Russia has developed a new method for analyzing materials for nanoelectronics

The A.V. Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has developed a technology for ultra-precise spectral optical non-destructive analysis of materials. The new method increases the capabilities of modern atomic force microscopy, makes it possible to study the structure of matter at the level of units of nanometers and simultaneously investigate its chemical structure.

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According to scientists, the principle of operation of atomic force microscopes is that its oscillating probe (needle with a tip of 50 nanometers), when approaching the material, encounters the force of interaction with the surface. It changes the frequency and phase of the probe oscillation. By interpreting these data, it is possible to reproduce in detail the relief of the material and its properties.

"To determine the spectral characteristics of the material, for example, the chemical composition at each point, we apply silver, gold or platinum to the probe in such a way that a single cluster of metal about 100 nm in size forms on its tip. Under the action of the laser, a strong electric field is formed in a small area under it. On the other hand, we used arrays of gold nanodiscs as a substrate for the studied structures," Alexander Milekhin, Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the Institute of Physics and Technology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, described the essence of the development.

He explained that when the probe and the nanodiscs approach, a so—called hotspot is formed between them - a plasmon, an area of a concentrated electromagnetic field of high intensity. If its energy corresponds to the excitation energy in the material, the scattering intensity increases dramatically, which allows for more detailed information. The task of the scientists was to create the necessary conditions. As a result, they received a signal amplified by 100,000 times, with a spatial resolution of 2 nm.

High accuracy of material analysis, the researchers explained, is required, for example, to create nanoelectronics. In particular, molecular robots for the delivery of drugs in the human body, "dust mote" sensors for monitoring objects and covert surveillance, or insect drones for exploring spaces that are inaccessible to humans.