Theory of inelastic scanning tunneling spectroscopy

A theory of inelastic scanning tunneling spectroscopy at T=0 K and results of its application to C2H2/Cu and CO/Cu are presented. Results of differential conductance show interesting interference effects, which determines the possible observation of each mode. Also considered is the relation between inelastic fraction of conductance and relaxation rate of adsorbate vibrations due to electron–hole pair excitations.