Tip-enhanced infrared nanospectroscopy via molecular expansion force detection

• DOI: 10.1038/nphoton.2013.373
• Publication Date: 2014-01-18T01:12:57Z
• Authors: Feng Lu; Mingzhou Jin; Mikhail A. Belkin
• Keywords: Chemical Imaging; Infrared microscopy

Mid-infrared spectroscopy with nanometre spatial resolution is highly desired for materials and life sciences applications. A nanoscale mid-infrared spectrometer is demonstrated that detects mechanical forces exerted by molecules on an atomic force microscope tip upon light excitation. It operates under ambient conditions with a high sensitivity and a spatial resolution of better than 25 nm.