Room-temperature sub-100 nm Néel-type skyrmions in non-stoichiometric van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3-xGaTe2 with ultrafast laser writabilityWed May 29 2024
The small size and magnetoelectronic properties of #magneticskyrmions make them promising candidates as data carriers for future high-density and fast-speed data storage, quantum and neuromorphic computation. *
Because of their unique atomic layered structure, two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) #ferromagnets have some advantages when using them for practical applications in spintronic devices compared to 3D bulk ferromagnets. *
Therefore, the study of magnetic #skyrmions with small sizes, especially at room temperature (RT), in 2D vdW #ferromagneticmaterials with easy tunability has become a focal point of magnetic and topological order of matters, as well as spintronic applications. *
In the article “Room-temperature sub-100 nm Néel-type skyrmions in non-stoichiometric van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3-xGaTe2 with ultrafast laser writability” Zefang Li, Huai Zhang, Guanqi Li, Jiangteng Guo, Qingping Wang, Ying Deng, Yue Hu, Xuange Hu, Can Liu, Minghui Qin, Xi Shen, Richeng Yu, Xingsen Gao, Zhimin Liao, Junming Liu, Zhipeng Hou, Yimei Zhu and Xuewen describe how they discovered that the iron deficiency in Fe3GaTe2 can lead to a pronounced displacement of the Fe atoms within the crystal structure.*
Based on systematic structural analysis and first-principles calculations, Zefang Li et al. find that this #atomicdisplacement causes a transformation from the original centrosymmetric crystal structure to a non-centrosymmetric structure, resulting in significant Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions (DMI). *
They report the discovery of a field-free sub-100 nm #Néeltypeskyrmion state in non-stoichiometric Fe2.84±0.05GaTe2 over a broad temperature range from 330 K to 100 K. *
Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM) (along with along with #magneticforcemicroscopy ( #MFM ) shows the size of the skyrmions decreases with sample thickness, and a field-free sub-100 nm skyrmion state was achieved at RT within a specific sample thickness range of 40 nm to 60 nm. *
Magnetic force microscopy (MFM), which is sensitive to the out-of-plane magnetic field in the sample, was used by Zefang Li et al. to study the effect of #nanoflake thickness on the stabilization of the #skyrmionphase at room temperature after field-cooling manipulation. *
All the nanoflakes used for the magnetic force microscopy (MFM) measurements were freshly exfoliated from the same batch to ensure consistency. *
In order to minimize the influence of the #AFMtip’s magnetic field on the #domainstructures during scanning the authors used NANOSENSORS PPP-LM-MFMR low-moment magnetic #AFMprobes.
These #MFMprobes are designed for magnetic force microscopy with reduced disturbance of the magnetic sample by the AFM tip and enhanced lateral resolution – compared to the standard MFM probes .*
The MFM measurements were carried out in an environment continuously flushed with argon gas to ensure effective protection.*
To further enhance the practical applications of their findings, Zefang Li et al. employed a homemade in-situ optical Lorentz transmission electron microscope to demonstrate ultrafast writing of skyrmions in Fe3-xGaTe2 using a single femtosecond laser pulse.*
The article by Zefang Li et al. demonstrates not only the non-stoichiometric Fe2.84±0.05GaTe2 to be a promising material platform for exploring magnetic skyrmions, but also that fs-laser can be a powerful tool to manipulate and control topological chiral spin textures to realize skyrmion-based high-speed logic and memory applications.*
Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.
Flexible Polyurethane Foams Modified with Novel Coconut Monoglycerides-Based Polyester PolyolsFri May 24 2024
Flexible Polyurethane Foams Modified with Novel Coconut Monoglycerides-Based Polyester Polyols
The products of the polyurethane (PU) industry such as foams, coatings and adhesives are numerous and can be found in many areas of everyday life. * Polyols are an essential component in the production of polyurethane. Nowadays they mostly come from petroleum products. * In view of potential risk factors such as the running out of fossil fuels, supply chain issues, environmental concerns and economic risks it is important to develop alternatives as substitutes and supplements to the existing petroleum derived polyols. * Vegetable oils can be used to manufacture biobased polyols and various oils such as linseed oil, rapeseed […]
#AFMCantilevers, #AFMCharacterization, #AFMProbes, #AfmTips, #AFMプローブ, #AFM探针, #AtomicForceMicroscopy, #BiobasedPolyols, #CoconutOil, #FlexiblePolyurethaneFoamFPUF, #Foams, #Lipids, #MaterialsResearch, #MaterialsScience, #NCHR, #NonContactAFM, #NonContactMode, #OrganicPolymers, #Pointprobe, #PointprobeNCHR, #Polymers, #PolyolMaterials, #Polyols, #Polyurethane, #ScanningProbeMicroscopy, #SPMTips, #SPMプローブ, #SPM探针, #SustainablePolyolRawMaterial, #TappingMode, #VegetableOilBasedMaterials, #原子力显微镜, #原子力显微镜探针
Understanding Cardiac Dysfunction in Arrhythmogenic CardiomyopathyThu May 23 2024
Publication update:
nanotools biotool cell XXL featured in research article
Discover how nanotools 15 µm long, conical biotool cell XXL with 25 nm radius was applied for nanomechanical studies of live human cardiac cells.
