Measuring Entropy: Scanning-Tunneling Microscope Gives Glimpse of the Mysterious Property (IMAGE)

Penn State

Measuring Entropy: Scanning-Tunneling Microscope Gives Glimpse of the Mysterious Property

Caption

These are images of a single molecule of dibutyl sulfide captured by a scanning-tunneling microscope (STM) at temperatures ranging from 5.41 degrees Kelvin (K) to 16.03 K. As the temperature increases, the molecule changes shape more quickly resulting in an image that captures multiple configurations of the molecule. The tip of the STM influences the ability of the molecule to make these changes in shape allowing researchers to measure the entropy of the system.

Credit

J.C. Gehrig, EMPA

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