Diffraction-Limited Imaging with a Graphene Metalens

Planar graphene metalens has demonstrated advantages of ultrathin thickness(200 nm), high focusing resolution(343 nm) and efficiency(32%) and robust mechanical strength and flexibility.However, diffraction-limited imaging with such a graphene metalens has not been realized, which holds the key to designing practical integrated imaging systems.In this work, the imaging rule for graphene metalenses is first derived and theoretically verified by using the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction theory to simulate the imaging performance of the 200 nm ultrathin graphene metalens.The imaging rule is applicable to graphene metalenses in different immersion media, including water or oil.Based on the theoretical prediction, high-resolution imaging using the graphene metalens with diffraction-limited resolution(500 nm) is demonstrated for the first time.This work opens the possibility for graphene metalenses to be applied in particle tracking, microfluidic chips and biomedical devices.     

Spectral contrast imaging microscopy

We introduce a new technique, spectral contrast imaging microscopy (SCIM), for super-resolution microscopic imaging. Based on a novel contrast mechanism that encodes each local spatial frequency with a corresponding optical wavelength, SCIM provides a real-time high-resolution spectral contrast microscopic image with superior contrast. We show that two microscopic objects, separated by a distance smaller than the diffraction limit of the optical system, can be spatially resolved in the SCIM image as different colors. Results with numerical simulation and experiments using a high-resolution United States Air Force target are presented. The ability of SCIM for imaging biological cells is also demonstrated.     

High-resolution imaging of single fluorescent molecules with the optical near-field of a metal tip

We show that a concentration of light at a metal tip allows near-field optical imaging of single fluorescent dye molecules at very high resolution, despite strong quenching effects. Details as small as 10 nm were observed in the fluorescence patterns of single Cy-3 dyes bound to the termini of DNA. Data evaluation by model fitting determines the positions of the dyes to an accuracy even better than 1 nm and also yields their 3D orientation. The metal tip simultaneously provides high-resolution topographic imaging complementing the optical signal for a detailed surface examination.     

Two-photon optical-beam-induced current solid-immersion imaging of a silicon flip chip with a resolution of 325 nm

We report high-resolution subsurface imaging of a silicon flip chip by detection of the photocurrent generated by the two-photon absorption of 1530-nm light from a femtosecond Er:fiber laser. The technique combines the focal sensitivity of two-photon excitation with the enhanced optical resolution of high-numerical-aperture solid-immersion imaging. Features on a sub-1-microm scale are clearly resolvable with high contrast, showing a resolution of 325 nm.     

基于NIR高光谱成像技术的长枣虫眼无损检测

为了研究快速识别虫眼枣与正常枣的有效方法,利用特征波长主成分分析法结合波段比算法进行虫眼枣识别。首先,利用NIR高光谱成像系统采集130个长枣(50个正常、80个虫眼枣)图像,提取并分析不同类型长枣特征区域的平均光谱曲线,对970~1 670 nm范围内的光谱数据进行主成分分析,确定7个特征波长(990,1 028,1 109,1 160,1 231,1 285,1 464 nm)。然后,对长枣图像做主成分分析,选择PC2图像进行虫眼识别,虫眼与正常枣的识别率分别为67.5%、100%。为了进一步提高虫眼枣的识别率,采用波段比(R1231/R1109)对未识别的虫眼枣进行再次识别,识别率提高到90%。结果表明,基于NIR高光谱成像技术的检测方法对虫眼枣识别是可行的,同时也为多光谱成像技术应用于在线检测长枣品质提供了理论依据。     

Novel room temperature ionic liquids of hexaalkyl substituted guanidinium salts for dye-sensitized solar cells

