Build a Scanning Tunneling Microscope Proxy with Arduino Mega – Achieve Sub-Angstrom Motion at Home

Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.

Step into the world of nanotechnology by constructing an Arduino Mega-based scanning tunneling microscope (STM) proxy. This kit lets you drive a piezo buzzer as a precision actuator, amplify picoampere-level tunnel currents using a low-noise transimpedance amplifier with an LM329 voltage reference, and display surface profiles on a 2.4-inch TFT. Designed for advanced electronics and instrumentation learners, it brings the core principles of quantum tunneling and nanopositioning to your bench without the need for a vacuum chamber.

What You'll Build

You’ll assemble a complete STM proxy that scans a conductive sample, measures tunneling current between a sharp tip and the surface, and reconstructs a topographical map. The Arduino Mega controls a raster scan via a piezo element, the ADS1115 16-bit ADC digitizes the amplified current, and the ILI9341 TFT renders a live 2D profile. All electronics are built on prototyping boards, soldered by you, giving end-to-end ownership of every signal path.

What You'll Learn

• Design and calibrate a high‑voltage piezo actuator driver using LM358 op‑amp feedback
• Build an ultra‑low‑noise transimpedance amplifier for picoampere tunnel currents, referenced to the LM329 precision source
• Program raster scan generation, data acquisition, and image rendering on Arduino Mega
• Interface a high‑resolution ADC (ADS1115) and TFT display with real‑time streaming

Kit Contents

Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately

Who This Kit Is For

Ideal for B.Tech ECE, EEE, or Instrumentation students who want to master analog front-end design and precision motion control. A perfect capstone project for Smart India Hackathon teams working on scientific instrumentation, and for researchers at IITs, NITs, or BITS Pilani prototyping low-cost scanning probe concepts. It assumes solid prior experience with op-amp circuits, Arduino programming, and soldering.

Built and Backed by Compoden

Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.

Choose your assembly option:

• Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
• Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.