High Speed Nano-Infrared Spectroscopy

Anasys Instruments in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and subcontractor Dr. Konstantin Vodopyanov propose to develop the world’s first high speed nano infrared spectroscopy (“NanoIR”) capability. By combining and extending the capabilities of infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, this breakthrough platform will provide sub-100 nm chemical mapping capabilities on timescales of minutes. The NanoIR tool will employ a specialized cantilever for an Atomic Force Microscope to detect the local temperature increase as molecules absorb infrared radiation. The spectra of absorbed radiation may be compared to existing and newly created spectral libraries to allow chemical identification and mapping. Initial feasibility of nanoscale infrared spectroscopy with the NanoIR tool has already been demonstrated by the proposers. The current work will concentrate on accelerating the measurement speed such that individual spectra can be acquired in sub 100 msec timescales, paving the way for high speed chemical mapping. Successful completion of this project will dramatically expand the application of chemical mapping in nanoscale science, engineering and industry. BENEFIT: Mapping of nanoscale chemical composition is a critical need for government, university and industrial researchers to characterize and control materials and structures being developed with our nation’s multi-billion dollar investments in nanotechnology. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is critical and ubiquitous analytical measurement technique for chemical composition installed base of over 400,000 units and annual sales of over 23,000 units (and annual revenues of $1B/yr making it by far the most practiced analytical measurement technique in industrial and academic R&D. Unfortunately, conventional IR spectroscopy is fundamentally limited in spatial resolution to the micron scale and this has prevented IR spectroscopy from making the transition to nanoscale. Successful completion of the STTR supported NanoIR project will pave the way for extension of the power of high speed IR spectroscopy and chemical imaging to the nanoscale thus filling a major unmet need. The NanoIR tool will provide critical nanoscale chemical analysis capabilities to enable breakthroughs in materials and biomedical research.