BasicsWe study the measurement of the physical and chemical properties of surfaces down to the nanoscale, from biological samples to electronic components.
What is Surface and Nanoanalysis?
Surface and nanoanalysis involves characterising atoms and molecules at surfaces and interfaces, both at the microscale and nanoscale. Surface and interfacial chemistries are central to the correct operation and novel properties of many products and devices, such as nanotechnologies, medical devices, drug delivery and the next generation of organic electronic displays.
At NPL, we use a range of state-of-the-art techniques for surface analysis under vacuum, ambient or liquid environment. This allows us to obtain key quantitative information on physical properties and chemical composition with nanometre resolution. With these techniques we are:
- Measuring the distribution of drugs molecules on the surface of medical implants, such as coronary stents
- Helping the development of hi-tech organic displays and solar panels
- Developing novel detergents for washing at lower temperature, by measuring the adhesion of dirt onto fabric at the nanoscale
Surface and Nanoanalysis Techniques
Each surface and nanoanalysis technique gives different information at different spatial resolutions, which are shown below. Click on the information boxes to find out more.
AES - Auger Electron Spectroscopy involves the energy analysis of auger electrons produced as a result of ionisations in inner core shells under impact with an electron beam, under vacuum conditions.
AFM - Atomic Force Microscopy mechanically scans a sharp probe over the surface to produce images of the topography, materials or chemical properties at ultrahigh spatial resolution, in ambient or liquid environments.
DESI – Desorption Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry uses mass spectrometry to analyse ions desorbed from a surface by an electrospray, under ambient conditions.
SIMS - Static Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry uses mass spectrometry to analyse ions desorbed from a surface by an energetic primary ion beams, under vacuum conditions.
TERS – Tip Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy uses a specially prepared AFM tip to create massive enhancement of the Raman signal, giving structural characterisation of materials at the nanoscale, in ambient conditions.- XPS - X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy involves the energy analysis of photoelectrons emitted from a surface due to the impact of characteristic X-rays, under vacuum conditions.