Jump to Content
View Cart
Top 20 Most Read Articles
January 2012
The 20 articles with the most full-text downloads during the month, in descending order.
 |
Fabrication of sharp tungsten-coated tip for atomic force microscopy by ion-beam sputter deposition Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 113707 (2011); doi:10.1063/1.3663069 (5 pages) Online Publication Date: 23 November 2011
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
Tungsten (W) is significantly suitable as a tip material for atomic force microscopy (AFM) because its high mechanical stiffness enables the stable detection of tip-sample interaction forces. We have developed W sputter-coating equipment to compensate the drawbacks of conventional Si cantilever tips used in AFM measurements. By employing an ion gun commonly used for sputter cleaning of a cantilever tip, the equipment is capable of depositing conductive W films in the preparation chamber of a general ultrahigh vacuum (UHV)-AFM system without the need for an additional chamber or transfer system. This enables W coating of a cantilever tip immediately after sputter cleaning of the tip apex and just before the use in AFM observations. The W film consists of grain structures, which prevent tip dulling and provide sharpness (<3 nm in radius of curvature at the apex) comparable to that of the original Si tip apex. We demonstrate that in non-contact (NC)-AFM measurement, a W-coated Si tip can clearly resolve the atomic structures of a Ge(001) surface without any artifacts, indicating that, as a force sensor, the fabricated W-coated Si tip is superior to a bare Si tip. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 121101 (2011); doi:10.1063/1.3663970 (22 pages) Online Publication Date: 23 December 2011
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
The study of thermophysical properties is of great importance in several scientific fields. Among them, the heat capacity, for example, is related to the microscopic structure of condensed matter and plays an important role in monitoring the changes in the energy content of a system. Calorimetric techniques are thus of fundamental importance for characterizing physical systems, particularly in the vicinity of phase transitions where energy fluctuations can play an important role. In this work, the ability of the Photopyroelctric calorimetry to study the versus temperature behaviour of the specific heat and of the other thermal parameters in the vicinity of phase transitions is outlined. The working principle, the theoretical basis, the experimental configurations, and the advantages of this technique, with respect to the more conventional ones, have been described and discussed in detail. The integrations in the calorimetric setup giving the possibility to perform, simultaneously with the calorimetric studies, complementary kind of characterizations of optical, structural, and electrical properties are also described. A review of the results obtained with this technique, in all its possible configurations, for the high temperature resolution studies of the thermal parameters over several kinds of phase transitions occurring in different systems is presented and discussed. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Invited Review Article: Single-photon sources and detectors Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 071101 (2011); doi:10.1063/1.3610677 (25 pages) Online Publication Date: 27 July 2011
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
We review the current status of single-photon-source and single-photon-detector technologies operating at wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the infrared. We discuss applications of these technologies to quantum communication, a field currently driving much of the development of single-photon sources and detectors.
|
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 75, 2787 (2004); doi:10.1063/1.1785844 (23 pages) Online Publication Date: 2 September 2004
Full Text:
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
Since their invention just over 20 years ago, optical traps have emerged as a powerful tool with broad-reaching applications in biology and physics. Capabilities have evolved from simple manipulation to the application of calibrated forces on—and the measurement of nanometer-level displacements of—optically trapped objects. We review progress in the development of optical trapping apparatus, including instrument design considerations, position detection schemes and calibration techniques, with an emphasis on recent advances. We conclude with a brief summary of innovative optical trapping configurations and applications. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
A combined scanning tunneling microscope–atomic layer deposition tool Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 123704 (2011); doi:10.1063/1.3669774 (8 pages) Online Publication Date: 14 December 2011
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
|||
|
Show Abstract
We have built a combined scanning tunneling microscope–atomic layer deposition (STM-ALD) tool that performs in situ imaging of deposition. It operates from room temperature up to 200 °C, and at pressures from 1 × 10−6 Torr to 1 × 10−2 Torr. The STM-ALD system has a complete passive vibration isolation system that counteracts both seismic and acoustic excitations. The instrument can be used as an observation tool to monitor the initial growth phases of ALD in situ, as well as a nanofabrication tool by applying an electric field with the tip to laterally pattern deposition. In this paper, we describe the design of the tool and demonstrate its capability for atomic resolution STM imaging, atomic layer deposition, and the combination of the two techniques for in situ characterization of deposition.
