Three-dimensional nanoscopy of colloidal crystals

Nano Lett. 2008 May;8(5):1309-13. doi: 10.1021/nl073164n. Epub 2008 Jan 1.

Abstract

We demonstrate the direct three-dimensional imaging of densely packed colloidal nanostructures using stimulated emission depletion microscopy. A combination of two de-excitation patterns yields a resolution of 43 nm in the lateral and 125 nm in the axial direction and an effective focal volume that is by 126-fold smaller than that of a corresponding confocal microscope. The mapping of a model system of spheres organized by confined convective assembly unambiguously identified face-centered cubic, hexagonal close-packed, random hexagonal close-packed, and body-centered cubic structures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Colloids / chemistry*
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Materials Testing / methods
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Colloids