Instrumentation for Nanoscale Spectroscopy

This STTR will provide a prototype Electronics Package that integrates disparate streams of spectrographic and topographic data to provide high resolution imaging and chemical specificity at the nanoscale. It will enable development of a commercial instrument delivering routine near-field tip-enhanced optical imaging with spatial resolutions in the range of 10-50nm along with topographic (Atomic Force Microscopy) and transport (Scanning Tunneling Microscopy) determinations. It will allow vibrational spectroscopy (Raman scattering, infrared absorption) to be performed with the same nanometer scale resolution. The prototype will use established MURI program know-how and RHK''s 25-year track record of developing and commercializing crucial AFM/STM controllers and sophisticated, integrated systems for atomic imaging. BENEFIT: This project enables simultaneous characterization of multiple materials and device properties on the nanoscale without a priori information about the material. This unique capability benefits Military/National Security by providing a previously unavailable means to screen for and reverse engineer high energy density materials, radar absorbing materials, biologically active nano-systems, and nuclear nanomaterials. Broad Commercial nanotech applications include life- and bio-science cell diagnostics, nano-pharmaceuticals, semiconductor process characterization and failure analysis, catalysis, etc.