Desktop computer‐based management of images and digital electronics for scanning tunneling microscopy

Experimental prototype scan‐control electronics that implement via hardware many features from an earlier software‐based scanning control system have been engineered. The goals include faster scanning speed to support research involving real‐time monitoring of surface changes during electrochemical reactions. The STM z‐axis motion is controlled with a novel type of digital integrator/error‐correction circuit, facilitating novel STM operational modes. The digital feedback and analog integration methods are compared. To address particular aspects of STM image management, which may differ substantially from traditional scientific image processing, software was designed for scanning and management of images. The software is described.