Monte Carlo calculations of the spatial resolution in a scanning auger electron microscope

The Monte Carlo methods used in calculations of spatial effects in scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microprobe analysis are applied to scanning Auger electron microscopy (SAM). It is concluded that the spatial resolution limits in SAM are determined almost entirely by the profile of the incident electron beam. Backscattered electrons yield a very low, slowly varying, background 0.2–0.5 microm in extent which should be eliminated with simple discrimination techniques in existing SAM designs. In addition, the backscattering factor degrades the spatial resolution of a step in the composition but only by a factor of the order of 2.     

Localization microscopy (SPDM) facilitates high precision control of lithographically produced nanostructures

Nanoscale resolution in material sciences is usually restricted to scanning electron beam microscopes. Here we present a procedure that allows single molecule resolution of the sample surface with visible light. Highlighting the performance we used electron beam lithography to generate highly regular nanostructures consisting of interconnected cubes. The samples were labeled with Alexa 647 dyes. The spatial organization of the dyes on nanostructured surfaces was localized with single molecule resolution using localization microscopy. This succeeded also in an absolute spatial calibration of the localization method applied (spectral precision distance microscopy/SPDM). The findings will contribute to the field of product control for industrial applications and long-term fluorescence imaging.     

拉曼微区分析技术在古颜料研究中的应用

拉曼微区分析技术可进行空间分辨的原位无损检测,为其他现代分析技术所不及,文章介绍了这一分析技术在古代文稿、油画、水彩画、壁画、陶等颜料分析中的应用。     

Cell refractive index tomography by digital holographic microscopy

For what we believe to be the first time, digital holographic microscopy is applied to perform optical diffraction tomography of a pollen grain. Transmission phase images with nanometric axial accuracy are numerically reconstructed from holograms acquired for different orientations of the rotating sample; then the three-dimensional refractive index spatial distribution is computed by inverse radon transform. A precision of 0.01 for the refractive index estimation and a spatial resolution in the micrometer range are demonstrated.     

NMR microscopy of polyurethane foams

NMR microimaging has been applied to the characterization of foam materials, in order to understand their properties and gain deeper insight into their structures. The structure of "open cell" foams can be visualized with sufficient resolution to obtain the size and shape of cells, as well as their spatial distribution within specimens. Statistics of cell sizes have been calculated from NMR microscopy and are in good agreement with results obtained from electron microscopy. We demonstrate that the local density of foams, which are parameters largely inaccessible by other analytical methods, readily can be determined by NMR microscopy.     

Exploring nanomagnetism with soft X-ray microscopy

Magnetic soft X-ray microscopy images magnetism in nanoscale systems with a spatial resolution down to 15 nm provided by state-of-the-art Fresnel zone plate optics. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (X-MCD) is used as the element-specific magnetic contrast mechanism similar to photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM), however, with volume sensitivity and the ability to record the images in varying applied magnetic fields which allows study of magnetization reversal processes at fundamental length scales. Utilizing a stroboscopic pump-probe scheme one can investigate fast spin dynamics with a time resolution down to 70 ps which gives access to precessional and relaxation phenomena as well as spin torque driven domain wall dynamics in nanoscale systems. Current developments in zone plate optics aim for a spatial resolution towards 10 nm and at next generation X-ray sources a time resolution in the fs regime can be envisioned.     

Electron microscopy methods for space-, energy-, and time-resolved plasmonics

Nanoscale plasmonic systems combine the advantages of optical frequencies with those of small spatial scales, circumventing the limitations of conventional photonic systems by exploiting the strong field confinement of surface plasmons. As a result of this miniaturization to the nanoscale, electron microscopy techniques are the natural investigative methods of choice. Recent years have seen the development of a number of electron microscopy techniques that combine the use of electrons and photons to enable unprecedented views of surface plasmons in terms of combined spatial, energy, and time resolution. This review aims to provide a comparative survey of these different approaches from an experimental viewpoint by outlining their respective experimental domains of suitability and highlighting their complementary strengths and limitations as applied to plasmonics in particular.     

一种实现共焦显微镜空间微分成像的新方法

提出了一种实现共焦显微镜空间微分成像的新方法。为了获得空间微分图像,首先利用时间分辨技术结合互补调制技术,获得两束相位相反的调制光,然后利用这两束相位相反的调制光结合共焦扫描技术,实现共焦显微镜的空间微分成像。实验表明:这种空间微分技术可以准确实现共焦显微镜的空间微分成像,从而获得成像物体的边缘轮廓和实现边缘增强。     

What is measured in the scanning gate microscopy of a quantum point contact?

