A technique for subsurface visualization and characterization of hidden subsurface nano-structures primarily based on Scanning Tuneling Microscopy/Spectroscopy (STM/STS) has been developed. The nano-objects buried beneath a steel floor as much as a number of tens of nanometers could be visualized by the steel floor and characterised with STM with out destroying the pattern. This non-destructive methodology exploits quantum properly (QW) states fashioned by partial electron confinement between the floor and buried nano-objects. The specificity of STM permits for nano-objects to be singled out and simply accessed. Their burial depth could be decided by analysing the oscillatory behaviour of the electron density on the floor of the pattern, whereas the spatial distribution of electron density may give further details about their measurement and form. The proof of idea was demonstrated with totally different supplies resembling Cu, Fe, W during which the nanoclusters of Ar, H, Fe and Co have been buried. For every materials, the maximal depth of subsurface visualisation is decided by the fabric parameters and ranges from a number of nanometers to a number of tens of nanometers. To show the final word depth of subsurface STM-vision because the principal restrict of our strategy, the system of Ar nanoclusters embedded right into a single-crystalline Cu(110) matrix has been chosen because it represents the most effective mixture of the imply free path, clean interface and internal electron focusing. With this technique we experimentally demonstrated that Ar nanoclusters of a number of nanometers giant buried as deep as 80 nm can nonetheless be detected, characterised and imaged. The ultime depth of this capability is estimated as 110 nm. This strategy utilizing QW states paves the way in which for an enhanced 3D characterization of nanostructures hidden properly under a metallic floor.
