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Scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) is a powerful technique for investigating the electrostatic properties of material surfaces, enabling the imaging of variations in work function, topology, surface charge density, or combinations thereof. Regardless of the underlying signal source, SKPM results in a voltage image, which is spatially distorted due to the finite size of the probe, long-range electrostatic interactions, mechanical and electrical noise, and the finite response time of the electronics. In order to recover the underlying signal, it is necessary to deconvolve the measurement with an appropriate point spread function (PSF) that accounts the aforementioned distortions, but determining this PSF is difficult. Here, we describe how such PSFs can be determined experimentally and show how they can be used to recover the underlying information of interest. We first consider the physical principles that enable SKPM and discuss how these affect the system PSF. We then show how one can experimentally measure PSFs by looking at well-defined features, and that these compare well to simulated PSFs, provided scans are performed extremely slowly and carefully. Next, we work at realistic scan speeds and show that the idealized PSFs fail to capture temporal distortions in the scan direction. While simulating PSFs for these situations would be quite challenging, we show that measuring PSFs with similar scan conditions works well. Our approach clarifies the basic principles and inherent challenges to SKPM measurements and gives practical methods to improve results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shear-force acoustic near-field microscopy (SANM) is employed to monitor stochastic formation and post dynamic response of a water meniscus that bridges a tapered gold probe (undergoing lateral oscillations of a few nanometers amplitude at constant frequency) and a flat (gold or silicon oxide) substrate. As the probe further approaches the substrate, its amplitude decreases. Shear forces (of yet unknown precise origin) are typically invoked to explain the apparently pure damping effects affecting the probe's motion. Herein, SANM measurements underscore instead the role of near-field acoustic emission from the water meniscus as an elastic energy dissipation channel involved in shear interactions. A simplified thermodynamic argument is provided to justify the formation of a water meniscus between the probe and the sample once they are at sufficient separation distance. The reported measurements focus on the role played by the tip's geometry (by using probes of slender and chubby apex termination). The results shed some light on the potential origin of the so-called shear forces, invoked in many scanning probe microscopy applications, but not yet well understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of carbon coating on a surface structure of a high-dose implanted/annealed silicon carbide (SiC) during annealing was examined using scanning probe microscopy (SPM), deep-ultraviolet (DUV) Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In SPM, the surfaces of 500- and 30 °C-implanted/annealed SiC samples without coating exhibited a periodic-step structure and granular structure, respectively. The difference between these surfaces is attributed to the absence or presence of residual implantation damage. In contrast, surface flatness was maintained in the 500 °C-implanted/annealed SiC sample with carbon coating. However, the surface of the coated 30 °C-implanted/annealed SiC sample exhibited a geometric structure with a lattice pattern parallel to the ⟨ 11 2 ¯ 0 ⟩ axes. The DUV Raman spectra and TEM images indicated that the implanted layer of this sample metamorphosed into a mixture of 3C-SiC twin domains and amorphous-SiC regions. During the cooling process after annealing, the 3C-SiC region was more raised than the amorphous-SiC region owing to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients, thus resulting in the generation of a geometric surface structure. In the metamorphosed implanted layer, the carbon coating does not completely prevent surface roughening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current focus in Autonomous Experimentation (AE) is on developing robust workflows to conduct the AE effectively. This entails the need for well-defined approaches to guide the AE process, including strategies for hyperparameter tuning and high-level human interventions within the workflow loop. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the influence of initial experimental conditions and in-loop interventions on the learning dynamics of Deep Kernel Learning (DKL) within the realm of AE in scanning probe microscopy. We explore the concept of the "seed effect," where the initial experiment setup has a substantial impact on the subsequent learning trajectory. Additionally, we introduce an approach of the seed point interventions in AE allowing the operator to influence the exploration process. Using a dataset from Piezoresponse Force Microscopy on PbTiO3 thin films, we illustrate the impact of the "seed effect" and in-loop seed interventions on the effectiveness of DKL in predicting material properties. The study highlights the importance of initial choices and adaptive interventions in optimizing learning rates and enhancing the efficiency of automated material characterization. This work offers valuable insights into designing more robust and effective AE workflows in microscopy with potential applications across various characterization techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study employs a multimicroscopy approach, combining Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), to investigate electrochemical nucleation and growth (EN&G). Cu nanoparticles (NPs) are meticulously electrodeposited on glassy carbon (GC), to perform co‐located characterization, supported by analytical modeling and statistical analysis. The findings reveal clear correlations between electrochemical descriptors (i–t transients) and physical descriptors (NPs size and distribution), offering valuable insights into nucleation kinetics, influenced by varied overpotentials, surface state, and electrode's area. Analysis of the stochasticity of nucleation reveals intriguing temporal distributions, indicating an increased likelihood of nucleation with higher overpotential and larger electrode's area. Notably, the local surface state significantly influences nucleation site number and activity, leading to spatial differences in nucleation rates unaccounted for in macroscopic experiments. The updated analytical model for EN&G current transients, considering SECCM geometry, shows excellent agreement with FESEM measurements, facilitating the calculation of active sites within individual regions. These results deepen the understanding of EN&G phenomena from a new perspective, and lay the groundwork for further theoretical advancements, showcasing the great potential of current experimental methods in advancing precise electrochemical manufacturing of micro‐ and nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a part of the scanning probe microscopy family. It provides a platform for high-resolution topographical imaging, surface analysis as well as nanomechanical property mapping for stiff and soft samples (live cells, proteins, and other biomolecules). AFM is also crucial for measuring single-molecule interaction forces and important parameters of binding dynamics for receptor-ligand interactions or protein-protein interactions on live cells. However, performing AFM measurements and the associated data analytics are tedious, laborious experimental procedures requiring specific skill sets and continuous user supervision. Significant progress has been made recently in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL), extending into microscopy. In this review, we summarize how researchers have implemented machine learning approaches so far to improve the performance of atomic force microscopy (AFM), make AFM data analytics faster, and make data measurement procedures high-throughput. We also shed some light on the different application areas of AFM that have significantly benefited from applications of machine learning frameworks and discuss the scope and future possibilities of these crucial approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally‐induced dehydrogenative coupling of polyphenylenes on metal surfaces is an important technique to synthesize π ${\pi }$ ‐conjugated carbon nanostructures with atomic precision. However, this