Home > Press > Empa researchers use electron beams for chemical reactions: Nanostructures stabilise lasers
The principle of the local deposition process which is induced with a focussed electron beam (in short, FEBIP): molecules from a gas-injection system are deposited on the sample surface in a reversible manner. The focussed electron beam dissociates adsorbed gas molecules. The resulting non-volatile compounds remain permanently on the sample. |
Abstract:
Electron microscopes use focussed electron beams to make extremely small objects visible. By combining the instrument with a gas-injection system material samples can be manipulated and surface structures measuring only nanometres across can be "written". Empa researchers, together with scientists from EPFL, used this method to improve lasers.
The vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is a semiconductor laser which is often used in data transmission for short-distance links like Gigabit Ethernet. These lasers are very popular in telecommunications because they consume little energy and can be simply fabricated in volumes of many tens of thousands on a single wafer. However, these VCSELs can exhibit one weakness: Because of the cylindrical structure in which the lasers are built up on the wafer, the polarisation of the emitted light can sometimes change during operation. Polarisation is a property of certain waves, such as light waves, and it describes the direction of oscillation. A stable polarisation is necessary in order to reduce transmission errors and to use VCSELs in future silicon photonics.
The team led by Empa researcher Ivo Utke, together with scientists from the Laboratory of Physics of Nanostructures at EPFL, could provide assistance by using a method called FEBIP (focussed electron beam induced processing). "We've written flat grating structures on the VCSELs with an electron beam," says Utke in describing their solution, "and the gratings were effective in stabilising the polarisation." The study has recently been published in the scientific journal "Nanoscale" as an advanced online publication.
Small, minimally invasive, direct
FEBIP is suitable for prototyping nanocomponents, in order to solve specific questions and problems in applied nanoelectronics, nanophotonics and nanobiology. Suitable gas molecules are injected close to a sample which is already in the microscope's vacuum chamber. These adsorb on the sample in a reversible manner. The focussed electron beam, which normally serves to make objects visible, now instead induces chemical reactions of the adsorbed gas molecules, but only at the spot where the beam strikes the surface. The resulting non-volatile molecular fragments then remain permanently on the sample while the volatile fragments are removed by the vacuum system. "With the help of a precisely positioned electron beam, it's possible to remove or apply surface structures with nanometre precision and in virtually any desired three-dimensional shapes," explains Utke.
"FEBIP could soon become a true nanofabrication platform for rapid prototyping of nanostructures in a minimally invasive way, without necessitating the large investment of a clean room."
Book reference
"Nanofabrication using focused ion and electron beams: principles and applications", Editors I. Utke, S. Moshkalev, P. Russels, Oxford Series in Nanomanufacturing. N.Y., Oxford University Press (Nov 2011,), ISBN 9780199734214
####
About Empa
Empa is an interdisciplinary research and services institution for material sciences and technology development within the ETH Domain. Empa’s research and development activities are oriented to meeting the requirements of industry and the needs of our society, and link together applications-oriented research and the practical implementation of new ideas, science and industry, and science and society.
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
* Dr. Ivo Utke
Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures
Phone +41 33 228 29 57
Redaktion / Medienkontakte
* Beatrice Huber
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 47 33
Copyright © Empa
If you have a comment, please Contact us.Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Related Links |
Related News Press |
Chemistry
Breaking carbon–hydrogen bonds to make complex molecules November 8th, 2024
New method in the fight against forever chemicals September 13th, 2024
Imaging
New discovery aims to improve the design of microelectronic devices September 13th, 2024
Quantum researchers cause controlled ‘wobble’ in the nucleus of a single atom September 13th, 2024
News and information
Beyond wires: Bubble technology powers next-generation electronics:New laser-based bubble printing technique creates ultra-flexible liquid metal circuits November 8th, 2024
Nanoparticle bursts over the Amazon rainforest: Rainfall induces bursts of natural nanoparticles that can form clouds and further precipitation over the Amazon rainforest November 8th, 2024
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024
Laboratories
Discoveries
Breaking carbon–hydrogen bonds to make complex molecules November 8th, 2024
Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024
Turning up the signal November 8th, 2024
Nanofibrous metal oxide semiconductor for sensory face November 8th, 2024
Announcements
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024
Turning up the signal November 8th, 2024
Nanofibrous metal oxide semiconductor for sensory face November 8th, 2024
Tools
Turning up the signal November 8th, 2024
Quantum researchers cause controlled ‘wobble’ in the nucleus of a single atom September 13th, 2024
Faster than one pixel at a time – new imaging method for neutral atomic beam microscopes developed by Swansea researchers August 16th, 2024
Photonics/Optics/Lasers
Groundbreaking precision in single-molecule optoelectronics August 16th, 2024
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
Premium Products | ||
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||