Pauli’s Principle in Probe Microscopy

Abstract

It appears to be one of the few places in physics where there is a rule which can be stated very simply, but for which no one has found a simple and easy explanation. The explanation is deep down in relativistic quantum mechanics. This probably means that we do not have a complete understanding of the fundamental principle involved.RP Feynman, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol III, Chapter 4 (1964) AbstractExceptionally clear images of intramolecular structure can be attained in dynamic force microscopy through the combination of a passivated tip apex and operation in what has become known as the "Pauli exclusion regime" of the tip-sample interaction. We discuss, from an experimentalist's perspective, a number of aspects of the exclusion principle which underpin this ability to achieve submolecular resolution. Our particular focus is on the origins, history, and interpretation of Pauli's principle in the context of interatomic and intermolecular interactions.

Formation routes and structural details of the CaF1 layer on Si(111) from high-resolution noncontact atomic force microscopy data

“…6(b) and 6(c)] reveal a void regime within the row structure: while the (1 × 1) structure is clearly imaged aside the rows, no strong interaction is measured within the row structure. It is known that the contrast formation for NC-AFM highly depends on the sample system and tip characteristics [81]; however, based on the recent understanding of high-resolution studies using functionalized tips, Pauli repulsion will eventually be measured in the presence of atoms [82,83]. Therefore, our data do not support a model of additional CaF 2 rows adsorbed on top of the CaF 1 interface layer, but rather suggest a lower-lying surface.…”