Detection of sub-atomic movement in nanostructures. Issue 8 (25th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Tongjun; Ou, Jun-Yu; MacDonald, Kevin F.; Zheludev, Nikolay I.
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale advances. Volume 3:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 2213
• Page End: 2216
• Publication Date: 2021-02-25
• Subjects: 620.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d0na01068e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2516-0230

Abstract

Abstract : Nanoscale objects move fast and oscillate billions of times per second. We introduce a methodology for detecting such movements, which is sensitive to displacements of sub-atomic amplitude. Abstract : Nanoscale objects move fast and oscillate billions of times per second. Such movements occur naturally in the form of thermal (Brownian) motion while stimulated movements underpin the functionality of nano-mechanical sensors and active nano-(electro/opto) mechanical devices. Here we introduce a methodology for detecting such movements, based on the spectral analysis of secondary electron emission from moving nanostructures, that is sensitive to displacements of sub-atomic amplitude. We demonstrate the detection of nanowire Brownian oscillations of ∼10 pm amplitude and hyperspectral mapping of stimulated oscillations of setae on the body of a common flea. The technique opens a range of opportunities for the study of dynamic processes in materials science, nanotechnology and biology.