- Title: SARS-CoV-2 protein Nsp1 alters actomyosin cytoskeleton and phenocopies arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy-related PKP2 mutant
DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.14.296178 - Authors: Cristina Márquez-López, Marta Roche-Molina, Nieves García-Quintáns, Silvia Sacristán, David Siniscalco, Andrés González-Guerra, Emilio Camafeita, Mariya Lytvyn, María I. Guillen, David Sanz-Rosa, Daniel Martín-Pérez, Cristina Sánchez-Ramos, Ricardo García, Juan A. Bernal
- Publication: bioRxiv
- Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Date: September 16, 2020
An AFM-based approach for quantification of guest particle deformation during mechano-fusionTue May 21 2024
Research supported by our ContAl-G AFM probes presents an AFM-based approach for quantification of guest particle deformation during mechano-fusion for dry particle coatings
Lipoplex-Functionalized Thin-Film Surface Coating Based on Extracellular Matrix Components as Local Gene Delivery System to Control Osteogenic Stem Cell DifferentiationThu May 16 2024
The development of smart multifunctional #biomaterials with the ability to control the behavior of #stemcells on demand has become a powerful strategy in regenerative medicine and cell therapies.*
Stem cell-based therapies for example can offer possibilities to regenerate critical size bone defects from severe fractures or bone tissue loss after surgery. *
Various studies have determined characteristics and modifications of biomaterials that enable initiation of stem cell osteogenesis and represent promising approaches for clinical use. These approaches include materials that can mimic the bone microenvironment, materials with specific mechanical properties which stimulate bone tissue formation, and materials which can release or control the activity of osteoinductive growth factors. *
A straightforward strategy for the #functionalization of biomaterials involves emulating the properties of the #extracellularmatrix (ECM) for the formation of an artificial microenvironment that enables a precise control of cell behavior and function. *
Due to interaction of ECM components with cell surface receptors such as integrins, ECM regulates cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation.*
Therefore, the development of #surfacecoatings mimicking the native ECM structure and function is of considerable interest to functionalize implant materials. *
The #layerbylayer (LbL) technology, well-known from the pioneering work by Decher et al. on the development of #polyelectrolytemultilayers (PEMs) on solid surfaces by alternating deposition of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, has evolved into a very simple and cost effective yet highly versatile and efficient surface modification and functionalization technology.*
The LbL technique allows the production of multifunctional thin film coatings with precise control of the film composition, structure, properties, and functions at the nanoscale. *
A further advantage of LbL is that it can be performed by different methods such as dip-coating, spray coating, and spin-coating protocols allowing the coating of different materials and designs also in a time-saving manner.*
Indeed, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) have been broadly used as reservoir for either the surface immobilization or encapsulation of bioactive molecules, more precisely drugs and proteins, to engineer bio-functional materials by choice of polyelectrolytes and complexation conditions for regenerative medicine strategies.*
Previous studies have consistently demonstrated that electrostatic-driven LbL assembly is a powerful and simple technique to functionalize biomaterials with nucleic acids aiming for non-viral gene delivery. *
In the article “Lipoplex-Functionalized Thin-Film Surface Coating Based on Extracellular Matrix Components as Local Gene Delivery System to Control Osteogenic Stem Cell Differentiation” Catharina Husteden, Yazmin A. Brito Barrera, Sophia Tegtmeyer, João Borges, Julia Giselbrecht, Matthias Menzel, Andreas Langner, João F. Mano, Christian E. H. Schmelzer, Christian Wölk and Thomas Groth describe how they combined both approaches, such as the ECM-mimicking character of PEM and their ability to be used as carrier for in situ transfection, to develop a gene-activated ECM-mimicking surface coating to direct stem cells’ fate.*
They focused on a bone ECM-mimicking PEMs consisting of Col and Cs loaded with LPX composed of OO4/DOPE lipid composite. *
Furthermore, they studied the ability of the system to induce osteogenic stem cell differentiation by gene expression analysis and mineralization assays. *
The authors present a new approach to engineer a bone-ECM inspired gene-activated surface coating which allows controlling stem cells function, and consequently, represents a promising tool to develop multifunctional surface coatings for regenerative medicine strategies. *
#AtomicForceMicroscopy ( #AFM ) was used to study the #topography and the #mechanicalproperties of the different polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs). *
