Scanning probe techniques: Atomic-Force Microscopy (AFM) – basic considerations, forces at surfaces,
piezo-scanners, experimental setup, modes of operation, sample environment. Scanning Tunneling
Microscopy (STM), tunneling effect, theoretical considerations, tunneling spectroscopy (STS), I-V-
characteristics, tip-sample interactions; vibrational spectroscopy.Specific scanning probes: magnetic force
microscopy vs. spin-polarized STM; SNOM; Nanophoto lithography, Electrochemical Force Microscopy;
Scanning Thermal Microscopy, Scanning Capacitance Microscopy, Kelvin Probe Analysis – Literature
seminar on recent scanning probe analysis.
Courses 7 & 8 (8 Credit hours)
Electron probes: emitted electrons – field electron microscopy, field ion microscopy, photoelectron emission
microscopy (PEEM). Incoming electron techniques: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); electron optics,
electron-sample interactions, electron cascades, secondary detectors. Low-energy electron microscopy
(LEEM), modes of operation, bright vs. dark field imaging, real-time imaging; phase transitions. Transmission
electron microscopy (TEM); experimental setup, comparison with VLM; modes of operation, diffraction
imaging, HR-TEM; STEM; aberration correction; TEM-EELS as spectroscopic tool.
Courses 9 & 10 (6 Credit hours)
X-ray based techniques: x-ray sources, holography radiation, x-ray microscopy with lenses, lenses imaging:
Imaging with coherent sources: holography, coherent diffraction imaging, ptychography, laminography;
magnetic imaging (XMCD), time-resolved x-ray microscopy. Imaging in reciprocal space: XRD, small-angle
x-ray scattering, basic considerations, shape analysis. Comparative discussion of all relevant nanoprobes;
which technique is most appropriate for specific applications?