Scanning Tunnelling Microscope

The base plate has 3 recesses that will house small PCBs. These will adapt the flying leads from the STM assembly to multi-way cables to the control module.

OSH Park are now in the process of fabricating the PCBs.

The tufnol base plate has been made (thanks Dave!), based on the drawing referenced in the previous news post. Next to come are the 3 cable adapter PCBs that fit in the 3 recesses.

See wiki for details

Piezotube and coarse positioner assembly can now be completed (thanks Phil!)

36AWG teflon-coated wires, secured with epoxy and joined to the electrodes with Wire Glue:

My friend Phil, who is a machinist, has the job of machining the holder for the piezotube and coarse positioner. Unfortunately the first one broke during the final machining, but I was able to glue it together and use it to check the design. Turns out I need to move a couple of holes anyway, so no big deal. Here's a shot of the holder, piezotube and coarse positioner temporarily assembled with the isolator stack:

Here are the individual disks that make up the isolator stack. They are made from mild steel:

The disks are separated from each other by 5mm sections of viton, cut from an o-ring, and secured with
cyanoacrylate glue:

The assembled stack - note the mounting plate on top:

Check the Design and Construction Wiki for details on the design.