protocol has rarely been utilized to fabricate structurally defined carbon nanosheets composed of sp‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms. Here, we present the synthesis of butadiyne‐linked hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) on Au(111) surfaces as core‐expanded graphdiynes. The reaction started from hexa(4‐ethylphenyl)benzene, which undergoes dehydrogenation toward hexa(4‐vinylphenyl)benzene, followed by planarization to hexabenzocoronene, coupling between the vinyl groups, and further dehydrogenation. In addition to butadiyne linkages, benzene groups were also found as another type of linker. The reaction sequences were monitored by scanning tunneling microscopy and bond‐resolved non‐contact atomic force microscopy, which disclose the structures of intermediates and final products. In combination with density functional theory simulations, the key steps from ethyl substituents to butadiyne and benzene linkers were elucidated. This is a new on‐surface synthesis of core‐expanded graphdiynes with unprecedented electronic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D materials are intriguing due to their remarkably thin and flat structure. This unique configuration allows the majority of their constituent atoms to be accessible on the surface, facilitating easier electron tunneling while generating weak surface forces. To decipher the subtle signals inherent in these materials, the application of techniques that offer atomic resolution (horizontal) and sub‐Angstrom (z‐height vertical) sensitivity is crucial. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) emerges as the quintessential tool in this regard, owing to its atomic‐level spatial precision, ability to detect unitary charges, responsiveness to pico‐newton‐scale forces, and capability to discern pico‐ampere currents. Furthermore, the versatility of SPM to operate under varying environmental conditions, such as different temperatures and in the presence of various gases or liquids, opens up the possibility of studying the stability and reactivity of 2D materials in situ. The characteristic flatness, surface accessibility, ultra‐thinness, and weak signal strengths of 2D materials align perfectly with the capabilities of SPM technologies, enabling researchers to uncover the nuanced behaviors and properties of these advanced materials at the nanoscale and even the atomic scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a versatile tool for studying a wide range of materials. It is well suited for investigating living matter, for example, in single-cell neutrophil studies. SPM has been extensively utilized to analyze cell physical properties, providing detailed insights into their structural and functional characteristics at the nanoscale. Its long-standing application in this field highlights its essential role in cell biology and immunology research, significantly contributing to understanding cellular mechanics and interactions. In this review, we discuss the application of SPM techniques, specifically atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning ion-conductance microscopy (SICM), to study the fundamental functions of neutrophils. In addition, recent advances in the application of SPM in single-cell immunology are discussed. The application of these techniques allows for obtaining data on the morphology, topography, and mechanical and electrochemical properties of neutrophils with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, revolutionizing both science and society. It is applied to practically all areas of life, science, and technology, including materials science, which continuously requires novel tools for effective materials characterization. One of the widely used techniques is scanning probe microscopy (SPM). SPM has fundamentally changed materials engineering, biology, and chemistry by providing tools for atomic‐precision surface mapping. Despite its many advantages, it also has some drawbacks, such as long scanning times or the possibility of damaging soft‐surface materials. In this paper, we focus on the potential for supporting SPM‐based measurements, with an emphasis on the application of AI‐based algorithms, especially Machine Learning‐based algorithms, as well as quantum computing (QC). It has been found that AI can be helpful in automating experimental processes in routine operations, algorithmically searching for optimal sample regions, and elucidating structure–property relationships. Thus, it contributes to increasing the efficiency and accuracy of optical nanoscopy scanning probes. Moreover, the combination of AI‐based algorithms and QC may have enormous potential to enhance the practical application of SPM. The limitations of the AI‐QC‐based approach were also discussed. Finally, we outline a research path for improving AI‐QC‐powered SPM. Research Highlights: Artificial intelligence and quantum computing as support for scanning probe microscopy.The analysis indicates a research gap in the field of scanning probe microscopy.The research aims to shed light into ai‐qc‐powered scanning probe microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the structure and function of bioelectric materials is challenging due to the complex nature of biomaterials and a lack of appropriate tools. The precisely defined structures and genetic tunability of viruses provide an excellent model system to investigate bioelectrical behavior in biomaterials. This study presents the molecular mechanisms of piezoelectricity in the M13 bacteriophage (phage) under various mechanical stresses for bio‐piezoelectric generation. A computational approach is used to calculate the piezoelectric tensors of the M13 phage and quantify its direction‐dependent dipole moments. By computationally designing negatively charged residues on the phage surface, the surface charge density is enhanced to 16.7 µC cm−2. Using genetic engineering, phages are experimentally designed with different charges and tail structures to create model phage nanostructures, including individual phages, vertically standing phage films, and horizontally aligned phage films. Their vertical, horizontal, and shear‐mode piezoelectric properties are then measured using scanning probe microscopy techniques. The resulting phage‐based piezoelectric energy generators exhibit an effective piezoelectric coefficient of 15.4 pm V−1 and a power density of 4.2 µW cm−2. This phage‐based bioengineering approach provides a versatile platform for investigating fundamental mechanisms of bioelectricity and designing bioelectric materials for applications in energy harvesting, biomemory, and biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phonon-polaritons are known to emerge at the surface of solids under infrared (IR) irradiation at frequencies close to the optical phonon resonance. Metal, patterned on the top of the polariton-active surface, locally blocks the excitation of surface waves due to plasmonic screening and can be used for the design of wave patterns. We excite polaritonic waves at the surface of SiC under the irradiation of a CO2 laser (λ ∼ 10 μ m) and visualize them using apertureless near-field interference scanning probe microscopy. From the near-field scans in the vicinity of gold film periodical strip structures, we identify the Bragg scattering (diffraction) outside the grating with the contribution from separate strips coherently summed up, provided that the wavelength matching condition is fulfilled. The observed phenomena agree with wavefield calculations. Our observations demonstrate the potential of metal-patterned silicon carbide for the fabrication of on-chip polaritonic IR circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials and their interfaces are the core for the development of a large variety of fields, including catalysis, energy storage and conversion. In this case, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), which combines scanning probe microscopy with plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, is a powerful technique that can simultaneously obtain the morphological information and chemical fingerprint of target samples at nanometer spatial resolution. It is an ideal tool for the nanoscale chemical characterization of materials and interfaces, correlating their structures with chemical performances. In this review, we begin with a brief introduction to the nanoscale characterization of materials and interfaces, followed by a detailed discussion on the recent theoretical understanding and technical improvements of TERS, including the origin of enhancement, TERS instruments, TERS tips and the application of algorithms in TERS. Subsequently, we list the key experimental issues that need to be addressed to conduct successful TERS measurements. Next, we focus on the recent progress of TERS in the study of various materials, especially the novel low-dimensional materials, and the progresses of TERS in studying different interfaces, including both solid–gas and solid–liquid interfaces. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future developments of TERS in the study of materials and interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is the contents list for the journal "Chemical Communications" published in 2024. It includes various articles on topics such as precision photodynamic therapy, materials design for polymers, efficient electrocatalysts, and molecular perovskites. The journal is published by The Royal Society of Chemistry, a leading chemistry community. The document provides a comprehensive overview of the articles included in the journal issue. [Extracted from the article]

