The principle of nanoIR spectroscopy is based on a sharp metal-coated tip upon which the excitation laser beam falls.
The electromagnetic field at the tip apex is confined and enhanced due to a combination of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and lightning rod effects. For this reason, the probe is the main and key element, as it directly influences spatial resolution, reproducibility and enhancement of the signal generated at the sample surface.
Next-Tip probes provide up to 5x higher IR signal than standard Pt/Ir-coated AFM probes usually employed in nano-FTIR and s-SNOM.
The plot shows a non-normalized near-field amplitude spectra acquired on silicon with both types of probes using the same bandwidth limited laser source.
Spectra acquired with Next-Tip probes present much lower background contribution than those obtained with the standard Pt/Ir-coated tips, leading to a higher signal-to-noise ratio and clearer spectra.
The chart displays 3rd order demodulated nano-FTIR absorption spectra of PMMA recorded in 13.6 seconds with both types of probes.
The special morphology of Next-Tip probes allows for a higher spatial resolution in s-SNOM images and higher contrast among materials.
This is evinced in the s-SNOM images and profiles shown, where a PMMA layer on silicon is measured with a Next-Tip probe. The s-SNOM images are recorded at 1733 cm-1 where the PMMA has the carbonyl absorption band. Thus, both materials show different reflectivity and absorption at this wavenumber.
The abrupt PMMA edge is measured using a Next-Tip probe and a standard Pt/Ir-coated AFM tip. The former yields a steeper absorption profile along the line marked in the absorption image, and a high SNR, specially on the silicon.
If you belong to a research center or university, please, ask for your introductory offer.
Cantilever main technical data
Tips Performance
Other technical data
Cantilever main technical data
Tips Performance
Other technical data
If you belong to a research center or university, please, ask for your introductory offer.
Cantilever main technical data
Tips Performance
Other technical data
Cantilever main technical data
Tips Performance
Other technical data
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