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.
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 (size of the images above is 5x5 µm).
Technology Benefits
Absorption spectra directly comparable to standard FTIR databases for nanoscale chemical identification.
10 nm spatial resolution with standard AFM tips throughout the whole IR spectrum disregarding the materials type or morphology.
Covers the whole mid-IR fingerprint and functional group spectral region for complete chemical characterization.
Widest spectral bandwidth of up to 800 cm-1 available in a single shot without distorting stitching artefacts for accurate chemical analysis.
Best-in-class sensitivity, detecting single monolayers and even individual macromolecules, e.g. ferritin.
Spectrally averaged nanoscale imaging for quick sample screening to identify features of interest for subsequent spectral analysis and chemical ID.
Access to the dielectric function at the nanoscale, i.e. refractive index and attenuation coefficient.
Broadband hyperspectral imaging for ultimate chemometric analysis at the nanoscale.