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and advanced atomic force microscopy (AFM++) have become pivotal for nanoscale elucidation of the structural, optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of halide perovskite single crystals and polycrystalline films, both under ex situ and in situ conditions. These techniques reveal detailed information about film topography, compositional mapping, charge distribution, near-field electrical behaviors, cation–lattice interactions, ion dynamics, piezoelectric characteristics, mechanical durability, thermal conductivity, and magnetic properties of doped perovskite lattices. This article outlines the advancements in SPM techniques that deepen our understanding of the optoelectronic and photovoltaic performances of halide perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive films are essential for the longevity of metals and alloys in corrosive environments. A great deal of research has been devoted to understanding and characterizing passive films, including their chemical composition, uniformity, thickness, porosity, and conductivity. Many characterization techniques are conducted under vacuum, which do not portray the true in‐service environments passive films will endure. Scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SEPM) techniques have emerged as necessary tools to complement research on characterizing passive films to enable the in situ extraction of passive film parameters and monitoring of local breakdown events of compromised films. Herein, we review the current research efforts using scanning electrochemical microscopy, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (or droplet cell measurements), and local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques to advance the knowledge of local properties of passivated metals. The future use of SEPM for quantitative extraction of local film characteristics within in‐service environments (i.e., with varying pH, solution composition, and applied potential) is promising, which can be correlated to nanostructural and microstructural features of the passive film and underlying metal using complementary microscopy and spectroscopy methods. The outlook on this topic is highlighted, including exciting avenues and challenges of these methods in characterizing advanced alloy systems and protective surface films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscopy has been pivotal in improving the understanding of structure‐function relationships at the nanoscale and is by now ubiquitous in most characterization labs. However, traditional microscopy operations are still limited largely by a human‐centric click‐and‐go paradigm utilizing vendor‐provided software, which limits the scope, utility, efficiency, effectiveness, and at times reproducibility of microscopy experiments. Here, a coupled software–hardware platform is developed that consists of a software package termed AEcroscopy (short for Automated Experiments in Microscopy), along with a field‐programmable‐gate‐array device with LabView‐built customized acquisition scripts, which overcome these limitations and provide the necessary abstractions toward full automation of microscopy platforms. The platform works across multiple vendor devices on scanning probe microscopes and electron microscopes. It enables customized scan trajectories, processing functions that can be triggered locally or remotely on processing servers, user‐defined excitation waveforms, standardization of data models, and completely seamless operation through simple Python commands to enable a plethora of microscopy experiments to be performed in a reproducible, automated manner. This platform can be readily coupled with existing machine‐learning libraries and simulations, to provide automated decision‐making and active theory‐experiment optimization to turn microscopes from characterization tools to instruments capable of autonomous model refinement and physics discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Modern neurobiology focuses on understanding and preventing neurodegeneration by detecting cellular changes early. Changes in astrocyte ultramorphology may indicate early neurodegeneration, associated with decreased synaptic plasticity and astrocyte aging. While high-resolution techniques like EM and SPM can study these structures, they can't use fluorescence microscopy for complete 3D analysis. We suggest using fluorescent dye-conjugated nanoantibodies for astrocyte labeling, allowing detailed ultramorphological research with electron, optical, and scanning probe microscopy, plus optical probe nanotomography. Methods: Hippocampi from male C57BL/6 mice were stained using commercial or GFAP-specific VHH-E9 nanoantibodies. The VHH-E9 antibodies were created by synthesizing a nucleotide sequence with added histidines and cysteine, then cloning it into the pET22 plasmid at XbaI and BamHI sites. Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami (DE3) cells were transformed to produce the pET22-VHHE9 strain. The nanoantibodies were produced via autoinduction and conjugated with a fluorophore. Astrocyte morphology was analyzed using the Sholl test with FiJi software. Results and Discussion: Traditional immunoglobulins can cause visualization inaccuracies due to the distance between the label and target protein. Nanoantibody conjugates, being smaller, reduce these errors. Immunostainings with both types showed similar efficiency, as Sholl profiles from different samples aligned within error margins. This supports the effectiveness of the sample preparation method and VHH-E9 nanoantibodies. It also suggests potential for developing similar procedures with fluorescent contrast agents, like semiconductor nanocrystals. Conclusions: To study astrocyte changes in early neurodegenerative stages, we propose combining high-resolution microscopy, optical microspectroscopy, and 3D ultrastructure restoration. Our method, OPNT, uses fluorescence microscopy for localization data, and SPM/UMT for ultrastructure. This involves creating UMT sections for simultaneous OM/SPM analysis and reconstructing them into a 3D array. We efficiently reconstruct 3D astrocyte ultramorphology and developed an immunostaining procedure using camel VHH-E9 nanoantibodies specific to GFAP, highlighting its efficiency and potential with fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparative analysis of the structural, morphological, and local electrical properties of CVD graphene films synthesized at atmospheric and low pressure CVD growth conditions was carried out. The use of electrical techniques of scanning probe microscopy, such as Kelvin probe force microscopy, scanning capacitance microscopy, electrostatic force microscopy, and conductive atomic-force microscopy for investigation of heterogeneous graphene coverage was discussed. A significant change in the surface potential values was observed indicating the formation of p-type multilayered graphene domains on single layer graphene at low pressure and n-type multilayered graphene films at atmospheric pressure CVD. The effect of Ar flow rate increasing during cooling stage in the temperature range of 700–200 °C causing graphite formation was described. The employment of surface potential spectroscopy allows to indicate the presence of nonlinear phenomena in heterogeneous graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric actuators (PEAs) are extensively used for scanning and positioning in scanning probe microscopy (SPM) due to their high precision, simple construction, and fast response. However, there are significant challenges for instrument designers due to their nonlinear properties. Nonlinear properties make precise and accurate control difficult in cases where position feedback sensors cannot be employed. However, the performance of PEA-driven scanners can be significantly improved without position feedback sensors if an accurate mathematical model with low computational costs is applied to reduce hysteresis and other nonlinear effects. Various methods have been proposed for modeling PEAs, but most of them have limitations in terms of their accuracy and computational efficiencies. In this research, we propose a variant DenseNet-type neural network (NN) model for modeling PEAs in an AFM scanner where position feedback sensors are not available. To improve the performance of this model, the mapping of the forward and backward directions is carried out separately. The experimental results successfully demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed model by reducing the relative root-mean-square (RMS) error to less than 0.