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Scanning Probe Microscopy for Dielectric and Metal Characterization

Published

Author(s)

Joseph J. Kopanski, Thomas R. Walker

Abstract

The properties of both insulators and metals can be characterized capacitively with scanning probe microscopy, though the techniques employed are different. Intermittent contact scanning capacitance microscopy (IC-SCM) is a useful technique for characterizing the dielectric constant of insulators. Scanning Kelvin force microscopy (SKFM) can image potential distributions and work functions within conductors. Both techniques depend on the capacitance between the tip and sample, which has an inverse square dependence on tip-sample separation, limiting spatial resolution. A differential data acquisition technique to improve spatial resolution is described.
Proceedings Title
Electrochemical Society Transactions, Dielectrics for Nanosystems III
Volume
13
Issue
2
Conference Dates
May 18-22, 2008
Conference Location
Phoenix, AZ
Conference Title
213th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society

Keywords

dielectric constant, IC-SCM, intermittent contact scanning capacitance microscopy, scanning Kelvin force microscopy, SKFM

Citation

Kopanski, J. and Walker, T. (2008), Scanning Probe Microscopy for Dielectric and Metal Characterization, Electrochemical Society Transactions, Dielectrics for Nanosystems III, Phoenix, AZ (Accessed December 2, 2024)

Issues

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Created June 10, 2008, Updated February 19, 2017