Three-dimensional depth profiling of molecular structures

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2009 Apr;393(8):1835-42. doi: 10.1007/s00216-008-2596-5. Epub 2009 Jan 20.

Abstract

Molecular time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging and cluster ion beam erosion are combined to perform a three-dimensional chemical analysis of molecular films. The resulting dataset allows a number of artifacts inherent in sputter depth profiling to be assessed. These artifacts arise from lateral inhomogeneities of either the erosion rate or the sample itself. Using a test structure based on a trehalose film deposited on Si, we demonstrate that the "local" depth resolution may approach values which are close to the physical limit introduced by the information depth of the (static) ToF-SIMS method itself.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Molecular Structure
  • Silicon / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion
  • Time Factors
  • Trehalose / chemistry*

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Trehalose
  • Silicon