On the progress of ultrafast time-resolved THz scanning tunneling microscopy

Scanning tunneling microscopy combined with terahertz (THz) electromagnetic pulses and its related technologies have developed remarkably. This technology has atomic-level spatial resolution in an ultrahigh vacuum and low-temperature environment, and it measures the electrical dynamical behavior of a sample's surface with femtosecond temporal resolution. In particular, it has been used to image the diffusion and relaxation dynamics of electrons in real time and real space and even instantaneously control molecular motions. In this Perspective, we focus on recent progress in research and development of ultrafast time-resolved THz scanning tunneling microscopy and its application to materials research.

Automated summary

The combination of scanning tunneling microscopy and terahertz electromagnetic pulses has advanced significantly, providing atomic-level spatial resolution and femtosecond temporal resolution. It can capture real-time dynamics of electron diffusion and relaxation, and even control molecular motions instantaneously. This technology has great potential for materials research and development in ultrafast time-resolved THz scanning tunneling microscopy.