The process begins with a needle-shaped specimen, which is cooled to cryogenic temperatures and placed in a high vacuum. A high voltage is applied to the tip, creating a strong electric field. Gas atoms are introduced into the chamber, where they become ionized near the tip. These ions are then accelerated toward a detector, forming a magnified image of the tip's surface. This technique provides atomic-level resolution, making it invaluable for materials science and nanotechnology.
