Model theory for scanning tunneling microscopy: Application to Au(110) (1×2)

Abstract

A theory is presented for the scanning vacuum-tunneling microscopy experiments performed by Binning et al. The tunnel current is obtained for different geometries and tip shapes. Lateral resolutions are 4-8 for distances from the tip to the sample ∼3.5-4.5, effective tip radii ∼3-10, 1-nA currents, and applied voltage ∼0.01 eV. The Au(110)(1×2) surface is analyzed and the experimental results discussed. © 1983 The American Physical Society.