Abstract
We propose to use low work function substrates to extend the possibilities of STM in the visualization of weakly-conducting overlayers. One such substrate, the (100) surface of LaB 6, has the work function ϕ=2.5 eV, is easily obtainable by cleaving LaB 6 crystals and has sufficiently large atomically perfect areas. This surface is stable enough to allow STM investigations for reasonable times even in air. In addition, the polar character of chemical bonds on LaB 6(100) favors adhesion and the orientational ordering in molecular overlayers deposited on it. We suggest that the utilization of such substrates may be particularly attractive in STM studies of large organic molecules.
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