Nanometer Scale Electrical Characterization of Artificial Mesostructures

In this article, we review advances in experimental techniques for the electrical characterization of artificial mesostructures from nanometer to micrometer size. As the scale of electronic devices is rapidly approaching the 100-nm benchmark, new tools are becoming necessary to study and characterize them. We are also at a point where new tools to fabricate these devices are becoming increasingly relevant. We discuss the various characterization techniques applicable to objects of this scale, with particular emphasis on scanned probe methods.     

Dual fluorescence of the isoquinolinium cation in methanol: time-resolved emission spectra and semiempirical calculations

The fluorescence behavior of the N-ethyl isoquinolinium (iso-NEQ) cation in viscous methanol is reported and discussed on the basis of time-resolved fluorescence spectra, polarization measurements and semiempirical calculations. Dual fluorescence results from two nearby excited states (S₁ and S₂) above 300 nm only at low temperature. The detection of an isoemissive point verifies this two-state model of the emission. We use the numerical self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) to include solute–solvent interactions for the calculations of the absorption transitions of iso-NEQ in methanol. We also involved the so-called supermolecular approach with three methanol molecules to reproduce the absorption transitions. The latter results are in good agreement with our experimental data.     

Probing small molecule binding to amyloid fibrils

Much effort has focussed in recent years on probing the interactions of small molecules with amyloid fibrils and other protein aggregates. Understanding and control of such interactions are important for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in situations where protein aggregation is associated with disease. In this perspective article we give an overview over the toolbox of biophysical methods for the study of such amyloid-small molecule interactions. We discuss in detail two recently developed techniques within this framework: linear dichroism, a promising extension of the more traditional spectroscopic techniques, and biosensing methods, where surface-bound amyloid fibrils are exposed to solutions of small molecules. Both techniques rely on the measurement of physical properties that are very directly linked to the binding of small molecules to amyloid aggregates and therefore provide an attractive route to probe these important interactions.     

Quantum Dots Microstructural Metrology: From Time-Resolved Spectroscopy to Spatially Resolved Electron Microscopy

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have unique optical and electrical properties with promising applications in next-generation semiconductor technologies, including displays, lighting, solar cells, photodetectors, and image sensors. Advanced analytical tools to probe the optical, morphological, structural, compositional, and electrical properties of QDs and their ensemble solid films are of paramount importance for the understanding of their device performance. In this review, comprehensive studies on the state-of-the-art metrology approaches used in QD research are introduced, with particular focus on time-resolved (TR) and spatially resolved (SR) spectroscopy and microscopy. Through discussing these analysis techniques in different QD system, such as various compositions, sizes, and shell structures, the critical roles of these TR-spectroscopic and SR-microscopic techniques are highlighted, which provide the structural, morphological, compositional, optical, and electrical information to precisely design QDs and QD solid films. The employment of TR and SR analysis in integrated QD device systems is also discussed, which can offer detailed microstructural information for achieving high performance in specific applications. In the end, the current limitations of these analytical tools are discussed, and the future development of the possibility of interdisciplinary research in both QD fundamental and applied fields is prospected.