325 research outputs found
Comparison of EFTEM and STEM EELS plasmon imaging of gold nanoparticles in a monochromated TEM
We present and compare two different imaging techniques for plasmonic excitations in metallic nanoparticles based on high energy-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy in a monochromated transmission electron microscope. We demonstrate that a recently developed monochromated energy-filtering (EFTEM) approach can be used in addition to the well established scanning technique to directly obtain plasmon images in the energy range below 1 eV. The EFTEM technique is described in detail, and a double experiment performed on the same, triangular gold nanoparticle compares equivalent data acquired by both techniques, respectively
A deep learning approach for determining the chiral indices of carbon nanotubes from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images
Chiral indices determine important properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
Unfortunately, their determination from high-resolution transmission electron
microscopy (HRTEM) images, the most accurate method for assigning chirality, is
a tedious task. We develop a Convolutional Neural Network that automatizes this
process. A large and realistic training data set of CNT images is obtained by
means of atomistic computer simulations coupled with the multi-slice approach
for image generation. In most cases, results of the automated assignment are in
excellent agreement with manual classification, and the origin of failures is
identified. The current approach, which combines HRTEM imaging and deep
learning algorithms allows the analysis of a statistically significant number
of HRTEM images of carbon nanotubes, paving the way for robust estimates of
experimental chiral distributions.Comment: for use of the discussed computer code, please contact the
corresponding autho
Surface plasmon modes of a single silver nanorod: an electron energy loss study
We present an electron energy loss study using energy filtered TEM of
spatially resolved surface plasmon excitations on a silver nanorod of aspect
ratio 14.2 resting on a 30 nm thick silicon nitride membrane. Our results show
that the excitation is quantized as resonant modes whose intensity maxima vary
along the nanorod's length and whose wavelength becomes compressed towards the
ends of the nanorod. Theoretical calculations modelling the surface plasmon
response of the silver nanorod-silicon nitride system show the importance of
including retardation and substrate effects in order to describe accurately the
energy dispersion of the resonant modes.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figure
Mapping localized surface plasmons within silver nanocubes using cathodoluminescence hyperspectral imaging
Localized surface plasmons within silver nanocubes less than 50 nm in size are investigated using high resolution cathodoluminescence hyperspectral imaging. Multivariate statistical analysis of the multidimensional luminescence dataset allows both the identification of distinct spectral features in the emission and the mapping of their spatial distribution. These results show a 490 nm peak emitted from the cube faces, with shorter wavelength luminescence coming from the vertices and edges; this provides direct experimental confirmation of theoretical predictions
Electron microscopy of quantum dots
This brief review describes the different types of semiconductor quantum dost systems, their main applications and which types of microscopy methods are used to characterize them. Emphasis is put on the need for a comprehensive investigation of their size distribution, microstructure, chemical composition, strain state and electronic properties, all of which influence the optical properties and can be measured by different types of imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy methods in an electron microscope
Anisotropic nanomaterials: structure, growth, assembly, and functions
Comprehensive knowledge over the shape of nanomaterials is a critical factor in designing devices with desired functions. Due to this reason, systematic efforts have been made to synthesize materials of diverse shape in the nanoscale regime. Anisotropic nanomaterials are a class of materials in which their properties are direction-dependent and more than one structural parameter is needed to describe them. Their unique and fine-tuned physical and chemical properties make them ideal candidates for devising new applications. In addition, the assembly of ordered one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) arrays of anisotropic nanoparticles brings novel properties into the resulting system, which would be entirely different from the properties of individual nanoparticles. This review presents an overview of current research in the area of anisotropic nanomaterials in general and noble metal nanoparticles in particular. We begin with an introduction to the advancements in this area followed by general aspects of the growth of anisotropic nanoparticles. Then we describe several important synthetic protocols for making anisotropic nanomaterials, followed by a summary of their assemblies, and conclude with major applications
Unveiling Nanometer Scale Extinction and Scattering Phenomena through Combined Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy and Cathodoluminescence Measurements
Size- and morphology-dependent optical properties of ZnS:Al one-dimensional structures
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