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In this work, we propose an intuitive and easily implementable approach to model and interpret scanning Kelvin probe microscopy images of insulating samples with localized charges. The method, based on the image charges method, has been validated by a systematic comparison of its predictions with experimental measurements performed on charge domains of different sizes, injected in polymethyl methacrylate discontinuous films. The agreement between predictions and experimental lateral profiles, as well as with spectroscopy tip–sample distance curves, supports its consistency. The proposed procedure allows obtaining quantitative information such as total charge and the size of a charge domain and allows estimating the most adequate measurement parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequency modulation dynamic scanning force microscopy has been implemented in ambient conditions using low oscillation amplitudes (<1 nm) to simultaneously record not only topographic but also additional channels of information, in particular contact potential images. The performance of this mode as compared to the conventional amplitude modulation mode is analyzed in detail using a biological molecule, turning yellow mosaic virus RNA, as the model sample. On the basis of scanning force microscopy imaging as well as spectroscopy experiments, we find that for such very small samples the frequency modulation mode is superior since it can be operated with smaller tip-sample interaction, smaller effective tip-sample distance and lower forces. Combined with Kelvin probe microscopy it results not only in considerably higher electrostatic resolution, but also in correct quantitative values for the contact potential as compared to traditional amplitude modulation scanning force microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the electrostatic properties of poly(3-octylthiophene) thin films have been studied on a nanometer scale by means of electrostatic force microscopy and Kelvin probe microscopy (KPM). The KPM images reveal that different surface contact potential domains coexist on the polymer surface. This result, together with additional capacitance measurements, indicates that the potential domains are related to the existence of dipoles due to different molecular arrangements. Finally, capacitance measurements as a function of the tip-sample bias voltage show that in all regions large band bending effects take place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) has drawn extensive research interest due to its promising anisotropic photonic and electronic properties. Here, we study anisotropic optical absorption and photoresponse of exfoliated BP flakes at visible frequencies. We enhance this intrinsic optical anisotropy in BP flakes by coupling plasmonic rectangular nanopatch arrays that support localized surface plasmon resonances. In particular, by combining extrinsic anisotropic plasmonic nanostructures lithographically aligned with intrinsically anisotropic BP flakes, we demonstrate for the first time a combined anisotropic plasmonic-semiconductor coupling that provides significant control over the polarization-dependent optical properties of the plasmon-BP hybrid material system, enhancing polarization-sensitive responses to a larger degree. This hybrid material system not only unveils the plasmon-enhanced mechanisms in BP, but also provides novel controllable functionalities in optoelectronic device applications involving polarization-sensitive optical and electrical responses.

In this work, we propose an intuitive and easily implementable approach to model and interpret scanning Kelvin probe microscopy images of insulating samples with localized charges. The method, based on the image charges method, has been validated by a systematic comparison of its predictions with experimental measurements performed on charge domains of different sizes, injected in polymethyl methacrylate discontinuous films. The agreement between predictions and experimental lateral profiles, as well as with spectroscopy tip-sample distance curves, supports its consistency. The proposed procedure allows obtaining quantitative information such as total charge and the size of a charge domain and allows estimating the most adequate measurement parameters.

Kelvin probe microscopy implemented with controlled sample illumination is used to study nanoscale surface photovoltage effects. With this objective a two trace method, where each scanning line is measured with and without external illumination, is proposed. This methodology allows a direct comparison of the contact potential images acquired in darkness and under illumination and, therefore, the surface photovoltage is simply inferred. Combined with an appropriate data analysis, the temporal and spatial evolution of reversible and irreversible photo-induced processes can be obtained. The potential and versatility of this technique is applied to MEH-PPV thin films. Photo-physical phenomena such as the mesoscale polymer electronic light-induced response as well as the local nanoscale electro-optical properties are studied.

Frequency modulation dynamic scanning force microscopy has been implemented in ambient conditions using low oscillation amplitudes (<1 nm) to simultaneously record not only topographic but also additional channels of information, in particular contact potential images. The performance of this mode as compared to the conventional amplitude modulation mode is analyzed in detail using a biological molecule, turning yellow mosaic virus RNA, as the model sample. On the basis of scanning force microscopy imaging as well as spectroscopy experiments, we find that for such very small samples the frequency modulation mode is superior since it can be operated with smaller tip-sample interaction, smaller effective tip-sample distance and lower forces. Combined with Kelvin probe microscopy it results not only in considerably higher electrostatic resolution, but also in correct quantitative values for the contact potential as compared to traditional amplitude modulation scanning force microscopy.

ZnO thin films grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy along the nonpolar [formula: see text] direction and exhibiting semipolar [formula: see text] facets have been chemically etched with HCl. In order to get an insight into the influence of the ZnO wurtzite structure in the chemical reactivity of the material, Kelvin probe microscopy and convergent beam electron diffraction have been employed to unambiguously determine the absolute polarity of the facets, showing that [formula: see text] facets are unstable upon etching in an HCl solution and transform into [formula: see text] planes. In contrast, [formula: see text] facets undergo homogeneous chemical etching perpendicular to the initial crystallographic plane. The observed etching behavior has been explained in terms of surface oxygen dangling bond density, suggesting that the macroscopic polarity plays a secondary role in the etching process.

In this work the electrostatic properties of poly(3-octylthiophene) thin films have been studied on a nanometer scale by means of electrostatic force microscopy and Kelvin probe microscopy (KPM). The KPM images reveal that different surface contact potential domains coexist on the polymer surface. This result, together with additional capacitance measurements, indicates that the potential domains are related to the existence of dipoles due to different molecular arrangements. Finally, capacitance measurements as a function of the tip-sample bias voltage show that in all regions large band bending effects take place.