APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING TUNNEL CURRENT AND ELECTRO-CHEMICAL REACTION

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for detecting both electro-chemical reaction and tunnel current in an electro-chemical cell. The electro-chemical cell includes a sample (1), at least one electrode (2,3) and a scanning tip (4) in a solution (6). Means (7) are provided for controlling a potential difference applied between the sample and the electrode and for detecting current flowing between the sample and the electrode due to electro-chemical reaction within the cell. Further means (10) are provided for controlling a potential difference applied between the scanning tip and the sample and for detecting a tunnel current thereby generated between the scanning tip and the sample. By controlling the potential difference between the sample and the electrode and between the scanning tip and the sample, the electro-chemical reaction may be analysed and changes in the surface of the sample to be monitored.