Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, Volume. 60, Issue 18, 1811001(2023)

Progress of High Spatiotemporal Resolution Terahertz Scanning Tunneling Microscope for Near-Field Imaging

Hongbo Li1,2,3,4,5, Jingyin Xu4,5, Wenyin Wei4,5, En'en Li1,2,3,4,5, Kai Zhang4,5, Hong Li4,5, Yirong Wu1,2,3,4,5, Tianwu Wang1,2,3,4,5、*, and Guangyou Fang1,2,3,4,5、**
Author Affiliations
  • 1Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China
  • 2Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Radiation and Sensing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
  • 3School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • 4Greater Bay Area Branch of Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China
  • 5Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Quantum Electromagnetics, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China
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    Terahertz (THz) near-field imaging is an important technique that surpasses the diffraction limit of optics to achieve super-resolution THz imaging; therefore, it is crucial to investigate ultrafast dynamics processes on material surfaces. Although scanning tunneling microscope (STM) achieves atomic-level resolution, it imposes various challenges related to time scales. Early time-resolved methods derived from the inherent electrostatic approach of STM were limited by the bandwidth of electrical signal transmission. Furthermore, pump-probe methods based on optical signal coupling were restricted by the microstrip line bandwidth and severe thermal effects. Hence, due to having unique low thermal effect, high tunneling efficiency, and high stability, THz-STM has emerged as an imaging solution with both ultra-high temporal and spatial resolution of 100 fs and 0.1 nm, respectively. Besides, this technology has become a research hotspot in the field of terahertz near-field super-resolution imaging. This study discusses the developmental history from time-resolved STM to THz-STM, focusing on the fundamental principles and current status of THz-STM. It aims to offer guidance on the application and development of THz-STM technology in terahertz near-field super-resolution imaging.

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    Hongbo Li, Jingyin Xu, Wenyin Wei, En'en Li, Kai Zhang, Hong Li, Yirong Wu, Tianwu Wang, Guangyou Fang. Progress of High Spatiotemporal Resolution Terahertz Scanning Tunneling Microscope for Near-Field Imaging[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 2023, 60(18): 1811001

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    Paper Information

    Category: Imaging Systems

    Received: May. 26, 2023

    Accepted: Aug. 1, 2023

    Published Online: Sep. 6, 2023

    The Author Email: Wang Tianwu (wangtw@aircas.ac.cn), Fang Guangyou (gyfang@mail.ie.ac.cn)

    DOI:10.3788/LOP231383

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