College Physics ›› 2026, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (4): 21-.doi: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.250308

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Visualization of nanoscale electric fields: a case study of singlemolecule  manipulation using a teachingfocused STM system

ZHANG Xin1, CHEN Xiaorui2, YAN Chao1, WANG Hengtong1, GAO Jianzhi1   

  1. 1. School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, Shanxi 710119, China;
    2. School of Mechanical and Material Engineering, Xi’an University, Xi’an, Shanxi 710065, China
  • Received:2025-06-07 Revised:2025-09-16 Online:2026-07-06 Published:2026-07-11

Abstract: In modern education, it is an innovative attempt to integrate cuttingedge technology into high school laboratory teaching. Addressing the challenge of visualizing the microscopic mechanisms of electric field effects in physics experimental teaching, this study designs and implements a nanoscale singlemolecule manipulation experiment using a teachingfocused scanning tunneling microscope (STM). By utilizing a selfdeveloped STM system with an electric field control module, we establish a controllable experimental framework for the extraction, transport, and release of C60 molecules. The successful synthesis of (C60)7 clusters notably enhances interdisciplinary innovation capabilities. This approach transforms frontier technology into reproducible teaching experiments, providing a pioneering paradigm for the visualized teaching of microscopic physical phenomena.

Key words: physics experimental teaching, singlemolecule manipulation, visualization of electric field effects, C60 molecule