Building a 3D Printed Atomic-Resolution Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) | DIY STM Explained

In this video, I share the journey of creating the world’s first fully 3D-printed Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) — an instrument capable of visualizing individual atoms! From designing and constructing the piezoelectric scanner to crafting atomic-sharp tungsten tips, this project pushes the boundaries of DIY science at home. Using affordable, 3D-printed parts, I tackled the technical challenges of building an STM in my living room, including how to achieve atomic resolution with just a few cents' worth of components.

Discover how I:

Recreated Dan Berard's open-source STM design and took it to the next level with 3D-printed components.
Built a piezoelectric actuator capable of sub-nanometer accuracy.
Crafted precision tips from tungsten wire for atomic-level scanning.
Designed a vibration isolation system to stabilize the STM and achieve clean scans.
Developed custom electronics, including amplifiers and control circuits for STM operation.
This video is packed with technical insights on atomic-resolution scanning, the challenges of piezoelectric ceramics, tips on 3D printing for high-precision projects, and more. Watch till the end to see actual atomic images of carbon atoms from a piece of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).

If you enjoy DIY science, physics, and groundbreaking 3D printing projects, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more!

[LanceThumping]

Projects like this need to be their own sub-field of science.
Work put into creating methods and designs for science to be done at simpler and cheaper levels is incredibly important and deserves more recognition.

[kimpitus]

Wow man, this is some high quality video and an insane project

[GoughCustom]

"as we learned in kindergarten" 😂

[aam]

Wow. A functional STM from 3d printed parts and low-cost off the shelf components. Great project and thanks for sharing. As the saying goes, “What a time to be alive”!

[Andrei-ptvo]

Having this as a first project on your channel is insane. Love the quality and can't wait to see your next projects.

[lucyhalut]

I’m absolutely blown away by what you’ve done here! Building a 3D-printed Scanning Tunneling Microscope that can literally see atoms from a home setup—this is the kind of thing that feels like science fiction, but you’ve made it real. This is pure genius!

The creativity, the engineering, and the sheer determination it took to pull this off is nothing short of legendary. You didn’t just build something cool—you’ve pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible with DIY science.

It’s inspiring to see how your curiosity and persistence have led to such a groundbreaking achievement. You’ve set a whole new standard for what’s achievable with passion and ingenuity. I’m genuinely excited to see what comes next—this is the future, and you’re leading the way!

[chopperlw]

Nicely done. Kudos! I built one of the first STMs after IBM in the 80's and it took me months until the first images HOPG atoms appeared.

[melchiorhof]

Pretty cool what you did!
About 20 years ago I did interns and later worked on the microscope department of the University of Leiden and later TU-Delft in the Netherlands. I have played around with the portable STM to get familiar with the matter and after that did a big project of overhauling and modifying an experimental Variable-Temperature-STM. They have made lots of scientific research with publications with my microscope. Later on I designed probe holders for some more years for But chose an other path in life. Still your video journey brings me back every step I made back then.

[gackhuhn]

As someone who has worked with stm i can guarantee you that your results are insanely good. The Maschine i worked on was a giant multi ton monster and the results were similar.

[Sokol_]

What a time to be alive ;) great work and can’t wait to see your next moves

[CardamomCake]

“3D printing a STM was harder then expected”

I kinda find that a wild statement to make. I find it insane you succeed at all. Honored to be your 4 subscriber.

Why didn’t you use gold for the tip? gold welds at normal conditions so it’s great for creating nano wires, not that I know if it’s actually good for this use case, but I’ve done quantum conductance experiments with it.

[SugarGlider]

I've been wanting someone to measure atominically with sound for awhile. This is amazing. Great job! 👏

[rafaelguida]

I literally added this to favorites as soon as I saw the thumbnail. We've come to an age in manufacturing and information where brilliant people like you can build what would take universities many months and funding. Congrats !

[oneil]

Finally a new real good science channel. About the tungsten wire, you can sharpen it with a lighter, I think "the thought emporium" did it to replicate gecko tape.

Incredible work, can't wait to see your next projects

[vladislavfateev]

holy shit that's insane, don't stop doing projects like this <3

[klausnielsen]

This is so beautiful and well documented. I love it when i See people build on what others have learned or done. And this video? Sweet quality and a touch of humour 😊 SUBBED 🎉

[leoberges]

I love it ! Wondered for a while if that was possible and you proved it in the best possible way ! Well done, you did such a nice work ! It opens a lot of possibilites :D

[capcloud]

i am always excited to find new channels worth subscribing to!

[ElizabethGreene]

Literally only one video on this channel and it's an absolute banger. 100/10, sir.

[fluffy_tail]

Youtube serving me a new incredible tech and open knowledge channel! Subscribed ! and incredible job!