The Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) is widely used in both industrial and fundamental research to obtain atomic-scale images of conductors and semiconductors metal surfaces. It provides a three-dimensional profile (and other local attributes) of the surface, which is very useful for characterizing surface roughness, observing surface defects, and determining the size and conformation of molecules and aggregates on the surface. In addition to probing surfaces and molecules, STMs are also used to modify surfaces and manipulate individual atoms. The STM functions by detecting small currents flowing between the microscope tip and the observed sample (the current flows due to quantum mechanical tunneling). Such a microscope is vital for physics and chemistry laboratories in schools and in Universities. Children of all ages would absorb science, in particular nano-technology, in the ultimate method – visually.

      Currently, however, major drawbacks prevent this scenario from happening. First of all, only some of the educational institutes can afford the high cost of STM. Secondly, it is too big and difficult to use and move around. Moreover, the current interface of the STM is not user-friendly enough, and is even intimidating for some. This may estrange children from nanotechnology, instead of connecting them to it, as is one purpose of bringing STMs to schools.

      We developed a mobile, compact and easy-to-use educational STM device with dimensions of 10 x 15 x 20 cm. It is a completely independent unit and does not require any additional hardware, except for a PC. The computer interface does not require expansion or sampling cards, but instead is based on the standard USB or EPP ports. In this way, the system may be based on the lately popular mobile computers as well.

      The most advanced technology was used in order realize the electronics in the system – FPGA and CPLD programmable logic, tiny micro-controller, the latest high voltage amplifiers, etc. This enables miniaturizing and lowering the price of the system to a level suitable for laboratories with small and intermediate budgets.

      The lowest price of the entire system will enable educational institutions other than academic research laboratories (laboratories for undergraduates in colleges, universities and even high schools) to purchase the system and found an educational program about nano-science.