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Updated: May 16, 2025

High-resolution Thermal Micro-imaging Using Europium Chelate Luminescent Coatings
Published on: April 16, 2017
Signal size and resolution of scanning thermal microscopy in air and vacuum
Jabez J McClelland1, Evgheni Strelcov2, Ami Chand3
1Nanoscale Device Characterization Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA. jabez.mcclelland@nist.gov.
Abstract:
We present measurements comparing scanning thermal microscopy in air and vacuum. Signal levels are compared and resolution is probed by scanning over the edge of a nanofabricated Ag square embedded in [Formula: see text]. Signals measured in air were seen to be 2.5-40 times larger than in vacuum. Furthermore, the air signals were stable while the vacuum signals varied significantly. Edge widths measured in air were approximately 39% larger than those measured in vacuum. Our observations are consistent with the air measurements experiencing heat transfer from the surrounding sample through the air as well as the formation of a water-related meniscus at the tip-sample junction. These results contribute to the understanding of the complex heat exchange effects that can occur in scanning thermal microscopy when it is conducted in an ambient atmosphere.
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