Abstract: A scanning tunneling microscope is disclosed which includes a frame assembly having upper frame members coupled to lower frame members by an external vibration isolation structure, a sample carousel configured to receive at least one sample to be scanned, and a probe carousel configured to receive at least one probe module including a probe tip. The sample and probe carousels are coupled to the upper frame members and sample and probe actuators are provided to rotate the carousels. A positioning mechanism is used to maintain a scanning distance between the probe tip and the sample carousel. A control unit controls the overall operation of the actuators to rotate the carousels and the operation of the positioning mechanism to maintain the scanning distance.