In order to investigate the #elasticity and the #forcecurve, the samples were compressed by the #AFMtip and the #forcemapping mode was applied while the AFM tip scanned a specific area of the sample. *
The #forcemappingmode measured the #interactionforces such as adhesion or electrostatics and gives an idea regarding the stiffness and topography. The interest in testing mechanical properties and topography of surface coatings is related to their effect on #cellbehavior, such as spreading, proliferation, and differentiation. *
Atomic force microscopy with a commercially available AFM instrument in combination with an inverted fluorescence microscope was performed in #quantitativeimaging mode (QITM1) to investigate the #surfaceroughness and topography as well as record corresponding fluorescence images. *
The topographical images were recorded using @NANOSENSORS uniqprobe qp-BioT #AFMcantilevers in a standard liquid cell containing 0.15 m NaCl solution. The uniqprobe qp-BioT AFM probe types with their two different triangular AFM cantilevers (Cantilever Beam 1 (CB1) typical resonant frequency 50 kHz, typical force constant 0.3 N/m, Cantilever Beam 2 (CB2): typical resonant frequency 20 kHz, typical force constant 0.08 N/m ) offer an alternative to silicon nitride #AFMprobes, with the advantage of reduced thermal drift and taller AFM tips with smaller opening angles. *
A force map area of 5 × 5 µm2 was recorded with a resolution of 512 × 512 pixel2.
Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article
¹QITM mode is a trademark of Bruker Nano GmbH
#collagenI #lipoplexes #smartbiomaterials #boneextracellularmatrix #materialsresearch #thinfilms #polymers #DNAlipidnanoparticles #tissueengineering #quantitativeimaging #forcemapping
Happy birthday, Prof. Gerber!Wed May 15 2024
Happy birthday, professor Christoph Gerber! Thank you for your contributions to the invention of the Scanning Tunnelling Microscope, the Atomic Force Microscope and Nanoscale Science as a whole!
Prof. Gerber is the co-recipient of the 2016 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience and the recipient of the 2023 World Cultural Council Albert Einstein Award for Science.
https://cantileversensors.unibas.ch/ChGerber/Welcome.html
Visit NanoWorld booth 46 at EPFL CMi MicroNanoFabrication Annual Review Meeting todayTue May 14 2024
Come and visit our booth at the EPFL CMi 2024 MicroNanoFabrication Annual Review Meeting at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne/Switzerland next Tuesday May 14, 2024 to learn more about our high-quality AFM probes. We’re looking forward to seeing you.
Correlation between plant cell wall stiffening and root extension arrest phenotype in combined abiotic stress of Fe and AlTue May 07 2024
The plasticity and growth of plant #cellwalls (CWs) is still not sufficiently understood on its molecular level. *
#AtomicForceMicroscopy (AFM) has been shown to be a powerful tool to measure the #stiffness of #planttissues. *
In the article “Correlation between plant cell wall stiffening and root extension arrest phenotype in the combined abiotic stress of Fe and Al” Harinderbir Kaur, Jean-Marie Teulon, Christian Godon, Thierry Desnos, Shu-wen W. Chen and Jean-Luc Pellequer describe the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to observe elastic responses of the root transition zone of 4-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type and almt1-mutant seedlings grown under Fe or Al stresses. *
In order to evaluate the relationship between root extension and root cell wall #elasticity, the authors used Atomic Force Microscopy to perform vertical indentations on surfaces of living plant roots. *
@NanoWorld Pyrex-Nitride silicon-nitride PNP-TR #AFMprobes with triangular AFM cantilevers were used for the #nanoindentation experiments with atomic force microscopy. (PNP-TR AFM cantilever beam 2 (CB2) with a typical force constant of 0.08 N/m and a typical resonant frequency of 17 kHz, typical AFM tip radius 10 nm, macroscopic half cone angles 35°). *
#Forcedistancecurves were measured using the AFM and the PNP-TR #AFMtips.*
Because of the heterogeneity of seedling CW surfaces, Harinderbir Kaur et al. used the recently developed #trimechanics3PCS framework for interpreting force-distance curves. The trimechanics-3PCS framework allows the extraction of both stiffness and elasticity along the depth of indentation and permits the investigation of the variation of stiffness with varied depth for biomaterials of heterogeneous elasticity responding to an external force. *
As shown in the article the presence of single metal species Fe2+ or Al3+ at 10 μM exerts no noticeable effect on the root growth compared with the control conditions. On the contrary, a mix of both the metal ions produced a strong root-extension arrest concomitant with significant increase of CW stiffness. *
The authors’ results indicate that the combination of Fe2+and Al3+ with exuded malate is crucial for both CW stiffening and root-extension arrest. *
It is shown that the elasticity of plant CW is sensitive and can be used to assess abiotic stresses on plant growth and stiffening. *
Please have a look at the NanoWorld blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.