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, in electric mobilities and stationary energy storage device applications, the development of long‐lasting, low‐cost, and high‐safety lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is widely studied. LiFePO4 (LFP) is a core cathode material for LIBs owing to its cost‐effectiveness and high safety. However, it exhibits low electronic conductivity and sluggish Li+ diffusion, hindering the application of LFP cathodes in high‐power battery industries. Herein, a triazole‐motivated electrolyte additive, 1‐(trimethylsilyl)−1H‐benzotriazole (TMSBTA) is presented, for mitigating iron dissolution via HF scavenging, reinforcing the robustness of the solid electrolyte interphase and constructing a cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) to balance the ion and electron conduction of the CEI on the LFP cathode. Scanning probe microscopy performed in the conductive atomic force microscopy mode indicates that the electronically conductive CEI created by the oxidative decomposition of TMSBTA enables rapid and homogeneous lithiation and delithiation during cycling without morphological changes in the LFP particles. This study elucidates the design principles of the CEI on the LFP cathode and is expected to guide integrated electrolyte additive engineering for LFP‐containing LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of high‐spin building blocks for the formation of covalently bonded 1D or 2D materials with controlled magnetic interactions, π ${\pi }$ ‐electron magnetism offers an ideal framework to engineer ferromagnetic interactions between nanographenes. As a first step in this direction, we explore the spin properties of ferromagnetically coupled triangulenes—triangular nanographenes with spin S=1 ${S = 1}$ . By combining in‐solution synthesis of rationally designed molecular precursors with on‐surface synthesis, we successfully achieve covalently bonded S=2 ${S = 2}$ triangulene dimers and S=3 ${S = 3}$ trimers on Au(111). Starting with the triangulene dimer, we meticulously characterize its low‐energy magnetic excitations using inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS). IETS reveals conductance steps corresponding to a quintet‐to‐triplet excitation, and a zero‐bias peak resulting from higher‐order spin‐spin scattering of the five‐fold degenerate ferromagnetic ground state. The Heisenberg model captures the key parameters of inter‐triangulene ferromagnetic exchange, and its successful extension to the larger S=3 ${S = 3}$ system validates the model's accuracy. We anticipate that incorporating ferromagnetically coupled building blocks into the repertoire of magnetic nanographenes will unlock new possibilities for designing carbon nanomaterials with complex magnetic ground states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of π‐magnetism in low‐dimensional carbon‐based nanostructures, such as nanographenes (NGs), has captured significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in spintronics and quantum technologies. Recent advancements in on‐surface synthesis under ultra‐high vacuum conditions have enabled the atomically precise engineering of these nanostructures, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by their inherent strong chemical reactivity. This review highlights the essential concepts and synthesis methods used in studying NGs. It also outlines the remarkable progress made in understanding and controlling their magnetic properties. Advanced characterization techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and non‐contact atomic force microscopy (nc‐AFM), have been instrumental in visualizing and manipulating these nanostructures, which highlighting their critical role in the field. The review underscores the versatility of carbon‐based π‐magnetic materials and their potential for integration into next‐generation electronic devices. It also outlines future research directions aimed at optimizing their synthesis and exploring applications in cutting‐edge technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic-scale imaging using scanning probe microscopy is a pivotal method for investigating the morphology and physico-chemical properties of nanostructured surfaces. Time resolution represents a significant limitation of this technique, as typical image acquisition times are on the order of several seconds or even a few minutes, while dynamic processes—such as surface restructuring or particle sintering, to be observed upon external stimuli such as changes in gas atmosphere or electrochemical potential—often occur within timescales shorter than a second. In this article, we present a fully redesigned field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based instrument that can be integrated into most commercially available standard scanning probe microscopes. This instrument not only significantly accelerates the acquisition of atomic-scale images by orders of magnitude but also enables the tracking of moving features such as adatoms, vacancies, or clusters across the surface ("atom tracking") due to the parallel execution of sophisticated control and acquisition algorithms and the fast exchange of data with an external processor. Each of these measurement modes requires a complex series of operations within the FPGA that are explained in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enantiospecific effects play an uprising role in chemistry and technical applications. Chiral molecular networks formed by self‐assembly processes at surfaces can be imaged by scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Low contrast and high noise in the topography map often interfere with the automatic image analysis using classical methods. The long SPM image acquisition times restrain Artificial Intelligence‐based methods requiring large training sets, leaving only tedious manual work, inducing human‐dependent errors and biased labeling. By generating realistic looking synthetic images, the acquisition of real datasets is avoided. Two state‐of‐the‐art object detection architectures are trained to localize and classify chiral unit‐cells in a regular molecular chiral network formed by self‐assembly of linear molecular bricks. The comparison of different architectures and datasets demonstrates that the training on purely synthetic data outperforms models trained using augmented datasets. A Faster R‐CNN model trained solely on synthetic data achieved an excellent mean average precision of 99% on real data. Hence this approach and the transfer to real data show high success, also highlighting the high robustness against experimental noise and different zoom levels across the full experimentally reasonable parameter range. The generalizability of this idea is demonstrated by achieving equally high performance on a different structure, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An advanced scanning probe microscopy system enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI‐SPM) designed for self‐driving atomic‐scale measurements is presented. This system expertly identifies and manipulates atomic positions with high precision, autonomously performing tasks such as spectroscopic data acquisition and atomic adjustment. An outstanding feature of AI‐SPM is its ability to detect and adapt to surface defects, targeting or avoiding them as necessary. It is also designed to overcome typical challenges such as positional drift and tip apex atomic variations due to the thermal effects, ensuring accurate, site‐specific surface analysis. The tests under the demanding conditions of room temperature