Nanoparticles are attracting increasing interest because of their high potential for a great number of practical applications, such as optical and electronic devices, nanoscale storage, and delivery systems. Using Cu-phthalocyanine as precursor material, we have synthesized multi-shell graphitic carbon nanospheres without and with metal encapsulation, depending on the pyrolysis conditions. The encapsulated elemental copper nanocrystals achieved using that route were of the order of 50 nm in size. The particles were characterized in detail by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and by energy filtering microscopy (EFTEM). The concentric graphitic carbon shells of the as-grown particles were clearly discernable. After in situ high-temperature annealing, an increase in the degree of order was observed. Under high-voltage electron irradiation and heating, a melting point reduction of the enclosed nanosized copper of more than 200 K could be detected, as compared to the melting point 1083 °C of bulk copper. Time-resolved imaging revealed the displacement of the melting copper by migration through the carbon shells, leaving intact carbon cages with a central hole. At intermediate stages of this process the transformation into a hexagonal morphology of the copper nanocrystals was observed. PACS 61.46.+w; 61.48.+c; 68.37.Lp     

高分辨率光谱仪线阵CCD采集系统设计

为了满足高分辨率光谱仪高灵敏度、高分辨率、低噪声的技术要求,设计了用于微光成像系统的背照式CCD驱动电路及主控电路。线阵CCD采集系统采用Altera公司的MAX X系列FPGA作为核心控制器件,为线阵CCD提供多路驱动信号;线阵CCD探测器输出模拟信号经过信号预处理及AD采样,变换为数字信号后通过USB接口模块发送给光谱仪。通过将线阵CCD采集系统安装到高分辨率光谱仪,对汞灯谱线进行特征峰测试,光谱分辨率可以达到0.062 nm,满足高分辨率光谱仪的探测要求。     

Optical coherence tomography using a frequency-tunable optical source

We have developed a simple, wide-optical-bandwidth, high-resolution system for performing rapid optical frequency domain reflectometry measurements and applied it to multidimensional tomographic imaging. The source is a grating-tuned external cavity semiconductor laser with a tuning capability of 25 nm in 100 ms. We discuss system performance and show a two-dimensional optical coherence tomography image of a thin glass sandwich structure as a preliminary demonstration of the systems depth and resolution capabilities.     

High-speed, high-resolution optical coherence tomography retinal imaging with a frequency-swept laser at 850 nm

High-speed, high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the human retina is demonstrated using a frequency-swept laser at 850 nm. A compact external cavity semiconductor laser design, optimized for swept-source ophthalmic OCT, is described. The laser enables an effective 16 kHz sweep rate with >10 mm coherence length and a tuning range of approximately 35 nm full width at half-maximum, yielding an axial resolution of <7 micro m in tissue.     

Chromatic aberration free liquid crystal adaptive optics for flood illuminated retinal camera

A high-resolution, flood-illumination retinal camera using liquid crystal (LC) adaptive optics (AO) is presented. The retinal camera uses light at 780 nm for ocular aberration measurement while light at 655 nm and 593 nm for retinal imaging. In order to avoid chromatic aberrations due to wavelength dependence of LC, we adopt an open-loop technique, in which dynamic correction of aberrations is applied only to the imaging light. A compensation pattern projected on the LC wavefront corrector is adjusted to provide phase wrapping of 2 π for illumination light. We confirmed feasibility of this technique by performing in vivo retinal imaging experiments. Photoreceptors were clearly revealed at both imaging light at 655 nm and 593 nm. Feasibility of the technique was also supported by comparison of the retinal images taken by the present open-loop technique with those taken by the conventional closed-loop one and by analysis of the spatial distribution of the photoreceptors.     

25 nm resolution single molecular fluorescence imaging by scanning near-field optical/atomic force microscopy

High-resolution single molecular near-field fluorescence images were observed by scanning near-field optical/atomic force microscopy (SNOM/AFM). We modified the SNOM/AFM for both high-resolution fluorescence imaging and high-resolution topographic imaging. The imaged fluorophore, Alexa 532, is prepared with a poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) film coating. A fluorescence resolution of 25 nm was obtained with a simultaneous topographic image of a flat surface. A sample prepared with a lower PMMA concentration exhibited a rough surface in the micro area. The results for the flat surface indicated that the fluorescence resolution is worst in the rough surface sample, that the maximum fluorescence intensities for the individual fluorophore are similar, and that the decay rate is faster. Thus, we concluded that the morphological effect is an important factor in fluorescence image resolution and the apparent lifetimes of the fluorescence molecules.     

