Development of a New Optical Nanoprobe Scanning Tunneling Microscope for Nanoscale Science and Engineering Research and Education

Northwestern University, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, Richard Van Duyne and colleagues from the Chemistry Department at Northwestern University will develop a new optical nanoprobe scanning tunneling microscope for nanoscale science and engineering research and education. They will design, develop, apply and bring to the marketplace a new class of ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope (UHV-STM) that combines the extraordinary spatial resolution of the STM with the unparalleled sensitivity and broad system applicability of advanced optical spectroscopic techniques. They will integrate high sensitivity, chemical information-rich optical spectroscopic methods with STM in such a way that sub-nanometer spatial resolution is preserved. In particular, they will use the ultra-sensitive methods of electron beam-excited, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy, dark-field photon-excited LSPR spectroscopy, and various surface-enhanced spectroscopies. The development of the optical nanoprobe STM will enhance the education experiences at Northwestern University as it is incorporated into a number of courses. In addition, through the development of network control hardware/software, other educational institutions will have access. The principal investigators will collaborate with an industrial partner to ensure the transition of this instrument to the commercial sector.