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← ScienceWhich mechanism limits spatial resolution when constructing STM topographic images from electron wave functions?
A)Heisenberg uncertainty principle✓
B)Surface plasmon resonance effects
C)Thermal expansion of the tip
D)Vibrational modes of the adsorbed molecules
💡 Explanation
When constructing STM images, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle governs the relationship between position and momentum uncertainties of the tunneling electrons, causing inherent blurring and limiting attainable resolution. Therefore the uncertainty principle limits resolution, rather than plasmons, thermal expansion or molecular vibrations, which relate to other physical constraints or properties.
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