Toward two-dimensional nanometer resolution hard X-ray differential-interference-contrast imaging using modified photon sieves

In this Letter, we report a significant step forward in the design of single-optical-element optics for two-dimensional (2D) hard X-ray differential-interference-contrast (DIC) imaging based on modified photon sieves (MPSs). MPSs were obtained by a modified optic, i.e., combining two overlaid binary gratings and a photon sieve through two logical XOR operations. The superior performance of MPSs was demonstrated. Compared to Fresnel zone plates-based DIC diffractive optical elements (DOEs), which help to improve contrast only in one direction, MPSs can provide better resolution and 2D DIC imaging. Compared to normal photon sieves, MPSs are capable of imaging at a significantly higher image contrast. We anticipate that MPSs can provide a complementary and versatile high-resolution nondestructive imaging tool for ultra-large-scale integrated circuits at 45 nm node and below.     

菲涅耳波带板应用于聚变靶的高分辨X射线成像分析

在惯性约束核聚变研究中,为了实现1μm高空间分辨keV-X射线成像,文中发展了菲涅耳波带板(FZP)直接成像的分析方法,并通过数值计算研究了FZP的成像特性.针对钛K_α线(光子能量4.51 keV,波长0.275 nm),提出了FZP参数,对制作技术的要求较低.研究了靶尺度的影响.FZP的有效视场使它能够对数毫米大尺度靶实现高分辨成像.还研究了入射光的光谱带宽对成像的影响.FZP的色差有助于单色成像,但是带宽超过限度会导致像的反衬度降低.这些结果表明FZP应用于聚变点火靶的高空间分辨X射线成像的能力,也为应用提出了要求. 关键词： X射线成像 惯性约束核聚变 菲涅耳波带板     

Magnetic force microscopy applied in magnetic data storage technology

Microstructured thin-film elements with critical dimensions of 1 μm or less play an increasingly important role in magnetic components for information technology applications. Devices that are directly based on such microstructures are key components in magnetoelectronics for storage and sensor applications as well as modern concepts which are likely to substitute today’s hard disk drives. Basic research on magnetic materials as well as industrial applications create an increasing demand for high-resolution magnetic imaging methods. One such method is magnetic force microscopy (MFM). In spite of considerable achievements, MFM also has some serious shortcomings, which have not been overcome to date. Under normal circumstances, the method yields only qualitative information about the magnetic object and it is difficult to improve the resolution to values below 100 nm. In this paper, we will report on advanced MFM probe preparation, based on electron beam methods, and discuss the possibilities for batch fabrication of such advanced MFM tips. We show that the advanced probes allow high-resolution imaging of fine magnetic structures within thin-film permalloy elements without perturbing them. Additionally, we present high-frequency MFM measurements on a hard disk write head. Received: 2 September 2002 / Accepted: 2 September 2002 / Published online: 5 March 2003 RID="*" ID="*"Corresponding author. Fax: +49-681/302-3790, E-mail: m.koblischka@mx.uni-saarland.de     

10 nm Spatial Resolution Fluorescence Imaging of Single Molecules by Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy Using a Tiny Aperture Probe

We demonstrate high-resolution fluorescence imaging of single molecules using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) with a tiny aperture probe for two different wavelengths in visible range in the illumination mode of operation. The spatial resolutions obtained at both excitation wavelengths were almost the same and the highest resolution realized was about 10 nm. To discuss the achievable resolution in aperture NSOM, we also employed a computer simulation by the finite-difference time-domain method for various aperture sizes and wavelengths. The resolution of 10 nm is predicted to be contributed by the single peak of localized near-field light around the rim of the aperture.     

Image resolution and sensitivity in an environmental transmission electron microscope

An environmental transmission electron microscope provides unique means for the atomic-scale exploration of nanomaterials during the exposure to a reactive gas environment. Here we examine conditions to obtain such in situ observations in the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) mode with an image resolution of 0.10nm. This HRTEM image resolution threshold is mapped out under different gas conditions, including gas types and pressures, and under different electron optical settings, including electron beam energies, doses and dose-rates. The 0.10nm resolution is retainable for H(2) at 1-10mbar. Even for N(2), the 0.10nm resolution threshold is reached up to at least 10mbar. The optimal imaging conditions are determined by the electron beam energy and the dose-rate as well as an image signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio that is consistent with Rose's criterion of S/N≥5. A discussion on the electron-gas interactions responsible for gas-induced resolution deterioration is given based on interplay with complementary electron diffraction (ED), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) as well as electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) data.     

