LT STM

Ultimate SPM Performance below 5K

Increased hold time to >65h at same performance level
High frequency wiring
Increased spectroscopy resolution
Record proven platform since 1996 with more than 200 devices installed
Reliable design ensuring high up-time
Independent tip and sample temperature
Leading QPlus AFM technology

Impressions

Since its introduction in 1996, our Low Temperature STM has set the standard for stability, performance and productivity for LHe4 bath cryostat STMs. More than 20 years after presenting the LT STM, the importance of low temperature SPM techniques in a wide range of active scientific fields is still unbroken.

Spectroscopy on molecules, atom manipulation, carbon, superconductors, semiconductors, gases on metals, and magnetics are only a few examples where research takes great advantage of low temperature SPM. Within all these areas more publications have been produced with our LT STM than with all other commercial low temperature SPM´s combined.

The third generation of the LT STM

In recent years, the publications have highlighted the industry-leading QPlus AFM performance that the LT STM provides. As we continue to release new STM plat- forms, Scienta Omicron is also pleased to announce the release of a new, third-generation instrument that further improves the performance and productivity of the LT STM.

A key feature of the third generation is a 30% increase in liquid helium hold time. This is of great advantage for all low temperature experiments, reducing operating costs and providing users more flexibility. The new cryostat design enables long-term spectroscopy experiments without any compromise to the stability the LT STM has always delivered.

Additionally, completely new state of the art wiring and connections have been designed throughout the system. The LT STM III now supports high frequency lines for tip and sample to enable time resolved STM experiments in the GHz range.

Further, the ultimate energy resolution for spectroscopy has been improved to < 1meV, ideal for work with superconducting materials. When combined with the MATRIX 4 controller and its new, high performance PLL, performing QPlus AFM experiments in the LT STM will be easier and more powerful than any other QPlus AFM platform.

This third generation of the LT STM enables our customers to carry out the most advanced low temperature STM, spectroscopy and QPlus AFM experiments. And like its previous iterations, the ease-of-use, stability and proven reliability in the LT STM ensure a high productivity, workhorse microscope.

The LT STM cryostat

The LT STM is typically used for experiments which require the highest level of stability and performance. To support such experiments, we increased the hold time of liquid helium by 30% without any compromise to the proven stability the LT STM always delivered.

By enlarging the volume of the LN₂ vessel, the LN₂ level in the cryostat is always above the level of LHe leading to a reduced helium evaporation rate and an overall hold time of more than 65h. This is of great advantage for all low temperature experiments and will further improve the performance and productivity of your LT STM with reduced operating costs.

Ultimate QPlus performance

Scienta Omicrons leading QPlus technology has been proven in innumerable publications showing highest resolution noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) images. Detecting the short range chemical interaction between the foremost tip and sample atoms, enables atomic resolution imaging and quantitative force measurements.

An essential part of successful Qplus AFM operation is the sensor construction technology. Scienta Omicron has long been the recognized leader in providing the highest quality, most reliable Qplus AFM sensor technology. In the third generation of the LT STM we use the latest generation of QPLus sensors. This advanced fully computer controlled manufacturing technique ensures high yield sensors with sharp resonance frequencies and high quality factors.

With our sophisticated ex-situ preamplifier technique, we are able to fulfil our promise to deliver the highest up-time without sacrificing performance. Combined with our high performance PLL of the MATRIX 4 SPM controller, performing QPlus experiments is both easier and more powerful compared to any other QPlus AFM platform.

Request A Quote

In General

The MULTIPROBE LT UHV systems are dedicated surface science systems for the low temperature UHV STM. Three standard MULTIPROBE LT configurations are available – S, XP and XA.

Each standard system can be used as a base to match the customer’s special requirements. The LT S represents the basic system configuration with the LT STM main chamber and an easy to operate fast entry chamber. Transferring samples and probe tips is made quick and reliable using a UHV wobble stick.

Omicron UHV systems are optimized for high throughput, reliable and secure operations. The wobble stick based transfer in the LT STM microscope enables for fast sample exchange (< 30 s) with the sample either cooled or at room temperature.

MULTIPROBE LT S

The LT S represents the basic system configuration with the LT STM main chamber and a fast entry chamber. Transferring samples and probe tips is made quick and reliable using an UHV wobble stick.

MULTIPROBE LT XP

The LT XP system is an extended version of the LT S offering a separate chamber for various sample preparation and analysis techniques. These could include sample heating, sputter cleaning, evaporation/deposition and analysis techniques such as LEED and RHEED.

MULTIPROBE LT XA

The LT XA system provides an extended sample preparation/analysis chamber for a variety of surface analysis techniques such as XPS, UPS, ISS, LEED, AES or others. The MULTIPROBE LT XA can also be equipped with a cold sample transfer to keep the sample well below 50 K during all UHV operations.

Customized Low-Temperature System Solutions

Omicron´s key strength is the capability to combine a wide range of techniques in one instrument – the multi-technique approach. Following this philosophy, the LT STM has been integrated into customized system solutions with research emphasis ranging from magnetism, electron spectroscopy to MBE and many others.

The modularity of the MULTIPROBE LT STM fits perfectly with the wide range of other modular solutions Omicron offers. Omicron has the unique flexibility, expertise and infrastructure to develop completely new system concepts to meet nearly every customer’s special requirements. Each system is designed to guarantee true UHV operation in the 10^-11 mbar range and ease-of-use with secure operation, while retaining the LT STM’s high level of performance and versatility.