|
||||
|
Show PACS
|
||||
|
|
WSXM: A software for scanning probe microscopy and a tool for nanotechnology Rev. Sci. Instrum. 78, 013705 (2007); doi:10.1063/1.2432410 (8 pages) Online Publication Date: 31 January 2007
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
|||
|
Show Abstract
In this work we briefly describe the most relevant features of WSXM, a freeware scanning probe microscopy software based on MS-Windows. The article is structured in three different sections: The introduction is a perspective on the importance of software on scanning probe microscopy. The second section is devoted to describe the general structure of the application; in this section the capabilities of WSXM to read third party files are stressed. Finally, a detailed discussion of some relevant procedures of the software is carried out.
|
||||
|
Show PACS
|
||||
|
|
Measurement of phase retardation of waveplate online based on laser feedback Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 013101 (2012); doi:10.1063/1.3673641 (3 pages) Online Publication Date: 3 January 2012
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
Polarization flipping accompanying with intensity transfer between two eigenstates of one laser mode happens when waveplate is placed in external cavity. The position of polarization flipping of two eigenstates is a function of phase retardation of waveplate. Phase retardation of waveplate is measured through analyzing the position of polarization flipping of two eigenstates. The measurement accuracy of phase retardation is 0.22°. A new structure of optical cement tray which can eliminate stress birefringence from optical cement process is invented. The accuracy of waveplate manufacture can be improved greatly based on the work of this article. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Femtosecond pulse shaping using spatial light modulators Rev. Sci. Instrum. 71, 1929 (2000); doi:10.1063/1.1150614 (32 pages)
Full Text:
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
We review the field of femtosecond pulse shaping, in which Fourier synthesis methods are used to generate nearly arbitrarily shaped ultrafast optical wave forms according to user specification. An emphasis is placed on programmable pulse shaping methods based on the use of spatial light modulators. After outlining the fundamental principles of pulse shaping, we then present a detailed discussion of pulse shaping using several different types of spatial light modulators. Finally, new research directions in pulse shaping, and applications of pulse shaping to optical communications, biomedical optical imaging, high power laser amplifiers, quantum control, and laser-electron beam interactions are reviewed. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Thermal conductivity measurement from 30 to 750 K: the 3ω method Rev. Sci. Instrum. 61, 802 (1990); doi:10.1063/1.1141498 (7 pages)
Full Text:
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
An ac technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of dielectric solids between 30 and 750 K is described. This technique, the 3ω method, can be applied to bulk amorphous solids and crystals as well as amorphous films tens of microns thick. Errors from black‐body radiation are calculated to be less than 2% even at 1000 K. Data for a‐SiO2, Pyrex 7740, and Pyroceram 9606 are compared to results obtained by conventional techniques. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Methods of single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74, 3597 (2003); doi:10.1063/1.1589587 (23 pages) Online Publication Date: 23 July 2003
Full Text:
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
Optical spectroscopy at the ultimate limit of a single molecule has grown over the past dozen years into a powerful technique for exploring the individual nanoscale behavior of molecules in complex local environments. Observing a single molecule removes the usual ensemble average, allowing the exploration of hidden heterogeneity in complex condensed phases as well as direct observation of dynamical state changes arising from photophysics and photochemistry, without synchronization. This article reviews the experimental techniques of single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy with emphasis on studies at room temperature where the same single molecule is studied for an extended period. Key to successful single-molecule detection is the need to optimize signal-to-noise ratio, and the physical parameters affecting both signal and noise are described in detail. Four successful microscopic methods including the wide-field techniques of epifluorescence and total internal reflection, as well as confocal and near-field optical scanning microscopies are described. In order to extract the maximum amount of information from an experiment, a wide array of properties of the emission can be recorded, such as polarization, spectrum, degree of energy transfer, and spatial position. Whatever variable is measured, the time dependence of the parameter can yield information about excited state lifetimes, photochemistry, local environmental fluctuations, enzymatic activity, quantum optics, and many other dynamical effects. Due to the breadth of applications now appearing, single-molecule spectroscopy and microscopy may be viewed as useful new tools for the study of dynamics in complex systems, especially where ensemble averaging or lack of synchronization may obscure the details of the process under study. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 113703 (2011); doi:10.1063/1.3658049 (6 pages) Online Publication Date: 8 November 2011
