Imaging & Spectroscopy @ 10 nm Spatial Resolution

Far-infrared / THz imaging &

spectroscopy < l/20000

spatial resolution

The only commercial cryogenic

near-field microscope

operating < 10 K

Real space imaging

of the local electric field

e.g. nano-antennas

Leading Experts in Nanoscale

Imaging & Spectroscopy

Synchrotron nano-

spectroscopy

Chemical

nano-ID

Nano-plasmonic

field mapping

Terahertz nano-

spectroscopy

Cryogenic

nanoscopy

Ultrafast nano-

spectroscopy

Molecular spectroscopy

@ 10 nm spatial resolution

(nano-FTIR)

Femtosecond pump-probe

spectroscopy @ 10nm

spatial resolution

IR-Synchrotron compatible

for ultra-broadband

nano-FTIR spectroscopy

MADE IN

GERMANY

neaSNOM 2019

1/7

1. AFM and near-field Imaging

▪ improved AFM detection and new build-in electronics greatly increase AFM

topography dynamic range and sensitivity.

▪ Improved Synchronization of AFM with Optical Signals.

▪ Custom developed FPGA-PCIe hardware board optimized for high-performance near-

field background suppression.

▪ Improved Near-Field Imaging Quality due to better AFM performance.

▪ Additional 2-times improved signal-to-noise ratio due to complex-data evaluation of multiple side-bands.

▪ No post-processing required anymore for optical phase, due to better physical interpretation.

▪ OPS (Optical phase stabilization) without need to re-lock anymore.

neaSNOM model 2019

System Upgrade Improvements

2/7

2. Improved nano-FTIR Spectroscopy Quality & Speed

▪ DPA (Dynamical position adjustment) enables:

- up to 7.5-times faster with 0.4 ms/pixel

- 5-10x improved signal-to-noise (speed dependent)

- up to 10 spectra/second

▪ Unprecedented data quality of nano-FTIR spectroscopy enables measurement of hyperspectral data sets: measurement of full spectroscopic signature at every pixel of imaged area. Hyperspectral imaging of a polymer monolayer is presented below.

▪ Ultrafast-pump probe measurements based on DFG broadband fs laser.

3. Improved neaSCAN software Usability and Automation

▪ Optimized workflow-based user-guided interface for fast and reliable measurements even for unexperienced users.

▪ External neaSCAN automation via LabView API (Q4/2015).

▪ 3D real-time data visualization by 3D gaming GFX engine.

▪ Full neaSCAN automation & data processing via built-in scripting & programming language.

▪ Automated one-click switch of imaging & spectroscopy;.

3/7

▪ Multi-user and measurement data management via professional SQL database.

The screenshot shows the start page of the database where on the left bar the projects can

be selected. In the center panel samples/measurement locations can be selected and

acquired data chosen from the right menu. All data can be 3D visualized and exported from

data management software sphere.

▪ Multiple Optical Beam-Path Management

- Pre-alignment of multiple beam-paths - Semi-automated beam-path configuration

4/7

▪ Automated Laser Control, Auto-focussing and Monitoring:

- Automated control and monitoring for nano-FTIR spectroscopy laser; - IR laser power measurement and control; - Laser focus auto-alignment; - Automated one-click switch of imaging & spectroscopy;

The new nano-FTIR measurement mode even allows controlling the complete functionality of

the nano-FTIR laser system via the neaSCAN user software. The modular housing supports a

power meter to check and control the available laser power for the nano-FTIR measurements.

Another important automated function in the neaSCAN

user software that enhance the usability of the microscopes

is the ‘Auto-Focussing’ capability of the software. As

highlighted in the left picture the software supports during

the workflow-guided alignment process an automated

adjustment of the laser focus to the AFM tip in order to

optimize the near-field signal. The software even supports

2D and 3D auto alignment. Particularly for unexperienced

users this function provides a huge step and support for

system operation.

The automated laser frequency-tuning & -sweep control for Imaging and Photo Thermal

Expansion (PTE) Spectroscopy enable automated sequential imaging routine. It means that

several measurements can be programmed by at pre-defined laser frequencies, locations and

having different scan size parameters.

5/7

▪ AFM auto-alignment:

- Auto-tuning of AFM cantilever from 0-1Mz; - Intelligent optimization of the AFM detection.

Further, the current neaSCAN user software supports intelligent analysis

of the AFM cantilever response with simulation of the cantilever

resonance properties. As a result, the resonance tapping frequency and

amplitude can be determined very accurately which is essential for real-

time optimization of the measurement process (signal analysis) and the

quantitative comparison of near-field measurements. Results of such an

online analysis of AFM cantilever properties (frequency, amplitude) are

highlighted in the picture below.

Detection of the AFM signal is automatically optimized, as shown in the

right side screenshot.

▪ Update Services:

- Windows 10 based with modern look and feel; - Automatic and frequent online software updates adding new features based on user feedback.

The current neaSCAN software supports frequent updates for new features. As can be seen in the

screenshots above the software is based on Windows 10.

4. New Generation Electronics

▪ Custom developed FPGA-PCIe hardware board for increase data acquisition and

analysis speed.

• 2 x ADC Inputs Extendable with up to 4x24 bit ADC inputs: All inputs with FPGA-based higher harmonic demodulation for e.g. Photocurrent-Measurements, Photoluminescence, etc.

▪ ADC inputs available without higher harmonic demodulation for e.g. Confocal Raman

Correlative Microscopy.

▪ Availability of Additional Imaging & Spectroscopy Modes:

- Infrared Point Spectroscopy (IRPS);

6/7

- Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM);

- Photocurrent Imaging (PCI);

- AFM Contact Mode;

- 2-times faster AFM Intermittent Contact Mode;

- More measurements mode are implemented frequently based on customer

feedback.

5. Modular housing with Imaging Modules and Illumination Units

▪ Increased AFM and optical stability.

▪ Imaging and Spectroscopy Modules are more compact and robust.

▪ easy replacement of modules by magnetic three-point mounting principle.

▪ Rack for system controller and additional electronics provided.

7/7