Nano-Raman imaging of Cu-TCNQ clusters in TCNQ thin films by scanning near-field optical microscopy

Year: 2002

Authors: Gucciardi P.G., Trusso S., Vasi C., Patane S., Allegrini M.

Autors Affiliation: CNR, Ist Proc Chimicofis, Sez Messina, I-98123 Messina, Italy; Univ Messina, Dipartimento Fis Mat & Tecnol Fis Avanzate, I-98166 Messina, Italy; Univ Messina, INFM, I-98166 Messina, Italy; Univ Pisa, Dipartimento Fis, INFM, I-56127 Pisa, Italy

Abstract: We have combined scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) techniques with Raman scattering in order to measure the topography and the local optical properties of solid samples together with the chemical properties of molecular adsorbates, on subwavelength scales. The proposed experimental setup is simple, but very sensitive. In particular, we have focussed our attention on the optimization of the collection and detection of the scattered light, in order to circumvent the limited imaging capabilities of the SNOM due to the low cross-section of the Raman effect. The sample we will report on is a tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) thin film kept in contact with Cu powder in order to give rise to local complexes of Cu-TCNQ. A comparative investigation based on independent micro- and nano-Raman maps, allows us to chemically discriminate the aggregates and to assess the enhanced lateral resolution of the SNOM in the nanometre range.

We have combined scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) techniques with Raman scattering in order to measure the topography and the local optical properties of solid samples together with the chemical properties of molecular adsorbates, on subwavelength scales. The proposed experimental setup is simple, but very sensitive. In particular, we have focussed our attention on the optimization of the collection and detection of the scattered light, in order to circumvent the limited imaging capabilities of the SNOM due to the low cross-section of the Raman effect. The sample we will report on is a tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) thin film kept in contact with Cu powder in order to give rise to local complexes of Cu-TCNQ. A comparative investigation based on independent micro- and nano-Raman maps, allows us to chemically discriminate the aggregates and to assess the enhanced lateral resolution of the SNOM in the nanometre range.

Journal/Review: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS

Volume: 4 (12)      Pages from: 2747  to: 2753

More Information: DOI: 10.1039/b110475f


KeyWords: room-temperature; spectroscopy; resolution; artifacts; silicon
DOI: 10.1039/b110475f

Citations: 48
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