What are Some Common Optical Techniques Used in Nanotechnology?
Several optical techniques are commonly employed in nanotechnology:
1. Optical Microscopy: This includes techniques such as fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy, which provide detailed images of nanostructures. 2. Spectroscopy: Methods like Raman spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy are used to study the vibrational, electronic, and structural properties of nanomaterials. 3. Nano-lithography: Techniques such as photolithography and electron beam lithography use light to pattern nanoscale structures on substrates. 4. Plasmonics: This involves the manipulation of surface plasmons to enhance the optical properties of nanomaterials, leading to applications in sensing and imaging. 5. Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM): This technique surpasses the diffraction limit of traditional microscopy, providing nanoscale imaging capabilities.