The custom-built STM features a variable temperature environment ranging from 4K to room temperature using a continuous flow cryostat. The scanner is a "Pan walker'' type, and is suspended by springs inside two radiation shields which are cooled by the cryostat. These are stationed inside an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber equipped with scanning electron microscope (SEM), a top loading design and in situ annealing and ion sputtering of the sample surface.
The STM will be situated in a state-of-the-art acoustic isolation room which is supported by its own foundations, allowing low-noise measurements.
HPOG steps taken with the VTSTM
VTSTM head (click to enlarge)