have demonstrated the robustness of the system, successfully navigating thermal drift and tip fluctuations. During these tests on the Si(111)‐(7 × 7) surface, AI‐SPM autonomously identified defect‐free regions and performed a large number of current–voltage spectroscopy measurements at different adatom sites, while autonomously compensating for thermal drift and monitoring probe health. These experiments produce extensive data sets that are critical for reliable materials characterization and demonstrate the potential of AI‐SPM to significantly improve data acquisition. The integration of AI into SPM technologies represents a step toward more effective, precise and reliable atomic‐level surface analysis, revolutionizing materials characterization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectric gap between the scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tip and the surface of a ferroelectric using conductive atomic force microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is investigated. While the gap functions as a dielectric layer, it also allows tunneling current to inject charges into the ferroelectric when a critical loading force between 10–20 µN is applied to a tip with a radius of 25 nm under a bias voltage of 0.5 V. It is observed that the permittivity of the dielectric gap determines the coercive voltage measured by the piezoresponse hysteresis loop. While such studies done in air often produce coercive voltages much larger than those studied for the same materials in capacitor‐based studies, the use of high permittivity media such as water (ɛr = 79) or silicone oil (ɛr = 2.1‐2.8) produces coercive fields that more closely match those measured in conventional capacitor‐based polarization hysteresis loop measurements. Furthermore, using water as a dielectric medium in PFM imaging enhances the accuracy in extracting the amplitude and phase data from periodically poled lithium niobate crystals. These findings provide insight into the nanoscale phenomena of polarization switching instigated by the SPM tip and provide a pathway to improved quantitative studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), the addition of a redox active species plays an essential role. Those deliberately added mediators may alter results in SECM studies. In investigations of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) materials, especially of the positive electrode, the oxidation potentials of commonly used mediator substances such as ferrocene are located within the operation potential of the electrode. Thus, they possibly interfere with the regular charge/discharge processes. In situ studies are therefore in need of approaches reducing or eliminating the use of mediators. Within this publication, a novel mediator dosing (MD) concept is introduced. A capillary was closely positioned at the tip of the scanning probe. By gravity flow, stable flow rates of mediator solution of up to 32.4±0.6 μL h−1 were achieved. These low amounts were found to be sufficient to form a ferrocene zone at the probe tip enabling feedback mode SECM measurements with comparable quality to measurements directly in ferrocene solution. Proof of concept experiments were conducted by investigation of a thin‐film electrode with a micro‐structured surface. Furthermore, the MD concept was applied in imaging experiments of a commercially available LIB graphite electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of the sixth Microscopy Today Micrograph Awards competition. The competition showcases scientific images that are visually impactful and interesting. This year, submissions came from 21 countries and 17 US states. The article presents the prize winners in each category, including the Published category, Open category, and Video category, as well as the winner of the People's Choice Award. The judging panel consisted of seven judges with expertise in microscopy. The article also provides information on the judging process and criteria for winning micrographs. The submission site for the next contest will reopen in November 2024. [Extracted from the article]

With the extensive proliferation of scanning probe microscopy (SPM)-related technologies, there is a growing demand for a fully customizable SPM controller. In response, we have developed an SPM controller that allows users to incorporate additional functions using LabVIEW, a graphical programming language. This controller incorporates fundamental features such as one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning, feedback control, and slope compensation. In addition, it includes capabilities to restrict the speed of probe movement and safeguard the probe. Our system consists of a host personal computer (PC) running the Windows operating system and a National Instruments Reconfigurable Input/Output board equipped with a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The FPGA supports real-time deterministic processing, including feedback and probe protection functions, operating asynchronously from the host PC through data exchange via direct memory access first-in-first-out. The system features a graphical user interface on the Windows OS, supplemented by a character-based user interface that utilizes command strings in JavaScript object notation format. Furthermore, we provide wrappers for these commands using the Python programming language. We anticipate that our fully customizable bare born package of LabVIEW-based controller will prove beneficial for researchers utilizing SPM and those managing instruments requiring scanning and feedback control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical characteristics and electrical behavior of zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-NRs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were investigated using advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques. The study revealed that the ZnO nanorods had a length of about 350 nm, while the Ag nanoparticles were spherical with heights ranging from 5 to 14 nm. Measurements with Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) showed that the work functions of ZnO nanorods were approximately 4.55 eV, higher than that of bulk ZnO, and the work function of Ag nanoparticles ranged from 4.54 to 4.56 eV. The electrical characterization of ZnO nanorods, silver nanoparticles, and their hybrid was also conducted using conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) to determine the local current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, which revealed a characteristic similar to that of a Schottky diode. The current-voltage characteristic curves of ZnO nanorods and Ag nanoparticles both showed an increase in current at around 1 V, and the hybrid ZnONRs/AgNP exhibited an increase in turn-on voltage at around 2.5 volts. This suggested that the presence of Ag nanoparticles enhanced the electrical properties of ZnO nanorods, improving the charge carrier mobility and conduction mechanisms through a Schottky junction. The investigation also explored the optical properties of ZnO-NRs, AgNPs, and their hybrid, revealing absorption bands at 3.11 eV and 3.18 eV for ZnO-NRs and AgNPs, respectively. The hybrid material showed absorption at 3.13 eV, indicating enhanced absorption, and the presence of AgNP affected the optical properties of ZnO-NR, resulting in increased photoluminescence intensity and slightly changes in peak positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) is widely recognized for its role in regulating renal function and blood pressure. However, the precise mechanisms by which NO affects renal epithelial cells remain understudied. Our previous research has shown that NO signaling in glomerular podocytes can be initiated by Angiotensin II (ANG II) but not by ATP. This study aims to elucidate the crucial interplay between the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and NO production in podocytes. To conduct our research, we used cultured human podocytes and freshly isolated rat glomeruli. A variety of RAS peptides were used, alongside confocal microscopy, to detect NO production and NO/Ca2+ cross talk. Dynamic changes in the podocyte cytoskeleton, mediated by RAS-NO intracellular signaling, were observed using fluorescent labeling for F-actin and scanning probe microscopy. The experiments demonstrated that ANG II and ANG III generated high levels of NO by activating the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R). We did not detect functional MAS receptor presence in podocytes, and the moderate NO response to ANG 1–7 was also mediated through AT2R. Furthermore, NO production impacted intracellular Ca2+ signaling and correlated with an increase in podocyte volume and growth. Scanning probe experiments revealed that AT2R activation and the corresponding NO generation are responsible for the protrusion of podocyte lamellipodia. Taken together, our data indicate that AT2R activation enhances NO production in podocytes and subsequently mediates changes in Ca2+ signaling and podocyte volume dynamics. These mechanisms may play a significant role in both physiological and pathophysiological interactions between the RAS and podocytes. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The renin-angiotensin system plays a crucial role in the production of intracellular nitric oxide within podocytes. This mechanism operates through the activation of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor, leading to dynamic modifications in intracellular calcium levels and the actin filament network. This intricate process is vital for linking the activity of angiotensin receptors to podocyte function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and physicochemical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVA/glycerol films have been investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and advanced scanning probe microscopy (SPM). In the pure PVA films, SPM allowed us to observe ribbon-shaped domains with a different frictional and elastic contrast, which apparently originated from a correlated growth or assembly of PVA crystalline nuclei located within individual PVA clusters. The incorporation of 22% w/w glycerol led to modification in shape of those domains from ribbon-like in pure PVA to rounded in PVA/glycerol 22% w/w films; changes in the relative intensities of the XRD peaks and a decrease in the amorphous halo in the XRD pattern were also detected, while the DTA peak corresponding to the melting point remained at almost the same temperature. For higher glycerol content, FT-IR revealed additional glycerol-characteristic peaks presumably related to the formation of glycerol aggregates, and XRD, FT-IR, and DTA all indicated a reduction in crystallinity. For more than 36% w/w glycerol, the plasticization of the films complicated the acquisition of SPM images without tip-induced surface modification. Our study contributes to the understanding of crystallinity in PVA and how it is altered by a plasticizer such as glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxyamine matrix-based composites containing 15 wt% of Fe nanoparticles and 1.5 or 2 wt% of carbon nanotubes, as well as composites containing only Fe particles, have been studied using microwave methods and various scanning probe microscopy techniques, such as scanning capacitance microscopy and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy. The composites were prepared using technological methods that improve their homogeneity. Probe current dependences investigated by applying different voltages to the probe in the Kelvin probe force microscopy mode have shown that the falling regions of the dependences at both positive and negative values of the bias voltage are found only for the sample containing both the Fe particles and the CNT in the "soft epoxy" matrix. Microwave measurements of the transmission and reflection coefficients were performed in the frequency range from 26 to 38 GHz. The field dependences of the microwave power dissipation have been plotted. The ferromagnetic resonance in the composites has been investigated. Frequency dependences of the complex dielectric permittivity of the composites have been determined. Microwave properties of the CNT-containing and CNT-free composites have been compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular field-coupled nanocomputing (molFCN) encodes information in the molecule charge distribution and elaborates it through electrostatic coupling. Despite the advantageous sub-nanometric size and low-power dissipation, only a few attempts have been made to validate the technology experimentally. One of the obstacles is the difficulty in measuring molecule charges to validate information encoding or integrate molFCN with complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). In this work, we propose a paradigm preserving the advantages of molFCN, which exploits the position of waiving molecules to augment the information encoding. We validate the paradigm, named bend-boosted molFCN, with density functional theory using 6-(ferrocenyl)hexanethiol cations. We demonstrate that the encoded information can be electrically read by constituting a molecular junction. The paradigm is compatible with the charge-based molFCN, thus acting as a readout system. The obtained results favor the experimental assessment of the molFCN principle through scanning probe microscopy techniques and the design of molFCN-CMOS heterogeneous circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To operationalise the heterogeneous photocatalysis process, the present study investigated the efficiency of TiO2-P25 nanoparticles immobilised on glass beads using the heat attachment method to remove cefazolin (CEF) as an antibiotic contaminant. The characteristics of the glass beads coated with TiO2-P25 nanoparticles were probed by the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique. The immobilised TiO2-P25 nanoparticles manifested considerable efficiency in CEF removal in different operational conditions. The impact of various parameters, such as the ultraviolet light radiation time, initial concentration of CEF, light source power, inlet liquid volumetric flow rate, and pH of the solution, on the efficiency of CEF removal were examined. The results reveal that the removal percentage goes up as the irradiation time, volumetric flow rate, pH of the solution, and light source power increase while declining with a rise in the initial concentration of CEF. According to the findings, an initial CEF concentration of 20 mg L−1 is entirely removed by 40 min UV irradiation with a 16 W light source, the volumetric flow rate of 300 mL min−1, and the pH of 9.5. The reaction rate constant and adsorption coefficient of CEF on immobilised TiO2 were estimated at 0.622 mg L−1 min−1 and 0.095 mg−1 L via Langmuir- Hinshelwood kinetics. The outcomes of the mineralisation studies also display a considerable reduction of TOC and evolution of significant mineralisation products, like $$NO_3^ - $$ N O 3 − , $$NO_2^ - $$ N O 2 − , $$NH_4^ + $$ N H 4 + , and $$SO_4^{2 - }$$ S O 4 2 − . The experimental results were modelled by artificial neural networks (ANN). Comparing the experimental results with the ANN-predicted data shows the acceptable efficiency of modelling with ANN. The minimum MSE, R2 value for all data (validation, training, and test), and R2 value for simulated data were obtained at 0.00027811, 0.9971, and 0.9809, respectively. The relative importance of the parameters affecting the process evaluated by the ANN weights indicates that the irradiation time is the most important factor in the photocatalytic removal of CEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an effective method to fabricate a large-area cross-sectional sample for lithium-ion battery electrodes, we perform in-plane polishing of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) cathode samples and obtain a large cross-sectional area with a diameter of 1.5 mm. The polished cross-sections of NCA cathode particles are sufficiently flat to perform the atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements on each cathode particle. Following AFM-based Kelvin probe force microscopy and scanning spreading resistance microscopy measurements, an identical in-plane polished NCA sample is assembled into a coin cell for the charge and discharge processes. After 90 charge/discharge cycles, the in-plane-polished sample is successfully disassembled from the coin cell without causing critical damage. In addition, a microcrack structure, which is a typical degradation feature of the cycles of NCA particles, is observed for the identical in-plane polished NCA sample. This indicates that the in-plane polishing method is effective for investigating identical NCA electrode samples before and after the charge/discharge process. Furthermore, the in-plane polishing method can be successfully applied to the large-area polishing of a Si-based anode which is a mixture of Si carbon complexes and graphite particles. This study presents a novel methodology for analyzing the degradation of lithium-ion battery electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cantilever-free scanning probe microscopy has enormous potential for high-throughput