The conductance change due to a local perturbation in a phase-coherent nanostructure is calculated. The general expressions to first and second order in the perturbation are applied to the scanning gate microscopy of a two-dimensional electron gas containing a quantum point contact. The first-order correction depends on two scattering states with electrons incoming from opposite leads and is suppressed on a conductance plateau; it is significant in the step regions. On the plateaus, the dominant second-order term likewise depends on scattering states incoming from both sides. It is always negative, exhibits fringes, and has a spatial decay consistent with experiments.     

Superresolution vibrational imaging by simultaneous detection of Raman and hyper-Raman scattering

We have developed a superresolution vibrational imaging method by simultaneous detection of Raman and hyper-Raman scattering. Raman and hyper-Raman images obtained with the same laser spot carry independent information on the sample spatial distribution, owing to different signal dependence (linear in Raman and quadratic in hyper-Raman) on the incident light intensity. This information can be quantitatively analyzed to recover the incident light intensity distribution at the focal plane. A superresolution vibrational image is then derived by the constrained deconvolution of the images by the obtained incident light intensity distribution. This method has been applied to a TiO? nanostructure and the obtained superresolution image was compared with a scanning electron microscopy image. The spatial resolution achieved by the present method is evaluated to be 160 nm, which is more than twice better than the diffraction limited resolution.     

Hyper-Raman microspectroscopy: a new approach to completing vibrational spectral and imaging information under a microscope

We have developed hyper-Raman scattering microspectroscopy and applied it to a microcrystal of all-trans-beta-carotene. The hyper-Raman spectrum of all-trans-beta-carotene exhibits a Raman-inactive but infrared-active vibrational mode at 1564 cm(-1). Hyper-Raman imaging of a microcrystal was performed with this band. Infrared-active vibrational imaging was achieved with a spatial resolution much higher than that of conventional infrared microscopy. The combination of Raman and hyper-Raman spectroscopy opens up a new scope for high-spatial-resolution vibrational microspectroscopy that is not restricted by the selection rule.     

Full-field and single-shot quantitative phase microscopy using dynamic speckle illumination

We developed an off-axis quantitative phase microscopy that works for a light source with an extremely short spatial coherence length in order to reduce the diffraction noise and enhance the spatial resolution. A dynamic speckle wave whose coherence length is 440 nm was used as an illumination source. To implement an off-axis interferometry for a source of low spatial coherence, a diffraction grating was inserted in the reference beam path. In doing so, an oblique illumination was generated without rotation of the wavefront, which leads to a full-field and single-shot phase recording with improved phase sensitivity of more than a factor of 10 in comparison with coherent illumination. The spatial resolution, both laterally and axially, and the depth selectivity are significantly enhanced due to the wide angular spectrum of the speckle wave. We applied our method to image the dynamics of small intracellular particles in live biological cells. With enhanced phase sensitivity and speed, the proposed method will serve as a useful tool to study the dynamics of biological specimens.     

Theoretical investigation on Raman induced kerr effect spectroscopy in nonlinear confocal microscopy

The imaging theory of Raman induced Kerr effect spectroscopy (RIKES) in nonlinear confocal microscopy is presented in this paper. Three-dimensional point spread function (3D-PSF) of RIKES nonlinear confocal microscopy in isotropic media is derived with Fourier imaging theory and RIKES theory. The impact of nonlinear property of RIKES on the spatial resolution and imaging properties of confocal microscopy have been analyzed in detail. It is proved that RIKES nonlinear confocal microscopy can simultaneously provide more information than two-photon confocal microscopy concerning molecular vibration mode, vibration orientation and optically induced molecular reorientation, etc. It is shown that RIKES nonlinear confocal microscopy significantly enhances the spatial resolution and imaging quality of confocal microscopy and achieves much higher resolution than that of two-photon confocal microscopy.     

Second-harmonic-generation microscope using eight-segment polarization-mode converter to observe three-dimensional molecular orientation

We developed a compact polarization-mode converter for microscopy to control three-dimensional polarization at the focus. The converter consisted of two homogeneously aligned liquid-crystal spatial light modulators with eight independently controllable electrodes (segments), and a quarter-waveplate. The converter converted a linearly polarized beam to three polarization modes: two orthogonal linear polarizations and a pseudo-radial polarization. We applied the converter to second-harmonic-generation microscopy and demonstrated the detection of three-dimensional molecular orientation.     

