Abstract
We present a review of the use of selected nanofabricated thin films to deliver a host of capabilities and insights spanning bioanalytical and biophysical chemistry, materials science, and fundamental molecular-level research. We discuss approaches where thin films have been vital, enabling experimental studies using a variety of optical spectroscopies across the visible and infrared spectral range, electron microscopies, and related techniques such as electron energy loss spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and single molecule sensing. We anchor this broad discussion by highlighting two particularly exciting exemplars: a thin-walled nanofluidic sample cell concept that has advanced the discovery horizons of ultrafast spectroscopy and of electron microscopy investigations of in-liquid samples; and a unique class of thin-film-based nanofluidic devices, designed around a nanopore, with expansive prospects for single molecule sensing. Free-standing, low-stress silicon nitride membranes are a canonical structural element for these applications, and we elucidate the fabrication and resulting features—including mechanical stability, optical properties, X-ray and electron scattering properties, and chemical nature—of this material in this format. We also outline design and performance principles and include a discussion of underlying material preparations and properties suitable for understanding the use of alternative thin-film materials such as graphene.
© 2017 The Author(s)
PDF Article
More Like This
Exploiting the P L2,3 absorption edge for optics: spectroscopic and structural characterization of cubic boron phosphide thin films
S. P. Huber, V. V. Medvedev, J. Meyer-Ilse, E. Gullikson, B. Padavala, J. H. Edgar, J. M. Sturm, R. W. E. van de Kruijs, D. Prendergast, and F. Bijkerk
Opt. Mater. Express 6(12) 3946-3959 (2016)
Cited By
You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an Optica member, or as an authorized user of your institution.
Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Login to access Optica Member Subscription