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Video‐rate scanning probe control challenges: setting the stage for a microscopy revolution
Author(s) -
Rost M. J.,
van Baarle G. J. C.,
Katan A. J.,
van Spengen W. M.,
Schakel P.,
van Loo W. A.,
Oosterkamp T. H.,
Frenken J. W. M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
asian journal of control
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.769
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1934-6093
pISSN - 1561-8625
DOI - 10.1002/asjc.88
Subject(s) - microscope , scanning tunneling microscope , scanning probe microscopy , scanner , nanotechnology , computer science , microscopy , materials science , electrical engineering , engineering , optics , physics
Scanning probe microscopy is at the verge of revolutionizing microscopy once again. Video‐rate scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and video‐rate atomic force microscope (AFM) technology will enable the direct observation of many dynamic processes that are impossible to observe today, such as atom or molecule diffusion, real time film growth, or catalytic reactions. In this paper we discuss the critical aspects that have to be taken into account when working on increasing the imaging speed of scanning probe microscopes. We highlight the state‐of‐the‐art developments in the control of the piezoelectric scanning elements and describe the latest innovations regarding the design and construction of the whole mechanical loop including new scanner geometries. We identify critical aspects for which no obvious solution exists and aspects where advanced control engineering can help, like piezo non‐linearities, the acceleration limit and the challenging technical requirements for the preamplifiers that are needed for measuring a tunneling current. Finally, we provide an overview of a number of new directions that are being pursued to solve the problems currently encountered in scanning probe technology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society