Shear force control for a terahertz near field microscope

Rev Sci Instrum. 2007 Nov;78(11):113701. doi: 10.1063/1.2804077.

Abstract

We report on the advancement of apertureless terahertz microscopy by active shear force control of the scanning probe. Extreme subwavelength spatial resolution and a maximized image contrast are achieved by maintaining a tip-surface distance of about 20 nm. The constant distance between scanning tip and surface results in terahertz images that mirror the dielectric permittivity of the surface.

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Feedback
  • Image Enhancement / instrumentation*
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Infrared Rays*
  • Microscopy, Scanning Probe / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Scanning Probe / methods
  • Microwaves*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Shear Strength