Research results - Import export

Tip Enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS, nanoRaman) is the technique for enhancement of weak Raman signals and for superresolution Raman imaging with spatial resolution less than 10 nm. As a result of comprehensive research performed together with NTMDT SI customers and partners, we are now able to offer to AFMRaman customers mass produced reproducible TERS probes. TERS imaging requires prolonged tipsample contact at each scanning point but Contact AFM is destructive for both the tip and the sample. Thereby, HD mode is a superior technique for cantilevertype TERS since it noticably increases the tip lifetime and makes possible TERS imaging of soft, loose and fragile samples. Vacuum measurements in amplitude modulation (AM) mode requires unacceptably low scanning speeds because of extremely high Qfactor of AFM probes. Being a nonresonant mode, HD mode allows at least 10 times faster imaging speed.

Tip Enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS, nanoRaman) is the technique for enhancement of weak Raman signals and for superresolution Raman imaging with spatial resolution less than 10 nm. As a result of comprehensive research performed together with NTMDT SI customers and partners, we are now able to offer to AFMRaman customers mass produced reproducible TERS probes. TERS imaging requires prolonged tipsample contact at each scanning point but Contact AFM is destructive for both the tip and the sample. Thereby, HD mode is a superior technique for cantilevertype TERS since it noticably increases the tip lifetime and makes possible TERS imaging of soft, loose and fragile samples. Thanks to highspeed HybriD 2.0 Control Electronics the approach and withdrawal optical response signal curve (PMT) can be recorded and processed in realtime. This allows to separate the nearfield from farfield component of optical response and to map it with spatial resolution limited by the tip radius.

Atomic Force Microscopy is a widely used and powerful technique for investigating materials at a nanoscale range. However, the technique is not simple to use, which elicits varied results between researchers with different levels of experience. NTMDT Spectrum Instruments (formerly NTMDT) have created the intelligent software, ScanT™, inspired by neural networks to make dynamic amplitude modulation AFM (AMAFM) easy for researchers of every skill level. The AFM amplitude modulation (AM) mode, also known as “tapping” or “semicontact”, is based on dependency of cantilever amplitude oscillation on distance between sample surface and tip. This mode is often favored over other AFM modes because it provides minimal impact on the sample and the tip, which can help to preserve both.