nano-FTIR

brings established FTIR spectroscopy to the nanoscale

nano-FTIR (nanoscale Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) is a powerful combination of s-SNOM equipped with broadband illumination and FTIR-based detection developed by neaspec. nano-FTIR provides true FTIR spectroscopy at the spatial resolution of AFM, delivering nanoscale chemical identification and hyperspectral imaging.

 

Challenge

Broadband illumination requires a method for recording spectrally-resolved amplitude (reflectivity) and phase (absorption) of the broadband scattered light, while completely suppressing parasitic background.

Solution

nano-FTIR was developed and patented by neaspec and is the only technology that can simultaneously detect broadband near-field amplitude and phase spectra with 100% background suppression.

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nano-FTIR is based on a s-SNOM setup comprising an asymmetric interferometer where the AFM tip and the sample are located in one of the interferometer arms. A broadband source (e.g. laser, synchrotron, etc.) illuminates the AFM tip and the tip-scattered light is recombined with the reference beam at the detector. The detector signal is recorded as a function of reference mirror position, creating an (asymmetric) interferogram which is processed by the patented FTIR-based detection. Fourier transformation of this interferogram returns the local amplitude and phase spectra, which relate to the sample reflectivity and absorption.


Technology Benefits

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Absorption spectra directly comparable to standard FTIR databases for nanoscale chemical identification.

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10 nm spatial resolution with standard AFM tips throughout the whole IR spectrum disregarding the materials type or morphology.

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Covers the whole mid-IR fingerprint and functional group spectral region for complete chemical characterization.

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Widest spectral bandwidth of up to 800 cm-1 available in a single shot without distorting stitching artefacts for accurate chemical analysis.

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Best-in-class sensitivity, detecting single monolayers and even individual macromolecules, e.g. ferritin.

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Spectrally averaged nanoscale imaging for quick sample screening to identify features of interest for subsequent spectral analysis and chemical ID.

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Access to the dielectric function at the nanoscale, i.e. refractive index and attenuation coefficient.

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Broadband hyperspectral imaging for ultimate chemometric analysis at the nanoscale.