A System for Coupled-Field Characterization of Nanomaterials and Nano Devices

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The characterization of nanomaterials (NMs) is critical for guiding the synthesis of NMs and the construction of NMs-based devices. This team of applicants and collaborators have together established a coupled-field NMs characterization platform inside a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) in the Ontario Centre for Characterization of Advanced Materials (OCCAM) at UofT. This RTI application requests a scanning current imaging (SCI) system to strengthen the electrical characterization capabilities for the coupled-field characterization of NMs. This requested SCI system contains the following unique capabilities (modes) that are essential to our proposed research programs. (1) Electron Beam Induced Current mode for imaging the minority carrier profile of a semiconductor NM, which allows the measurement of its minority carrier diffusion length under multi-field excitation; (2) Resistive Contrast Imaging mode for noncontact electrical resistivity mapping of NMs under mechanical loading; (3) Electron Beam Absorbed Current mode for identifying conducting paths and mechanical strain-induced changes of conducting paths in NMs-based films. The SCI system includes an in situ pre-amplifier, which enhances the I-V measurement that currently suffers from high noise interference. To achieve low contact resistance for accurate characterization, this RTI application also requests an in-chamber plasma cleaner to remove (1) electron beam-induced hydrocarbon contamination and (2) residue contamination from NMs' synthesis and transfer process. The requested instruments will be installed in OCCAM's STEM and integrated with our existing infrastructure to form a powerful platform for coupled-field characterization of NMs. Our HQP will use the equipment to conduct in situ coupled-field characterization of 1D/2D NMs and NMs-based composite films and make exciting discoveries. The equipment will be used to train a high number of HQP who will gain skills in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization, nanomechanics, precision instrumentation, and nano device development.