'Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Architecture'
Abstract
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Kelvin Probe Microscopy (KPM) are two surface characterization methods suitable for semiconductor nanocrystal applications. In this thesis work, an AFM system with KPM capability was developed and implemented. It was observed that, the effect of electrostatic interaction of the probe cantilever with the sample can be significantly reduced by using higher order resonant modes for Kelvin force detection. Germanium nanocrystals were grown on silicon substrate using different growth conditions. Both characterization methods were applied to the nanocrystal samples. Variation of nanocrystal sizes with varying annealing temperature were observed. Kelvin spectroscopy measurements made on nanocrystal samples using the KPM apparatus displayed charging effects.M.S. - Master of Scienc