topography imaging using parallel probe arrays. However, the current imaging mechanism of the cantilever-free tip architecture hardly considers the efficiency of the detection method regarding precision and bandwidth, which could be a bottleneck to expanding the application of this measurement system. In this communication, we present a contact resistance-based cantilever-free imaging system using radio frequency (RF) reflectometry. RF reflectometry measurements provide sensitive detection of the contact resistance with a wide bandwidth, enabling sub-micrometer-scale topography imaging. We demonstrated our imaging system using a carbon black-polydimethylsiloxane composite tip with a custom-built RF reflectometry setup. The proof-of-concept system achieved a resolution of 230 nm and a bandwidth of the detection system of approximately 8.5 MHz, validating the feasibility of the imaging technique for potential high-throughput cantilever-free scanning probe microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contact mode scanning probe microscopy (SPM), the microcantilever probe's dynamics are governed by the (short-range) surface interaction forces, where the tip is "always-in-contact" with the sample. In intermittent contact modes such as "tapping" or bimodal SPM, on the other hand, these are governed by the frequency of the microcantilever's own external excitation. However, when contact mode is employed with high scan speeds (for "video-rate" SPM), we see intermittent transitions—within a single oscillation cycle—between the "always-in-contact" regime and another which is dominated by the microcantilever's inertia. We find—through experiments and physical modeling—that the fast in-plane motion of the sample relative to the probe results in a high surface excitation frequency v / λ (and its harmonics), which excite the microcantilever's out-of-plane eigenmodes and cause it to "break free" of the surface and "overshoot" and "parachute." The impacts of the tip that consequently occur upon the sample inject energy over a wide frequency band into the higher eigenmodes, especially when operating in a low dissipation ambient environment. The microcantilever, then, exhibits phenomena such as eigenmode switching, sidebands, and fractional and combination resonances; such behavior is not seen in, say, tapping mode SPM, since, there, energy is injected at an externally-determined temporal rate. This article investigates the transition from the dynamics of the microcantilever at low speeds to that exhibited at high speeds. The model for dynamic contact loss is validated against the experiments and can be used to propose mitigation of such dynamics in order to achieve high-resolution imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin‐crossover compounds can be switched between two stable states with different magnetic moments, conformations, electronic, and optical properties, which opens appealing perspectives for technological applications including miniaturization down to the scale of single molecules. Although control of the spin states is crucial their direct identification is challenging in single‐molecule experiments. Here we investigate the spin‐crossover complex [Fe(HB(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)3)2] on a Cu(111) surface with scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. Spin crossover of single molecules in dense islands is achieved via electron injection. Spin‐flip excitations are resolved in scanning tunneling spectra in a magnetic field enabling the direct identification of the molecular spin state, and revealing the existence of magnetic anisotropy in the HS molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron, optical, and scanning probe microscopy methods are generating ever increasing volume of image data containing information on atomic and mesoscale structures and functionalities. This necessitates the development of the machine learning methods for discovery of physical and chemical phenomena from the data, such as manifestations of symmetry breaking phenomena in electron and scanning tunneling microscopy images, or variability of the nanoparticles. Variational autoencoders (VAEs) are emerging as a powerful paradigm for the unsupervised data analysis, allowing to disentangle the factors of variability and discover optimal parsimonious representation. Here, we summarize recent developments in VAEs, covering the basic principles and intuition behind the VAEs. The invariant VAEs are introduced as an approach to accommodate scale and translation invariances present in imaging data and separate known factors of variations from the ones to be discovered. We further describe the opportunities enabled by the control over VAE architecture, including conditional, semi-supervised, and joint VAEs. Several case studies of VAE applications for toy models and experimental datasets in Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy are discussed, emphasizing the deep connection between VAE and basic physical principles. Python codes and datasets discussed in this article are available at https://github.com/saimani5/VAE-tutorials and can be used by researchers as an application guide when applying these to their own datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single molecules, the smallest independently stable units in the material world, serve as the fundamental building blocks of matter. Among different branches of single-molecule sciences, single-molecule chemical reactions, by revealing the behavior and properties of individual molecules at the molecular scale, are particularly attractive because they can advance the understanding of chemical reaction mechanisms and help to address key scientific problems in broad fields such as physics, chemistry, biology and materials science. This review provides a timely, comprehensive overview of single-molecule chemical reactions based on various technical platforms such as scanning probe microscopy, single-molecule junction, single-molecule nanostructure, single-molecule fluorescence detection and crossed molecular beam. We present multidimensional analyses of single-molecule chemical reactions, offering new perspectives for research in different areas, such as photocatalysis/electrocatalysis, organic reactions, surface reactions and biological reactions. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges in this thriving field of single-molecule chemical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares different types of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) probes according to the function of the surface layer at the tip apex. Three main types of SPM probes were analyzed: scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) tungsten probes, conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes, and non-conductive AFM probes. The tungsten STM probes were coated with a graphite layer to simulate the effects of carbonization. The tested AFM probes were specifically NenoProbe conductive AFM probes (platinum-coated tip) and Akiyama non-conductive AFM probes coated with gold. The gold coating is intended to improve surface conductivity and help achieve a homogeneous, oxidation-resistant surface. The three samples were measured in a field emission microscope to study their current-voltage characteristics. The obtained current-voltage characteristics were tested and analyzed by the Forbes field emission orthodoxy test, providing the field emission parameters that correlate with the state of the scanning probe tip. In this study, the most important parameter is the formal emission area parameter, which indicates the formal tunneling current density through the probe tip-sample nanogap. For an STM tip, this reflects the size and shape of the region from which electrons tunnel to the sample surface. If this area is larger than expected or desired, it may indicate problems with tip function or tip wear. This information is critical for evaluating the performance and accuracy of the STM tip and can help diagnose problems and optimize its function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu-Cr-Zr alloys have excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. So, these alloys possess major contribution to industrial applications which were fabricated with the help of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. However, during the printing process, the geometries were affected by cavity formation, poor wettability between the particles, etc. In this study, LPBF parameters such as laser power (300, 350 and 400 W), exposure time (200, 300 and 400 µs) and overlapping rate (10, 30 and 