Project Description
Imaging and measurements at length scales of picometers open a new frontier enabling sub-atomic precision in scanning-probe methods, but also for optical spectroscopy techniques. Atomic-scale optical and electronic spectroscopy by scanning-probe methods (SPM) are powerful tools to study single molecule and electronic excitations with atomic resolution using a probe tip and exploiting, e.g., local field enhancement for molecular spectroscopy or tunnelling currents from atomically sharp tips. A key weakness of SPM techniques is that the length scales are often so small that conventional displacement sensors, such as interferometers, are not high resolution enough to adequately measure the position of the probe, so images produced are ‘qualitative’, often adjusted post-hoc to remove distortions. In speckle metrology, picometer displacements can be detected, but at the moment there is a lack of techniques which enable calibration of the changes observed, requiring new calibrated displacement methods. For optical microscopy at the highest resolution, closed loop scanning can push the limits of what is current possible.
This project seeks to solve these problems by designing and building a closed-loop scanner incorporating one of the most sensitive displacement sensors ever produced, based on recently developed Razorbill Instruments technology. The scanner will be particularly useful for spectroscopic applications and quantum metrology, positioning a probe tip on top of a single atom or molecule for extended periods of time, or for sample positioning for speckle microscopy. Such picometer-precise closed-loop scanners go beyond what is current achievable, and would enable calibrated data acquisition in scanning probe microscopy and optical spectroscopy which would be useful not only for fundamental research, but also benefit, e.g., imaging of circuits for the semiconductor industry where structure sizes are beyond the capability of existing super-resolution optical imaging and quantum sensing based on scanning a probe tip across a specimen. This project will develop such closed-loop scanning technology, calibrated against optical interferometry and test its utility for a wide range of applications from optical metrology to scanning probe methods.
https://razorbillinstruments.com/edip/
CDT Essential Criteria
A Masters level degree (MEng, MPhys, MSc) at 2.1 or equivalent.
Desire to work collegiately, be involved in outreach, undertake taught and professional skills study.
Project Essential Criteria
Desire to work on cutting-edge engineering and research challenges within a university environment.
An interest in instrument development and/or CAD design.
Having education or experience that includes a strong practical component (e.g. experimental physics, or a hands-on mechanical or mechanical and electrical engineering degree or work role).
Project Desirable Criteria
Master’s degree in physics or engineering, 1st class or equivalent.
Experience designing parts in CAD and having them manufactured, ideally Solidworks.
The ideal candidate would also have experience with one or more of the following:
- Scientific instrument design and building, such as a relevant masters project
- Experience in using CAD software for finite element analysis
- Analytic methods for calculating stress and strain in solids
- Practical cryogenics
- Assembly of small and intricate devices and mechanisms
- Experience of scanning probe methods (e.g. AFM, SNOM or STM)
- Interest in cutting-edge research, in particular atomic-scale imaging in spectroscopy of advanced materials
- Programming, ideally in python
The CDT
The CDT in Applied Photonics provides a supportive, collaborative environment which values inclusivity and is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and supportive environment for all our applicants, students, and staff. For further information, please see our ED&I statement: https://bit.ly/3gXrcwg.
Forming a supportive cohort is an important part of the programme and our students take part in various professional skills workshops, including Responsible Research and Innovation, and attend outreach training.