TERS Probe Intermittent Contact for Non-Destructive Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface chemical analysis methods, such as TERS, face challenges with damage to samples and probes due to continuous tight contact during scanning, leading to irreproducible results and reduced sensitivity, and lack the ability to adjust force and distance dynamically.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a scanning probe microscope linked with an optical spectrometer, capable of programmable switching between two regimes to maintain a safe distance and adjust the probe's position, allowing for intermittent contact and reduced mechanical contact time to prevent damage, while maintaining high sensitivity and spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous tight contact between probe and sample surface is maintained during scanning, then high sensitivity and spatial resolution of chemical analysis is achieved, but damage to sample and probe occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic intermittent contact between the probe and sample surface, switching between contact and non-contact states during scanning. This allows the probe to maintain tight contact only during measurement phases to achieve high spatial resolution, while separating from the surface during transit to prevent damage accumulation, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the probe-sample distance, continuously adjusting the separation between probe and surface based on scanning phase requirements. The system transitions from close proximity during measurement to larger separation during movement, making the contact regime adaptive rather than static, thereby achieving high resolution without continuous damage.
2Measurement precision
If continuous tight contact is maintained during scanning, then high sensitivity analysis is achieved, but reproducibility of results decreases due to damage
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic intermittent contact, the system maintains high sensitivity during measurement phases when the probe is in contact with the sample, while preventing cumulative damage during non-contact phases. This periodic regime ensures that each measurement cycle starts with an undamaged probe and sample surface, thereby improving reproducibility while preserving sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective non-contact phases between measurement cycles, acting as a cushioning mechanism that prevents damage accumulation before it can affect subsequent measurements. This prior protection ensures that each new measurement cycle begins with intact sample and probe surfaces, maintaining reproducibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe is kept at a safe distance from the sample surface, then damage is prevented, but sensitivity and spatial resolution of analysis are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the probe-sample distance based on the scanning phase: maintaining safe separation during transit to prevent damage, and reducing to close proximity during measurement phases to achieve high sensitivity. This dynamic regulation allows the system to optimize both protection and measurement performance at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically switches between safe-distance mode and close-contact mode, alternating between damage prevention and high-sensitivity measurement phases. This periodic switching ensures that the probe is close to the surface only when measurement is occurring, maintaining sensitivity without requiring continuous close contact that would cause damage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If intermittent contact with reduced mechanical contact time is used, then damage is reduced, but the complexity of controlling probe position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms that monitor probe-sample interactions and automatically adjust contact timing and force. This feedback system manages the complexity of intermittent contact control by using real-time information about surface topography and probe position to optimize contact duration and force, reducing mechanical damage while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
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 approach enables non-destructive, reproducible, and highly sensitive surface chemical analysis with improved spatial resolution, reducing the risk of damage to both the sample and probe, and enhancing the accuracy of chemical identification.
Implementation Method 1
Tip Enhanced Raman Scattering ('TERS') phenomena
Implementation Method 2
laser-induced fluorescence caused by laser illumination of sharp tip of scanning probe microscope
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention include systems and devices useful for surface chemical analysis of solid samples by Tip Enhanced Raman Spectrometry (“TERS”), and particularly it relates to devices useful for chemical analysis of molecular compounds located either on or within thin surface layer of solid samples. Even more particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to systems, and devices for non-destructive analysis combining both high sensitivity and high spatial resolution of analysis of chemical compounds located or distributed on the surface of solid samples with obtaining important information regarding vibration spectra of atoms and molecular groups contained in a thin surface layer of solid samples. These objectives are realized by implementation of computer-assisted systems that use sensors to carefully regulate the motion of, and force applied to, probes of atomic force microscopes.