Atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy investigations of molybdenum ditellurides Available to Purchase

The van der Waals surfaces of the layered material $α-MoTe2$ and the high temperature phase $β-MoTe2$ were investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy/scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STM/STS). On both samples atomically resolved images of the surface structures were obtained. The combined STS/STM measurements of $β-MoTe2$ provide unambiguous evidence that the contribution from the subsurface layer dominates the tunneling current. Furthermore, from the combined AFM and STM data we arrive at a model for a new structure modification of this surface. This modification represents an interesting kinetically controlled intermediate state of the transition from β- to $α-MoTe2.$