Three-dimensional characterization of fatigue-relevant intermetallic particles in high-strength aluminium alloys using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography

Second-phase particles and small porosities are known to favour fatigue crack initiation in high-strength aluminium alloys 2050-T8 and 7050-T7451. Using high-resolution X-ray tomography (320 nm voxel size), with Paganin reconstruction algorithms, the probability that large clusters of particles contain porosities could be measured for the first time in 3D, as well as precise 3D size distributions. Additional holotomography imaging provided improved spatial resolution (50 nm voxel size), allowing to estimate the probability of finding cracked particles in the as-received material state. The extremely precise 3D shape (including cracks) as well as local chemistry of the particles has been determined. This experiment enabled unprecedented 3D identification of detrimental stress risers relevant for fatigue in as-received aluminium alloys.     

High resolution inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging of three-axis-stabilized space target by exploiting orbital and sparse priors

The development of inverse synthetic aperture radar(ISAR) imaging techniques is of notable significance for monitoring, tracking and identifying space targets in orbit. Usually, a well-focused ISAR image of a space target can be obtained in a deliberately selected imaging segment in which the target moves with only uniform planar rotation. However, in some imaging segments, the nonlinear range migration through resolution cells(MTRCs) and time-varying Doppler caused by the three-dimensional rotation of the target would degrade the ISAR imaging performance, and it is troublesome to realize accurate motion compensation with conventional methods. Especially in the case of low signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),the estimation of motion parameters is more difficult. In this paper, a novel algorithm for high-resolution ISAR imaging of a space target by using its precise ephemeris and orbital motion model is proposed. The innovative contributions are as follows. 1) The change of a scatterer projection position is described with the spatial-variant angles of imaging plane calculated based on the orbital motion model of the three-axis-stabilized space target. 2) A correction method of MTRC in slant-and cross-range dimensions for arbitrarily imaging segment is proposed. 3) Coarse compensation for translational motion using the precise ephemeris and the fine compensation for residual phase errors by using sparsity-driven autofocus method are introduced to achieve a high-resolution ISAR image. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Three-dimensional in vivo scanning microscopy with inertia-free focus control

The acquisition of high-resolution images in three dimensions is of utmost importance for the morphological and functional investigation of biological tissues. Here, we present a laser scanning two-photon microscope with remote and motionless control of the focus position. The movement of the excitation spot along the propagation direction is achieved by shaping the laser wavefront with a spatial light modulator. Depending on the optical properties of the objective in use, this approach allows z movements in a range of tens to hundreds of micrometers with small changes of the point spread function. We applied this technique for the three-dimensional (3D) imaging of fluorescent cells in the mouse neocortex in vivo. The presented system bypasses the limitations of microscopes based on moving objectives, enabling high-resolution inertia-free 3D imaging.     

基于高光谱成像技术和MNF检测苹果的轻微损伤

苹果损伤是一种发生在水果采摘和产后处理阶段的不可避免的主要缺陷。为了快速有效地识别苹果的轻微损伤,以具有代表性的双色红富士苹果为研究对象,提出了一种以高光谱成像和最低噪声分离(MNF)变换的苹果轻微损伤识别检测方法。首先,使用高光谱成像系统获取苹果的可见-近红外波段(400~1 000 nm)的图像,对比发现全波段的最低噪声分离变换比主成分分析(PCA)变换可获得更好的识别效果;其次,利用I-RELIEF算法对正常表皮和损伤区域的光谱进行分析得出权值系数图,依据该系数曲线挑选出了5个特征波段(560,660,720,820和960 nm);最后,特征波段和最低噪声分离变换开发了损伤苹果的识别检测算法。利用该算法对80个正常苹果和含有不同时间阶段轻微损伤的苹果进行试验,损伤识别总体正确率为97.1%,试验结果表明,利用该方法和选取的特征波段可以快速有效地识别苹果的早期轻微损伤,为利用多光谱成像技术和最低噪声分离变换在线检测苹果轻微损伤奠定了基础。