Transparent electrodes based on molybdenum-titanium-oxide with increased water stability for use as hole-transport/hole-injection componentsSat May 04 2024
The application of #molybdenumoxide layers in electronic devices like #solarcells and #organiclightemittingdiodes (LEDs) has expanded considerably. *
Dielectric/metal/dielectric ( #DMD ) #transparentelectrodes based on #MoO3 have been applied in solar cells and organic light emitting diodes, by virtue of the favourable properties of MoO3 as hole-transport/hole-injection material.*
However, it was reported that poorly textured or amorphous MoO3 layers are extremely instable when exposed to ambient humidity and liquid water. *
In the article “Transparent electrodes based on molybdenum–titanium–oxide with increased water stability for use as hole-transport/hole-injection components” Selina Goetz, Rachmat Adhi Wibowo, Martin Bauch, Neha Bansal, Giovanni Ligorio, Emil List-Kratochvil, Christian Linke, Enrico Franzke , Jörg Winkler, Markus Valtiner and Theodoros Dimopoulos describe their study aimed to increase the water stability of sputtered, amorphous MoO3 layers without applying high temperatures, but by alloying with another refractory metal oxide to reduce hydrolysis and dissolution, while maintaining the essential electronic properties (i.e. wide band gap and high work function) of MoO3.*
In order to achieve this aim, the authors introduced titanium oxide to form a mixed molybdenum–titanium–oxide compound material. *
In contrast to the previous reports, the article by S. Goetz et al. introduces for the first time compact, amorphous #thinfilms, deposited by #sputtering from a mixed molybdenum–titanium–oxide (MTO) compound target. The sub-oxidic composition of the sputter target allows fast deposition in direct current (DC) magnetron mode, achieving high sputtering rates that are relevant for #industrialapplications. *
Selina Goetz et al. demonstrate that the addition of Ti strongly increases the stability in water, while the desirable electronic properties of MoO3, specifically the high work function and wide bandgap, are maintained. *
The DMD electrodes, with Ag as metal layer, were fabricated on both rigid and flexible substrates, namely glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). *
The obtained electrodes have low sheet resistance around 5 Ω/sq and high average visible transmittance well above 0.7 (including the substrate). As a result of the MTO stability, processing with water-based solutions takes place without electrode degradation. *
To demonstrate the process compatibility for large-scale, industrial production, the DMDs were sputter-deposited by a roll-to-roll process on a 300 mm-wide PET foil, achieving similar electrode properties with the laboratory-scale samples. *
The #surfacecharacterization by #atomicforcemicroscopy was performed with a commercially available #atomicforcemicroscope using NANOSENSORS SuperSharpSilicon™ SSS-NCHR silicon high-resolution #AFMprobes for tapping mode with a typical #AFMtip radius of 2 nm.
Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.
