What Techniques Are Used for Imaging Nanoscale Structures?
Several advanced techniques are employed to image nanoscale structures. Some of the most commonly used techniques include:
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Uses focused beams of electrons to produce high-resolution images of the surface topography of a sample. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Transmits electrons through a thin sample, providing detailed information about the internal structure and composition. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): Uses a mechanical probe to scan the surface of a sample, generating images with atomic resolution. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM): Employs a quantum tunneling phenomenon to create atomic-scale images of a surface. X-ray Diffraction (XRD): Utilizes X-rays to determine the crystalline structure of materials at the nanoscale.
