Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) stands at the heart of nanoscale science. This course will cover the fundamental physical principles behind the technique, considerations in the operation of the instrument, aspects of data acquisition and analysis, and applications. Subjects will be presented in context of the science behind them, and reinforced by several laboratory sessions. The course will address the 3 basic questions – Why? How? and What?
Why – SPM is needed vs. other microscopies and surface analysis tools and why it complements and contrasts those other techniques;
How is it done - Principles of SPM Instrumental design and operation: Feedback, vibration isolation, signal and noise considerations, identifying and eliminating artifacts; how to choose the right probe and operating conditions; Data Analysis and image processing - Use and misuse of different filtering in data presentation, handling of varying dynamic range, statistical and spectral analyses
What can we measure: Surface Forces in and out of contact; Capillary effects; electronic energy levels and electron transport; Surface Potentials; optical and electrical spectroscopies; lithography; devices
Who - The course is for 2nd year MSc. or Ph.D. students, with recommendation of the research advisor.
The course will use a combination of frontal and online lectures, laboratories and discussions designed for strengthening the understanding
Lectures
Week 1 – General Introduction, SPM development and application in context of other microscopy and surface analysis tools.
Week 2 – Data and image processing and analysis
Week 3 – Laboratory – Image analysis
Week 4 – SPM Instrumentation fundamentals – control systems (feedback), vibrations and vibration isolation, motion transducers: lab visit.
Week 5 – Surface forces, and how they are embodied in AFM force curves
Week 6 – Lab – force curves
Week 7 – Oscillating modes
Week 8 – Lab – oscillating modes
Week 9 – SPM-based nanolithography, thermal-based modes
Week 10 –Scanning tunneling microscopy and electrical measurements
Week 11 –Scanning probe optical-based studies
Week 12 – 13 – SPM applications in varied fields such as semiconductor industry, materials research, sensors, cosmetics, and medicine.
Week 14 – Summary