Alternative method of imaging surface topologies of nonconducting bulk specimens by scanning tunneling microscopy

A new method of imaging surface topologies of nonconductive bulk materials, especially biological specimens, by scanning tunneling microscopy, is presented. The realizability of this technique relies mainly upon surface condensation of water molecules on the specimen and substrate, with the measured current carried by ions rather than tunneling electrons. The theoretical model shows that temperature and humidity control play a crucial role in the image formation. The experimental conditions are also discussed.