Berlin 2024 – scientific programme

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O: Fachverband Oberflächenphysik

O 68: Poster: Scanning Probe Techniques: Method Development

O 68.7: Poster

Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 18:00–20:00, Poster C

Automated tip preparation for electron spin resonance measurements in STM — •Lovis Hardeweg, Cathrin Haab, Wantong Huang, Paul Greule, Máté Stark, Christoph Sügers, Wolfgang Wernsdorfer, and Philip Willke — Physikalisches Institut (PHI), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany

The development of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) combined with electron spin resonance (ESR) is a powerful technique to image and investigate spins on surfaces [S. Baumann et al. Science 350.6259 (2015), pp. 417-420]. However, it relies on spin-polarized tips and their preparation often requires time-consuming and repetitive work. Here, we present a multi-step routine based on supervised machine learning that autonomously creates ESR-active tips. It includes locating magnetic Fe atoms on MgO/Ag, MgO-layer thickness determination, tip evaluation/conditioning, as well as drift correction. Besides, the number of MgO monolayers on Ag is automatically determined and the individual Fe atoms are picked up onto the tip. Finally, the routine evaluates the ESR capabilities of the tip.

Keywords: scanning tunnelling microscopy; machine learning; tip preparation