50%) were examined to prepare a fully dense part with minimum defects. Parameters evaluated for the combined influence of process parameters were relative density, nanohardness and surface roughness. The effects of different combinations of input parameters on defect formations and micropores were also demonstrated. Furthermore, observations from 2D scanning probe microscopy (SPM) images and 3D topography were used to evaluate the surface roughness. The combination of 400-W laser power, 300-μs exposure time and 50% overlapping rate has led to highly dense parts with a reduced surface roughness of 11.32 µm and also with maximum reduced modulus and nanohardness of 191.4 and 5.8 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus pentamers (cyclo-P5) are unstable in nature but can be synthesized at the Ag(111) surface. Unlike monolayer black phosphorous, little is known about their electronic properties when in contact with metal electrodes, although this is crucial for future applications. Here, we characterize the atomic structure of cyclo-P5 assembled on Ag(111) using atomic force microscopy with functionalized tips and density functional theory. Combining force and tunneling spectroscopy, we find that a strong charge transfer induces an inward dipole moment at the cyclo-P5/Ag interface as well as the formation of an interface state. We probe the image potential states by field-effect resonant tunneling and quantify the increase of the local change of work function of 0.46 eV at the cyclo-P5 assembly. Our experimental approach suggest that the cyclo-P5/Ag interface has the characteristic ingredients of a p-type semiconductor-metal Schottky junction with potential applications in field-effect transistors, diodes, or solar cells. Although unstable in nature, phosphorus pentamers (cyclo-P5) can be synthesized on a silver surface. Here, the authors use scanning probe microscopy to probe charge redistribution at the P5/Ag interface offering potential applications in transistors or solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a broad family of diagnostic methods. Common restraint of SPM is only surficial interaction with specimen, especially troublesome in case of complex volumetric systems, e.g. microbial or microelectronic. Scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) overcomes that constraint, since thermal information is collected from broader space. We present transformer bridge-based setup for resistive nanoprobe-based microscopy. With low-frequency (LF) (approx. 1 kHz) detection signal bridge resolution becomes independent on parasitic capacitances present in the measurement setup. We present characterisation of the setup and metrological description—with resolution of the system 0.6 mK with sensitivity as low as 5 mV K−1. Transformer bridge setup brings galvanic separation, enabling measurements in various environments, pursued for purposes of molecular biology. We present results SThM measurement results of high-thermal contrast sample of carbon fibres in an epoxy resin. Finally, we analyse influence of thermal imaging on topography imaging in terms of information channel capacity. We state that transformer bridge-based SThM system is a fully functional design along with low driving frequencies and resistive thermal nanoprobes by Kelvin Nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report is on magneto-electric (ME) interactions in bulk composites with coaxial fibers of nickel–zinc ferrite and PZT. The core–shell fibers of PZT and Ni1−xZnxFe2O4 (NZFO) with x = 0–0.5 were made by electrospinning. Both kinds of fibers, either with ferrite or PZT core and with diameters in the range of 1–3 μm were made. Electron and scanning probe microscopy images indicated well-formed fibers with uniform core and shell structures and defect-free interface. X-ray diffraction data for the fibers annealed at 700–900 °C did not show any impurity phases. Magnetization, magnetostriction, ferromagnetic resonance, and polarization P versus electric field E measurements confirmed the ferroic nature of the fibers. For ME measurements, the fibers were pressed into disks and rectangular platelets and then annealed at 900–1000 °C for densification. The strengths of strain-mediated ME coupling were measured by the H-induced changes in remnant polarization Pr and by low-frequency ME voltage coefficient (MEVC). The fractional change in Pr under H increased in magnitude, from +3% for disks of NFO–PZT to −82% for NZFO (x = 0.3)-PZT, and a further increase in x resulted in a decrease to a value of −3% for x = 0.5. The low-frequency MEVC measured in disks of the core–shell fibers ranged from 6 mV/cm Oe to 37 mV/cm Oe. The fractional changes in Pr and the MEVC values were an order of magnitude higher than for bulk samples containing mixed fibers with a random distribution of NZFO and PZT. The bulk composites with coaxial fibers have the potential for use as magnetic field sensors and in energy-harvesting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling nanoscale tip‐induced material removal is crucial for achieving atomic‐level precision in tomographic sensing with atomic force microscopy (AFM). While advances have enabled volumetric probing of conductive features with nanometer accuracy in solid‐state devices, materials, and photovoltaics, limitations in spatial resolution and volumetric sensitivity persist. This work identifies and addresses in‐plane and vertical tip‐sample junction leakage as sources of parasitic contrast in tomographic AFM, hindering real‐space 3D reconstructions. Novel strategies are proposed to overcome these limitations. First, the contrast mechanisms analyzing nanosized conductive features are explored when confining current collection purely to in‐plane transport, thus allowing reconstruction with a reduction in the overestimation of the lateral dimensions. Furthermore, an adaptive tip‐sample biasing scheme is demonstrated for the mitigation of a class of artefacts induced by the high electric field inside the thin oxide when volumetrically reduced. This significantly enhances vertical sensitivity by approaching the intrinsic limits set by quantum tunneling processes, allowing detailed depth analysis in thin dielectrics. The effectiveness of these methods is showcased in tomographic reconstructions of conductive filaments in valence change memory, highlighting the potential for application in nanoelectronics devices and bulk materials and unlocking new limits for tomographic AFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Y 2 O 3 /AlN composite films with different thicknesses of AlN interlayer were prepared on CVD diamond by RF magnetron sputtering. The influence of AlN thickness on the microstructure, adhesion strength, film stress, thermal shock resistance and infrared transmittance of the films was investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scratch tester and 3-D optical surface profiler. The results show that CVD diamond coated with Y 2 O 3 /AlN composite films with different thicknesses of AlN have different degrees of anti-reflective effects in the 8–10 μm infrared band. The adhesion strength and quality of the composite film were improved with the AlN thickness increased, and the anti-reflective and anti-thermal shock of the film showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. CVD diamond coated with Y 2 O 3 /AlN composite films with 700 nm AlN interlayer has an average transmittance of 77 % in the 8–10 μm band and a good adhesion between interfaces. It can withstand rapid temperature changes and effectively protect the diamond substrate with little or no degradation of infrared optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annotation. In today's century, the development of information technology has given impetus to the development of the economy. Impact of the development of semiconductor materials and nanoelectronics technologies on innovative processes in the electronic economy. This research examines the concentration and energy levels of charge carriers in modern conditions for the study of electrophysical tools of semiconductor materials and the application of new diagnostic methods. Semiconductor technologies form the basis of modern electronics and information technologies. These technologies are especially important in creating high-speed telecommunication systems. Semiconductor electronic devices are basically the elementary base of micro- and nanoelectronics. Therefore, research and synthesis of new materials, study of their electrophysical properties, production technology were developed in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]