Bi2Se3 interlayer treatments affecting the Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) platinum spin Seebeck effectThu May 02 2024
Bi2Se3 interlayer treatments affecting the Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) platinum spin Seebeck effect
Spin Seebeck effects (SSE) arise from spin current (magnon) generation from within ferri-, ferro-, or anti-ferromagnetic materials driven by an applied temperature gradient. *
Longitudinal spin Seebeck effect (LSSE) investigations, where the spin current and temperature gradient evolve along a common z axis, while the magnetic field is applied in the y axis and the voltage contacts are spaced along the x axis, have become the most popular spin Seebeck device architecture. *
In article “Bi2Se3 interlayer treatments affecting the Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) platinum spin Seebeck effect”, Yaoyang Hu, Michael P. Weir, H. Jessica Pereira, Oliver J. Amin, Jem Pitcairn, Matthew J. Cliffe, Andrew W. Rushforth, Gunta Kunakova, Kiryl Niherysh, Vladimir Korolkov, James Kertfoot, Oleg Makarovsky and Simon Woodward present a method to enhance the longitudinal spin Seebeck effect at platinum/yttrium iron garnet (Pt/YIG) interfaces. *
The introduction of a partial interlayer of bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3, 2.5% surface coverage) interfaces significantly increases (by ∼380%–690%) the spin Seebeck coefficient over equivalent Pt/YIG control devices. *
Optimal devices are prepared by transferring Bi2Se3 nanoribbons, prepared under anaerobic conditions, onto the YIG (111) chips followed by rapid over-coating with Pt. The deposited Pt/Bi2Se3 nanoribbon/YIG assembly is characterized by scanning electron microscope. The expected elemental compositions of Bi2Se3 and YIG are confirmed by energy dispersive x-ray analysis. *
A spin Seebeck coefficient of 0.34–0.62 μV/K for Pt/Bi2Se3/YIG is attained for the authors’ devices, compared to just 0.09 μV/K for Pt/YIG controls at a 12 K thermal gradient and a magnetic field swept from −50 to +50 mT. *
Superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer studies indicate that the magnetic moment of Pt/Bi2Se3/YIG treated chips is increased by ∼4% vs control Pt/YIG chips (i.e., a significant increase vs the ±0.06% chip mass reproducibility). *
Increased surface magnetization is also detected in magnetic force microscope studies of Pt/Bi2Se3/YIG, suggesting that the enhancement of spin injection is associated with the presence of Bi2Se3 nanoribbons. *
To understand the surface magnetization effects in sample BSYIG1-a further, magnetic force microscope (MFM) measurements were undertaken using a commercial atomic force microscope and magnetic NanoWorld Pointprobe® MFMR AFM probes. *
MFM differs from traditional atomic force microscopy in that the AFM probe, in addition to providing a surface height profile, is also able to detect the magnetic field gradient above the sample. *
MFM surface profiling of BSYIG1-a revealed that a typical ribbon is comprised of multilayers of Bi2Se3, providing thicker sections ca. 250 nm thick [e.g., the profile along vector 1 in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) cited below] and additional thinner sections ca. 100 nm thick [e.g., the profile along vector 2 in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b)]. Re-running ribbon profiles 1 and 2 with the magnetic probe at a height of 100 nm above the topological surface provided data on the magnetic field gradient variation along the same line profiles. The MFM amplitude [Figs. 3(c) and 3(d) cited below] increases over the Bi2Se3 flake, and furthermore, the magnetic enhancement correlates with the thickness of the Bi2Se3, being larger for the thicker part of the sample. *
This amplitude enhancement suggests that the observed effect is magnetic rather than due to long-range electrostatics, supporting the inference that the surface magnetization is improved by the presence of Bi2Se3 flakes at the interlayer of a Pt/YIG device. However, it was not possible to extract quantitative information about surface magnetization from this study, but Yaoyang Hu et al. are hopeful that future experimental and theoretical work can provide further explanation. *
Please have a look at the @NanoWorld blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.
Torsional force microscopy using MikroMasch® HQ:NSC18/Pt AFM ProbesFri Apr 26 2024
Torsional force microscopy using MikroMasch HQ:NSC18/Pt and other AFM probes reveals van der Waals moirés and crystal lattices in atomically thin materials.