超分辨率成像荧光探针材料应用进展

为了进一步认知复杂环境中的细胞生物学过程,研究人员发展了各种各样的生物成像技术。在这些技术中,生物荧光成像因简单的成像条件以及对生物样品的相容性而得到了广泛的发展。然而,传统的荧光成像技术受到了光学衍射极限的限制,无法分辨低于200 nm的空间结构,阻碍了对亚细胞结构的生物学过程研究。超分辨荧光显微镜技术突破了传统光学衍射对成像分辨率的限制,能够获取纳米尺度的细胞动态过程。除了对传统的宽场荧光显微镜框架的改进及升级改造之外,目前典型的超分辨成像显微镜技术通常依赖于荧光探针材料的光物理性质。常用的荧光探针材料包括荧光蛋白、有机荧光分子和纳米荧光材料等。本文介绍了几种主流的超分辨荧光显微成像技术并总结了已经成功应用到超分辨生物荧光成像中的荧光探针材料的应用进展。     

Observation of the domain structure of Nd–Fe–B magnets using the SEM type-I magnetic contrast

In this paper, we present the first observation of the domain structure of Nd–Fe–B magnets with the type-I magnetic contrast in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The applied method was supported with digital image recording, enhancement and analysis. Observations were made at the surfaces perpendicular to the alignment axis. The domain pattern is revealed in the form of undulated stripes magnetized alternately in the two directions along the alignment axis. However, because of insufficient spatial resolution of the SEM type-I magnetic contrast we could not observe reverse spike domains of about 0.5 μm in diameter, the presence of which was proved by Bitter pattern technique and magnetic force microscopy (MFM). The smallest resolvable domain was 0.8 μm in width, being the best result so far obtained with the type-I magnetic contrast method. Some aspects related to the domain observation with the method applied are discussed in more detail. It is anticipated that the spatial resolution of the method can be improved to 0.2–0.3 μm by employing SEMs with high-brightness electron guns.     

Scanning acoustic Doppler microscopy and scanning acoustic correlation microscopy

Acoustic microscopy with vector contrast at 100 MHz in a fluid with immersed particles is used to detect the flow profile in front of a microscopic orifice. The velocity profile concerning the component in axial direction of the focused beam is derived from the phase contrast. Possibilities to resolve the flow profile also for the components in normal direction with respect to the axis are demonstrated. The methods concerning measurement techniques and data evaluation for scanning acoustic Doppler microscopy are presented. For scanning acoustic correlation microscopy the time dependent phase and amplitude signals resulting from sound waves scattered by the immersed particles (aluminium flakes with a typical diameter of 10 microm) have been analysed by correlation procedures. From the obtained autocorrelation functions the velocity distribution can be derived. Both methods can be applied simultaneously. Data analysis is based on the information contained in the originally obtained images in vector contrast derived from temporal and spatial resolved analogue and digital processing of the acoustic signals.     

The effects of restricted diffusion in nuclear magnetic resonance microscopy

A stochastic computer simulation is used to investigate the effects of restricted diffusion in NMR microscopy. It is shown that diffusion contributes to a loss of interfacial resolution through two main mechanisms. The first applies to spatial regions bound by impermeable interfaces and involves diffusive averaging of the frequency differences set up by the applied field gradients. This effect can be made arbitrarily small by increasing the magnitude of the field gradient. The second mechanism involves diffusion through permeable membranes or interfaces defining the sample morphology. This effect can, in principle, be reduced by multiple echo imaging with short pulse spacings. The possibility of imaging diffusive flow through a permeable interface is discussed.     

Unified approach to short optical pulse recording and spatial imaging with subwavelength resolution

We propose and numerically demonstrate a simple method for measuring waveforms of optical pulses that have spectral bandwidths much larger than the passband of the measuring system, thus enabling a kind of temporal superresolution. The technique is based on pulse intensity modulation that contains high-order harmonics. Parts of the pulse intensity spectrum that are shifted as a result of the modulation, are moved over (“umklapped”) to the center of the passband, transmitted and then recorded by an oscilloscope. The pulse intensity spectrum is restored by parts from the Fourier transform of a few oscillograms, measured after performing the temporal shifts between the pulse train and the modulation. A similar approach is applied for achieving subwavelength spatial resolution in far -field microscopy. The spatial modulation is performed by a diffraction grating. The method allows one to restore a subwavelength object in a single measurement.