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
In this paper, we introduce a novel scanning probe microscopy mode, called the circular mode, which offers expanded capabilities for surface investigations especially for measuring physical properties that require high scanning velocities and/or continuous displacement with no rest periods. To achieve these specific conditions, we have implemented a circular horizontal displacement of the probe relative to the sample plane. Thus the relative probe displacement follows a circular path rather than the conventional back and forth linear one. The circular mode offers advantages such as high and constant scanning velocities, the possibility to be combined with other classical operating modes, and a simpler calibration method of the actuators generating the relative displacement. As application examples of this mode, we report its ability to (1) investigate the influence of scanning velocity on adhesion forces, (2) measure easily and instantly the friction coefficient, and (3) generate wear tracks very rapidly for tribological investigations. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Probing local surface conductance using current sensing atomic force microscopy Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 013701 (2012); doi:10.1063/1.3673476 (5 pages) Online Publication Date: 3 January 2012
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
We have analyzed correlations between surface morphology and current sensing images obtained using a current sensing atomic force microscope (CSAFM) and the implication of surface conductivity derived from the current sensing images. We found that in cases where the diameter of a CSAFM probe tip is much smaller than the correlation length of the surface morphological features, the current detected using the probe should have little correlation with the surface features imaged by the same probe. If the sample thickness is much larger than the tip size, the surface conductivity distribution of a sample can be derived from a current sensing image using the Holm resistance relation, and the current probed using a CSAFM reflects the conductance variations in a layer on the surface with the thickness comparable to the probe diameter. However, if the thickness of a sample is comparable to or smaller than the tip diameter, CSAFM measures the conductance across the entire portion of the sample sandwiched between the tip and the electrode. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Invited Review Article: Interferometric gravity wave detectors Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 101101 (2011); doi:10.1063/1.3652857 (44 pages) Online Publication Date: 25 October 2011
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
A direct detection of gravitational waves is still lacking today. A network of several earthbound interferometric detectors is currently operating with a continuously improving sensitivity. The window of interest for observation has a lower cut off in the frequency domain below some tens of hertz, determined by the effect of seismic motion. For larger frequencies, the sensitivity is limited by thermal effects below few hundreds of hertz and by the quantum nature of light above that value. Each of these sources of noise pose a big technological challenge to experimentalists, and there are big expectations for the next generation of detectors. A reduction of thermal effects by at least one order of magnitude will be obtained with new and carefully designed materials. At that point the quantum nature of light will become an issue, and the use of quantum non-demolition techniques will become mandatory. In this review, we discuss interferometric detection of gravitational waves from an instrumental point of view. We try to address conceptually important issues with an audience of non-experts in mind. A particular emphasis is given to the description of the current limitations and to the perspectives of beating them.
|
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 76, 061101 (2005); doi:10.1063/1.1927327 (12 pages) Online Publication Date: 26 May 2005
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are drawing interest from both technical and scientific communities. These are electromechanical systems, much like microelectromechanical systems, mostly operated in their resonant modes with dimensions in the deep submicron. In this size regime, they come with extremely high fundamental resonance frequencies, diminished active masses,and tolerable force constants; the quality (Q) factors of resonance are in the range Q ∼ 103–105—significantly higher than those of electrical resonant circuits. These attributes collectively make NEMS suitable for a multitude of technological applications such as ultrafast sensors, actuators, and signal processing components. Experimentally, NEMS are expected to open up investigations of phonon mediated mechanical processes and of the quantum behavior of mesoscopic mechanical systems. However, there still exist fundamental and technological challenges to NEMS optimization. In this review we shall provide a balanced introduction to NEMS by discussing the prospects and challenges in this rapidly developing field and outline an exciting emerging application, nanoelectromechanical mass detection.
