaces show both atomic and electronic structure without the difficulties of high vacuum techniques. The students are exposed to modern methods of image processing using a high speed, high video resolution, personal computer as a necessary part of the STM. This Nobel prize winning method of probing the atomic structure of surfaces permits physics students to do what has not been possible before; to actually "see" an atom.NSF grant funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.