Accurate and rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing using a machine learning assisted nanomotion technology platformWed Apr 24 2024
#Antimicrobialresistance ( #AMR) has become a significant threat to public health worldwide. *
#Nanomotion technology is based on #atomicforcemicroscopy ( #AFM) and has been proposed as potential means of circumventing these limitations by measuring bacterial viability and response to antibiotics in a growth-independent manner. *
Here, a functionalized #AFMcantilever oscillates in response to #bacterialvibrations. Conditions that alter bacterial vibrations, such as drug exposure, modulate AFM cantilever oscillations, and these changes can be detected, measured, and outputted using an optical read-out system. *
Nanomotion technology can distinguish the differing responses of resistant and susceptible bacteria to antibiotic treatment and has already been employed to detect antibiotic susceptibility for several different microorganisms. *
In the article “Accurate and rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing using a machine learning-assisted nanomotion technology platform” Alexander Sturm, et al. describe a rapid growth-independent phenotypic #antibioticsusceptibilitytests ( #AST) that uses a nanomotion technology platform to measure bacterial vibrations. *
Nanomotion-based AST strategies utilize technologies that are well-established in atomic-force microscopy (AFM). The nanomotion detection system described in the article is based on an AFM setup for cantilever-based optical deflection detection. *
However, in contrast to standard AFM devices, in this device the light source and the photodetector are placed below the AFM cantilever to facilitate the experimental workflow. A light beam, focused at the AFM cantilever end, originates in a superluminescent diode (SLED) module (wavelength: 650 mm, optical power: 2 mW), is reflected, and reaches a four-sectional position-sensitive photodetector that is a part of a custom-made precision preamplifier. *
The flexural deflection of the AFM cantilever is transformed into an electrical signal, which is further processed by a custom-made dedicated electronic module and recorded using a data acquisition card. The device is controlled using a dedicated AST software. *
The custom-made tipless AFM probes used for the described experiments are quartz-like tipless cantilevers with a gold coating acting as a mirror for the light beam (NANOSENSORS™ uniqprobe SD-qp-CONT-TL, typical spring constant: 0.1 N/m, AFM cantilever length × width × thickness: 130 × 40 × 0.75 µm, typical resonant frequency in air: 32 kHz from the NANOSENSORS Special Developments List). *
During an AST experiment, bacterial #nanoscale movements actuate the AFM cantilever to deflect in specific frequencies and amplitudes. *
The study shows the potential of this nanomotion platform for future bacterial phenotype delineation. *
Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.
https://www.nanosensors.com/blog/accurate-and-rapid-antibiotic-susceptibility-testing-using-a-machine-learning-assisted-nanomotion-technology-platform/
https://www.nanosensors.com/blog/accurate-and-rapid-antibiotic-susceptibility-testing-using-a-machine-learning-assisted-nanomotion-technology-platform/
Our ElectriTap300-G AFM probes have been used for piezoresponse force microscopy characterization of the MESO nanodeviceMon Apr 22 2024
“In conclusion, we have shown voltage-based writing and reading of magnetic states in a CoFe nanostructured element coupled with multiferroic BiFeO3, representing the proof-of-principle for the MESO logic concept… [T]hese results provide a key step forward toward voltage-control of magnetization in nanoscale magnets, essential for future low-power spin-based logic and memory devices.”
Our ElectriTap300-G AFM probes have been used for piezoresponse force microscopy characterization of the MESO nanodevice.
In Focus: Resist Recess Depth Monitoring of Narrow TrenchesMon Apr 22 2024
Publication in focus:
Franz Heider et al: AFM Surface Roughness and Depth Measurement of Trenches with High Aspect Ratio DOI: 10.1109/ASMC.2019.8791811
Discover how nanotools EBD4-200A probes are enabling metrology solutions for real-life semiconductor manufacturing. These heavy-duty carbon tips are effectively used for in-line process control for structures that cannot be measured with optical methos like scatterometry.
- Experimental setup:
Samples: Resist recess trenches on product wafers. Trenches were filled with resist and then etched back.