|
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometer with Improved Resolution Rev. Sci. Instrum. 26, 1150 (1955); doi:10.1063/1.1715212 (8 pages) Online Publication Date: 29 December 2004
Full Text:
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
A new type of ion gun is described which greatly improves the resolution of a nonmagnetic time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. The focusing action of this gun is discussed and analyzed mathematically. The validity of the analysis and the practicability of the gun are demonstrated by the spectra obtained. The spectrometer is capable of measuring the relative abundance of adjacent masses well beyond 100 amu. |
|||
|
|
Calibration of rectangular atomic force microscope cantilevers Rev. Sci. Instrum. 70, 3967 (1999); doi:10.1063/1.1150021 (3 pages)
Full Text:
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
A method to determine the spring constant of a rectangular atomic force microscope cantilever is proposed that relies solely on the measurement of the resonant frequency and quality factor of the cantilever in fluid (typically air), and knowledge of its plan view dimensions. This method gives very good accuracy and improves upon the previous formulation by Sader et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 66, 3789 (1995)] which, unlike the present method, requires knowledge of both the cantilever density and thickness. © 1999 American Institute of Physics. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Invited Review Article: An odor-sensing system—powerful technique for foodstuff studies Rev. Sci. Instrum. 82, 111101 (2011); doi:10.1063/1.3660805 (32 pages) Online Publication Date: 30 November 2011
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
This work examines gas sensor array technology combined with multivariate data processing methods and demonstrates a promising potential for rapid, non-destructive analysis of food. Main attention is focused on detailed description of sensor used in e-nose instruments, construction, and principle of operation of these systems. Moreover, this paper briefly reviews the progress in the field of artificial olfaction and future trends in electronic nose technology, namely, e-nose based on mass spectrometry. Further discussion concerns a comparison of artificial nose with gas chromatography-olfactometry and the application of e-nose instruments in different areas of food industry. |
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Fast magneto-optical spectrometry by spectrometer Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 013103 (2012); doi:10.1063/1.3673638 (5 pages) Online Publication Date: 9 January 2012
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
|||||||||||||
|
Show Abstract
Time efficient measurement of the spectroscopic magneto-optical (MO) activity of materials has always been desirable. In conventional MO systems, the monochromator produces quasi-monochromatic light in a narrow wavelength window. Therefore, to measure the spectroscopic MO activity, a large number of measurements over the full spectra is required to obtain satisfactory wavelength resolution and thus is very time consuming. Here, we develop a novel system that is capable of fast measurement of the MO activity by only one white light source, two polarizers, one achromatic quarter-wave plate, and one spectrometer. This system is flexible from UV to IR region, only depending on the power spectra of light source and sensitivity of the detector at the corresponding wavelengths. As examples, we measured the intriguing optic and MO activity in glass, ferromagnetic thin film, and bulk GaAs in the visible to near infrared region. The results of glass demonstrated a minimum resolvable Faraday rotation angle of 0.004° by the currently equipped system. |
||||||||||||||
|
Show PACS
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
High-precision laser-assisted absolute determination of x-ray diffraction angles Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 013102 (2012); doi:10.1063/1.3662412 (8 pages) Online Publication Date: 4 January 2012
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
A novel technique for absolute wavelength determination in high-precision crystal x-ray spectroscopy recently introduced has been upgraded reaching unprecedented accuracies. The method combines visible laser beams with the Bond method, where Bragg angles (θ and −θ) are determined without any x-ray reference lines. Using flat crystals this technique makes absolute x-ray wavelength measurements feasible even at low x-ray fluxes. The upgraded spectrometer has been used in combination with first experiments on the 1s2p 1P1 → 1s2 1S0 w- line in He-like argon. By resolving a minute curvature of the x-ray lines the accuracy reaches there the best ever reported value of 1.5 ppm. The result is sensitive to predicted second-order QED contributions at the level of two-electron screening and two-photon radiative diagrams and will allow for the first time to benchmark predicted binding energies for He-like ions at this level of precision.
|
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
|
|
Photoacoustic imaging in biomedicine Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77, 041101 (2006); doi:10.1063/1.2195024 (22 pages) Online Publication Date: 17 April 2006
Full Text:
Read Online (HTML)
|
Download PDF
|
||
|
Show Abstract
Photoacoustic imaging (also called optoacoustic or thermoacoustic imaging) has the potential to image animal or human organs, such as the breast and the brain, with simultaneous high contrast and high spatial resolution. This article provides an overview of the rapidly expanding field of photoacoustic imaging for biomedical applications. Imaging techniques, including depth profiling in layered media, scanning tomography with focused ultrasonic transducers, image forming with an acoustic lens, and computed tomography with unfocused transducers, are introduced. Special emphasis is placed on computed tomography, including reconstruction algorithms, spatial resolution, and related recent experiments. Promising biomedical applications are discussed throughout the text, including (1) tomographic imaging of the skin and other superficial organs by laser-induced photoacoustic microscopy, which offers the critical advantages, over current high-resolution optical imaging modalities, of deeper imaging depth and higher absorption contrasts, (2) breast cancer detection by near-infrared light or radio-frequency–wave-induced photoacoustic imaging, which has important potential for early detection, and (3) small animal imaging by laser-induced photoacoustic imaging, which measures unique optical absorption contrasts related to important biochemical information and provides better resolution in deep tissues than optical imaging.
|
|||
|
Show PACS
|
|||
This Publication
Scitation
SPIN
Google Scholar
PubMed