Studies on Polymer Structures and Functions in Nanometric Dimensions: Challenges to Ten Nano-meters Regions by Scanning Photon Microscopy

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This research project is aimed at development of a novel scanning photon microscope characterized both with high spatial resolutions of 10-100 nm and with high sensitivities capable of detecting extremely weak emission from a single molecule. Owing to the excellent performance, this research could exemplify the usefulness of this novel method for studying polymer structures and functions in the "critical dimensions" between microscopic molecular systems and macroscopic bulk systems. The issues investigated during the project term are listed as follows;1. Real space imaging of conformation and expansions of single polymer chains in a polymer matrix2. Polymer structure and entanglement in a restricted space such as ultra-thin polymer films and surfaces3. Quantitative evaluation of spatial distribution of near-field optical waves and spatial resolution of microscope by using model samples prepared with highly fluorescent quantum dots4. Analysis of molecular diffusion at the polymer surface and interfaces in a nanometric dimensions5. Study of segmental orientation of main-chain conjugated polymers by fluorescence polarization imaging with a dual detection scanning photon microscope6. Polymer chain orientation under mechanical elongation of polymer films; comparative study of macroscopic stress-strain and molecular level orientation7. Development of a new scanning photon microscope working for a liquid environment specimen, and high resolution observation of biomaterials.