Advances in Scanning Probe Microscopy Research

Abstract

In this review, advances in scanning probe microscopy (SPM) from the last two decades are presented. Progress in analyzing C₆₀ molecules is described as an example of molecular imaging quality improvement for each decade. Innovations and progress in SPM imaging techniques are then outlined, especially atomic force microscopy operating in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) or in aqueous environments, and the widely spread low-temperature and/or high-performance UHV scanning tunneling microscopy.