Mapping charge transfers between quantum levels using noncontact atomic force microscopy

  • Borowik
  • , K. Kusiaku
  • , D. Deresmes
  • , D. Théron
  • , H. Diesinger
  • , T. Mélin
  • , T. Nguyen-Tran
  • , P. Roca I Cabarrocas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We demonstrate the possibility to map nanoscale charge transfers between quantum electronic levels at room temperature, using noncontact atomic force microscopy and Kelvin force microscopy in a regime of weak electromechanical coupling. A two-level system is studied, consisting of degenerately doped silicon nanocrystals on silicon substrates, with size in the 2-50 nm range, in which the energy spacing is tuned by the nanocrystal quantum confinement over a ≈1eV range. The nanocrystal ionization is found to follow an energy compensation mechanism driven by quantum confinement, in quantitative agreement with parametrized tight-binding calculations of its band structure.

Original languageEnglish
Article number073302
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume82
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Aug 2010

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mapping charge transfers between quantum levels using noncontact atomic force microscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this