Scanning Probe Microscope Sample Holder Thin Liquid Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning probe microscopes face challenges in achieving high lateral resolution when measuring physical information at the interface between a sample in a liquid and the liquid, due to the limitations of probe depth and signal strength, particularly in the context of hydration structures and biological reactions.
Innovation Solution
A scanning probe microscope system with a sample holder that forms a thin liquid film on the sample surface using a tabular-shaped upper lid with a slim slit, combined with a probe and oscillator system that allows for precise control of the probe's position and pulsed laser illumination, enhancing the intensity of nonlinear optical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional scanning probe microscope uses a probe with limited interaction region (about diameter of tip), then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision of nonlinear optical signals is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the liquid layer (thickness, volume) by introducing a spacer element, which enhances the probe-sample interaction and amplifies nonlinear optical signals without fundamentally redesigning the probe structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spacer as an intermediary element between the probe and sample surface, which mediates the interaction by controlling liquid layer thickness and enhancing the optical signal without direct modification of the probe tip
2Measurement precision
If the depth of liquid on sample surface is reduced to enhance lateral resolution, then the measurement precision improves, but the probe may not be sufficiently soaked in liquid for effective measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the liquid layer thickness parameter to a specific range (1-10 μm) that simultaneously achieves high lateral resolution and sufficient probe immersion, balancing both requirements through precise parameter control
3Measurement precision
If a thin liquid film is formed using a spacer and upper lid with slim slit, then the lateral resolution and signal intensity improve, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample holder into separate functional components (container, upper lid with slit, spacer), allowing each part to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system performance
4Quantity of substance
If the culture solution rises in convex from opening due to surface tension, then the liquid volume increases, but the probe immersion depth becomes uncontrollable and exceeds regulated distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-counteracts the surface tension effect by designing the spacer thickness and upper lid slit position to compensate for the expected liquid rise, thereby maintaining precise control over probe immersion depth despite the convex meniscus formation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables higher lateral resolution measurements of physical information at the sample-liquid interface, improving the detection of nonlinear optical signals and enhancing the sensitivity of techniques like SFG and SHG spectroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
a tabular-shaped upper lid that covers an upper opening of the container and that has a slim slit above a placement position of a sample, the slit having a slit width to form a thin film of the liquid having a film thickness smaller than a distance between an upper surface of the sample and the upper lid
Implementation Method 2
an oscillator that displaces the probe in upward and downward directions
Implementation Method 3
The SFG spectroscopy measures the intensity of scattered light from a region without the inversion symmetry in a sample by nonlinear optical phenomenon between scattering of infrared incident light (Raman scattering) related to molecular vibration of molecules included in the sample and visible incident light
Implementation Method 4
a filter integrated detector that measures intensity of output light caused in the sample by irradiation of the pulsed laser beam by energy spectroscopy
Implementation Method 5
The Kelvin probe force microscope is based on a method of mapping electrostatic force distribution by scanning a conductive probe on the sample surface while detecting an electrostatic force acting between a cantilever having the conductive probe and the sample
Implementation Method 6
As the atomic force and the like other than the electrostatic force are also applied to the conductive probe
Data Source
AI summary
This sample holder for a scanning probe microscope is constituted of (1) a container that retains a liquid and (2) a flat-plate-shaped upper cover that covers an upper opening of the container and that has a narrow slit above the position where a sample is placed. In the upper cover, the slit has a slit width with which a thin film of the liquid is formed over the upper surface of the sample when the liquid fills the space between the container and the upper cover. The thin film of the liquid has a film thickness smaller than the distance between the upper surface of the sample and the upper cover.