Tool: Park NX-Wafer operated in fully automated recipe mode, Park Systems
AFM probe: EBD4-200A, nanotools - Extracted feature parameters:
Resist recess trench depth - Key findings:
Single AFM tool (200 nm narrow, 1035 nm deep trenches)
0.6 nm < σ < 1.4 nm: 10-times dynamic repeatability of 5 dies
Accuracy: dimensional verification by cross sections in SEM
Measurement time: few seconds/site + 60 seconds for sample positioning
2 AFM tools: Fab to fab matching (480 nm deep trenches)
< 5 nm offset: 3 runs of 9-point recipe running the same wafer in 2 different fabs
High-Performance and Lithography-Free Au/WS2/Ag Vertical Schottky Junction Solar CellsThu Apr 18 2024
Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors (SCs) exhibit intriguing optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. *
Due to their extraordinarily large optical absorption coefficients, #transitionmetaldichalcogenides (TMDs) are gaining more and more attention for #photovoltaicapplications. Improving the device performance of a #TMDsolarcell requires an optimal device architecture and reliable fabrication processes. *
Improving the device performance of a TMD solar cell requires an optimal device architecture and reliable fabrication processes. *
In the article “High-Performance and Lithography-Free Au/WS2/Ag Vertical Schottky Junction Solar Cells” Anh Thi Nguyen, Jun Wang, Eunseo Cho, Seoyoung Lim, Soyeong Kwon, Jungeun Song, Keya Zhou and Dong-Wook Kim describe how they fabricated Au/WS2/Ag vertical Schottky diodes and investigated their photovoltaic characteristics. *
Metal/WS2-multilayer/metal heterojunctions were fabricated using lithography-free processes. 20 nm thick #WS2 flakes were exfoliated on template-stripped Ag bottom electrodes, and then 10 nm thick Au top electrodes with a diameter of 2 µm were evaporated on the WS2 surface using holey carbon films as shadow masks. *
#CurrentsensingAtomicForceMicroscope measurements revealed that the Au/WS2/Ag devices exhibit prominent rectifying characteristics, indicating the formation of #Schottkydiodes. *
The #surfacemorphology and the local current of the samples were simultaneously measured using a current-sensing atomic force microscopy ( #cAFM) system in a #glovebox. For transport measurements with nanoscopic spatial resolution, a wear-resistant highly doped NANOSENSORS™ PointProbe® Plus conductive diamond-coated #AFMtip with a typical spring constant of 0.5 N m and a typical resonance frequency of 20 kHz (CDT-CONTR AFM probe type) was employed. *
The power conversion efficiency of the #Schottkyjunction was as high as 5.0%, when illuminated by a light-emitting diode with a peak wavelength of 625 nm and a power density of 2.5 mW cm−2. These devices also possess broadband and incident-angle-insensitive absorption capability due to the very large refractive indices and extremely small thickness of the WS2 flakes. The simple fabrication procedures proposed in the article by Anh Thi Nguyen et al. demonstrate high-performance and high-yield TMD photovoltaic devices.*
Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.
Electrochemical detection of quinone reduced by Complex I Complex II and Complex III in full mitochondrial membranesMon Apr 15 2024
Electrochemical detection of quinone reduced by Complex I Complex II and Complex III in full mitochondrial membranes
In the last decades enormous advances have been made in characterizing the atomic and molecular structure of respiratory chain supercomplexes. * However, it still remains a challenge to stitch this refined spatial atomistic description with functional information provided by biochemical studies of isolated protein material. Development of functional assays that detect respiratory chain complexes in their native membrane environment contribute to address the open questions related to the role played by their association and interactions. * In the article “Electrochemical detection of quinone reduced by Complex I Complex II and Complex III in full mitochondrial membranes” Daniel G. Cava, Julia […]
#AFMCharacterization, #AFMProbes, #AFMTopographyImaging, #AFMカンチレバー, #AFMプローブ, #AFM探针, #AtomicForceMicroscopy, #Biochemistry, #BiologyAFMProbes, #CellularBiochemistry, #ElectrochemicalDetection, #Electrochemistry, #Mitochondria, #MitochondrialMembrane, #MitochondrialMembranes, #PNPDB, #PyrexNitrideAFMProbes, #Quinone, #RespiratoryChainProteins, #SiliconNitrideAFMProbes, #TetheredFloatingBilayers, #原子力显微镜, #原子力显微镜探针, #扫描探针显微镜探针
Graphene removal by water-assisted focused electron-beam-induced etching – unveiling the dose and the dwell time impact on the etch profile and topographical changes in SiO2 substratesWed Mar 27 2024
#Graphene is one of the most extensively studied #2Dmaterials, exhibiting extraordinary mechanical and electronic properties. *
Although many years have passed since its discovery, manipulating single graphene layers is still challenging using standard resist-based lithography techniques. *
Recently, it has been shown that it is possible to etch graphene directly in water-assisted processes using the so-called #FocusedElectronBeamInducedEtching ( #FEBIE), with a spatial resolution of ten nanometers. *
#Nanopatterning graphene with such a method in one single step and without using a physical mask or resist is a very appealing approach. *
In the article “Graphene removal by water-assisted focused electron-beam-induced etching – unveiling the dose and dwell time impact on the etch profile and topographical changes in SiO2 substrates “ Aleksandra Szkudlarek, Jan M. Michalik, Inés Serrano-Esparza, Zdeněk Nováček, Veronika Novotná, Piotr Ozga, Czesław Kapusta and José María De Teresa describe how, during the process, on top of #graphenenanopatterning, they found significant morphological changes induced in the SiO2 substrate even at low electron dose values (<8 nC/μm2). *
They demonstrate that #grapheneetching and topographical changes in SiO2 substrates can be controlled via electron beam parameters such as dwell time and dose. *
The feasibility of water-assisted FEBIE, available on scanning electron microscopes operating in low-vacuum mode, makes the method very promising for prototyping various optical/electronic devices based on graphene. *
In their article, Aleksandra Szkudlarek et al. show that with certain precautions water-assisted FEBIE can be applied for such a nanopatterning process. *
The experimental data obtained with scanning Raman spectroscopy, correlative probe and electron microscopy, and in situ AFM measurements provide a comprehensive image of FEBIE etch profiles. *
Precise surface analysis of etched structures can be performed by #atomicforcemicroscopy. The authors used an #AFM setup capable of integrating into a scanning electron microscope (SEM). They used the #CorrelativeProbeandElectronMicroscopy ( #CPEM) technology for simultaneous acquisition of #AFM and #SEM signals, enabling an efficient and complex surface analysis.
