Observing substances under a near-field optical microscope

2011-0906-01

researcher's name: about researcher IMURA, Kohei Professor
affiliation: Faculty of Science and Engineering School of Advanced Science and Engineering
research field: Thin film/Surface and interfacial physical properties,Nanostructural chemistry,Physical chemistry
keyword

background

Electron microscopes or AFMs are normally used in the observation of substances at nanoscales, but the mechanisms on which they are based do not allow for the visualization of color.

summary

Using a near-field optical microscope allows observation of the shape, as well as the color of substances in an estimated area of 10 to 100 microns squared.

application/development

It has a pulse laser system that continues turning on and off in rapid succession, allowing the observation of (the progress of) changes in the shape of substances (e.g., the surface of pigments used in Blu-ray Disks or dye sensitized solar cells).

predominance

The wavelengths of the light used in observation can be changed to those of visible to near infrared light. This enables observation in accordance with the target.