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A cryogenic scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope.

Honghua U Yang¹, Erik Hebestreit, Erik E Josberger

¹Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry, and JILA, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA.

The Review of Scientific Instruments

|March 8, 2013

Summary

We developed a versatile cryogenic scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) instrument for nanoscale optical spectroscopy. This advanced s-SNOM system probes quantum materials under extreme conditions, revealing domain formation during metal-insulator transitions.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Condensed Matter Physics
Optical Spectroscopy

Background:

Scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) offers nanoscale optical resolution.
Its compatibility with various spectroscopic techniques is crucial for advanced material characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a versatile s-SNOM instrument capable of operating under cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic fields.
To enable advanced spectroscopic studies of quantum materials and their phase transitions.

Main Methods:

Designed and implemented a novel s-SNOM instrument with independent tip/sample scanning and broad spectral range (UV to THz).
Integrated cryogenic (20-500 K) and high magnetic field (up to 7 T) capabilities.
Utilized mid-infrared spectroscopy to probe metal-insulator transitions in VO2 and V2O3.

Main Results:

Demonstrated the instrument's capability to probe domain formation during metal-insulator transitions.
Successfully characterized the Drude response associated with these transitions.
Showcased the system's versatility for various spectroscopic techniques, including tip-enhanced spectroscopy.

Conclusions:

The developed cryogenic, high-field s-SNOM instrument is a powerful tool for studying mesoscopic order in correlated electron materials.
Enables investigation of competing quantum phases under controlled external stimuli (fields, temperature, strain, current).
Opens new avenues for nanoscale optical spectroscopy of quantum phenomena.