The #AFMinSEM approach allowed for in situ analysis.
Thus, the graphene could be modified and immediately measured by AFM without changing the environment. *
The analysis was performed by using the tapping mode and the NANOSENSORS™ Akiyama probe (a tuning fork based self-sensing and self-actuating #AFMprobe, A-Probe)
Please have a look at the NANOSENSORS blog for the full citation and a direct link to the full article.
Variations of Collagen Properties Following Accumulation of Advanced Glycation End-productsMon Mar 25 2024
Discover how nanotools conical SSS-FMR with 2-3nm radius are applied for indentation measurements on collagen scaffolds.
- Title: Modulation of the biophysical and biochemical properties of collagen by glycation for tissue engineering applications
- DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.11.033
- Authors: Mina Vaez, Meisam Asgari, Liisa Hirvonen, Gorkem Bakir, Emilie Khattignavong, Maya Ezzo, Sebastian Aguayo, Christina M. Schuh, Kathleen Gough, Laurent Bozec
- Publication: Acta Biomaterialia
- Publisher: Elsevier
- Date: 1 January 2023
NanoAndMore Japan is exhibiting at the 71st Spring Academic Conference of the Japan Society of Applied PhysicsFri Mar 22 2024
NanoAndMore Japan https://www.nanoandmore.jp/ is exhibiting at the 71st Spring Academic Conference of the Japan Society of Applied Physics
Please feel free to drop by our booth No. E145 to learn more about the many different #AFMprobe types we offer from many different manufacturers and feel free to discuss your #atomicforcemicroscopy applications with us.
22～25 March, 2024
Setagaya Campus, Tokyo City University https://meeting.jsap.or.jp/english
@JSAPmeeting @JSAP_official @JSAP_EXPO
NanoAndMoreジャパンは日本応用物理学会 春季学術講演会に出展しています。Thu Mar 21 2024
@NanoAndMoreジャパン https://www.nanoandmore.jp/ は日本応用物理学会 春季学術講演会に出展しています。お気軽にお立ち寄りください。Booth No.E145
応用物理学会 EXPO Spring 2024
Highlights
AFM Probe Focus
best of the best
qp-HBC
uniqprobe™ - HeartBeat Cantilever for ScanAsyst®** and Peak Force Tapping™**
Coating:
Reflective Aluminum
Tip Shape: Circular symmetric
Tip Shape: Circular symmetric
AFM Cantilever:
F
60 kHz
C
0.5 N/m
L
115 µm
ATEC-NC
Tapping Mode AFM Probe with REAL Tip Visibility
Coating:
none
Tip Shape: Visible
Tip Shape: Visible
AFM Cantilever:
F
335 kHz
C
45 N/m
L
160 µm
TESPA
Standard Tapping Mode AFM Probe
Coating:
Reflective Aluminum
Tip Shape: Standard
Tip Shape: Standard
AFM Cantilever:
F
320 kHz
C
42 N/m
L
125 µm
OTESPA
Standard Tapping Mode AFM Probe with AFM Tip at the Very End of the AFM Cantilever
Coating:
Reflective Aluminum
Tip Shape: Optimized Positioning
Tip Shape: Optimized Positioning
AFM Cantilever:
F
300 kHz
C
26 N/m
L
160 µm
