USE OF SCANNING-TUNNELING-MICROSCOPY IN METALLOGRAPHY

Scanning tunneling microscopy was used for the first time to study the bainitic microstructure of an austempered Fe-1.0C-4.0Cr-2.0Si alloy when certain experimental procedures were taken to minimize surface absorption and oxidation. Specimen preparation methods and observation procedures required for the study of easily oxidized materials by scanning tunneling microscopy, and the interpretation of the scanning tunneling image, including microstructural contrast, phase morphologies, etc., are discussed. The results demonstrate that scanning tunneling microscopy, which is used mainly in studying special materials, such as pure gold, single crystal silicon, etc., is another powerful metallographic tool.