Special CPM Seminar

A Multiprobe AFM With Controlled Ultra-Close Contact Capabilities & Spectroscopy for Single Molecule Physics and Biology

David Lewis

Nanonics

Multiprobe AFMs have been attempted in numerous configurations over the years. The most prevalent are based on tunneling with an on-line scanning electron microscope for positioning of the probes. However, such complex configurations in vacuum have a long way to go to achieve the potential of multiprobe applicability in the interdisciplinary scientific world we live in. Today's problems require the ability to combine on a single molecule level the functionality possible with multiple probes but without any compromise for on-line chemical and spectral characterization. Moreover, all the power of scanned probe microscopy has to be realized within this context. Thus, intimate contact capabilities and controlled separation has to complex the above with all of the power of scanned probe microscopy, CAFM, KPM, SECM, MFM etc. This emphasizes that both probe and instrument geometry are part and parcel of the same development. Moreover, the most sophisticated materials and devices such as those based on 2D/metamaterials critically need optics and especially near-field information without compromise. These developments are leading to new horizons in electro-optical, thermal, chemical and other transport phenomena. A multiprobe nano-workstation which synergistically and transparently integrates such multidimensional information will be described through problems that have been addressed. This first steps are beginning to show the full potential of this new direction in scanned probe microscopy as a key to elucidate nanomaterials.