Sub-resolution contrast in neutral helium microscopy through facet scattering for quantitative imaging of nanoscale topographies on macroscopic surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Nanoscale thin film coatings and surface treatments are ubiquitous across industry, science, and engineering; imbuing specific functional or mechanical properties (such as corrosion resistance, lubricity, catalytic activity and electronic behaviour). Non-destructive nanoscale imaging of thin film coatings across large (ca. centimetre) lateral length scales, crucial to a wide range of modern industry, remains a significant technical challenge. By harnessing the unique nature of the helium atom-surface interaction, neutral helium microscopy images these surfaces without altering the sample under investigation. Since the helium atom scatters exclusively from the outermost electronic corrugation of the sample, the technique is completely surface sensitive. Furthermore, with a cross-section tha

SUBMITTER: Eder SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9938237 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature