MDSPM

Equipment and Methodology for Multi-Dimensional Scanning Probe Microscopy

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The ability to perform scanning tunnelling spectroscopy simultaneously with a measurement of the vertical and lateral tip-sample interaction force and energy dissipation on selected atomic or molecular sites is the next revolution in scanning probe microscopy and will revolutionise entire areas of surface science. The aim is to develop, manufacture and commercialise a new UHV low temperature multi-dimensional scanning probe microscope (MDSPM). The two dimensional force and energy dissipation measurement is performed via micro-fabricated cantilevers with relatively high spring constants (200-2000N/m) which are simultaneously driven on their flexural and torsional oscillation modes with sub-Angstroem amplitudes. The deflection sensing is achieved by a focussing Fabry-Perot sensor with an up to 100 MHz bandwidth and an unprecedented sensitivity down to 1 fm/sqrt (Hz). The high bandwith allows the detection of higher oscillation modes and harmonics. While high resonance frequencies are favourable to measure local energy dissipation processes arising from stochastic force fluctuations the detection of higher harmonics may be used to directly reconstruct the force field from a site-specific measurement performed at a selected surfaces site at one fixed tip-sample distance. The operation of the cantilever with ultrasmall amplitudes not only allows the direct measurement of the local force gradient but is ideal for scanning tunnelling spectroscopy with excellent signal-to-noise ratio necessitated by ultra-stable tip-sample positioning. These advances in scanning probe microscopy instrumentation will not only allow to imaging of metallic, semiconducting and insulating surfaces with unprecedented resolution, but will revolutionize our understanding of entire areas of surface science such as: chemical reaction dynamics, local energy dissipation and excitations, nanoscale contacts and a rational approach catalyst design, to name a few.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU-funded scientists have produced a groundbreaking multi-functional scanning probe microscope capable of measuring atomic-level conformational changes, energy states and forces simultaneously.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Characterising the surfaces of materials where they interact with each other leads to detailed knowledge of chemical, electrical and mechanical properties. This in turn enables the knowledge-based design of innovative materials, devices and components.

scanning probe microscopy (SPM) can now generate images of atomic resolution and even record molecular conformational changes. By varying the bias voltage between the probe tip and the sample, in a technique known as scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) information can be obtained about detailed electronic states and energy spectra.

scientists initiated the EU-funded project 'Equipment and methodology for multi-dimensional scanning probe microscopy' (MDSPM) to add yet another dimension to the powerful STS technique. MDSPM focused on the development of a new ultra-high vacuum (UHV), low-temperature multidimensional scanning probe microscope (MDSPM) with two-dimensional (2D) force and energy dissipation measurement.

specifically, sophisticated instrumentation extends STS to enable the measurement of force and energy dissipation associated with any kind of random force fluctuation, such as vibrating molecules or atoms, with unprecedented sensitivity. The technical complexity of the project brought numerous challenges and, despite lack of commercial readiness, resulted in the design and manufacture of two highly modular MDSPM instruments at partner laboratories which meet all functional requirements outlined in the objectives.

the potential of the instrumentation to deliver groundbreaking scientific results currently not possible with conventional scanning force microscopy (SFM) has already spawned new research projects relying on the technology. Intel has also initiated an industrial contract with the team that will utilise MDSPM instrumentation.

MDSPM has delivered an extremely powerful multidimensional scanning probe microscope that promises to revolutionise the investigation of materials and their properties. Obtaining detailed knowledge of atomic and molecular configurations, energy and electron states, and force fields simultaneously and with high precision using a single instrument may well be the next revolution in SPM.