NanoWizard NanoOptics

The NanoWizard^® from NanoOptics AFM has been optimized for an extensive range of applications ranging from nanoscale optical imaging by aperture and scattering-type SNOM to experiments concerning light interactions with the sample—such as excitation, absorption, nonlinear effects, and quenching.

Benefits

Cutting-edge optical near-field experiments

Gathering of single photons and sub-wavelength resolution. Perfect for the study of optical surface properties, metamaterials, and quantum dots.

Nanomanipulation - user-defined experiments

Correlative data. The highest spatial resolution is present in the nanometer range and has been developed for stability and liquid applications. Perfect for BioTERS applications.

Unique nanoscale optical imaging

Smooth integration with progressed fluorescence methods, Raman spectroscopy, and time-correlated single photon counting systems. Combined port for SNOM applications.

Features

NanoOptics provides advanced technologies to understand nano-optical phenomena.

The latest NanoWizard^® NanoOptics head is available with outstanding optical and physical access to the sample from top to bottom and from front to side, even when the head and condenser are kept in place. It has a combined port for fiber SNOM applications.

Since reproducibility and stability of the SPM-tip positioning and scanning are crucial for applications that need the collection of single photons over an extended period, the system has been improved for it.

Enhanced closed-loop control on five or six axes and the greater scanner resonance frequency in z delivers a scanner performance previously unavailable in a commercial AFM. This guarantees the greatest data quality for imaging and force measurements in air and liquids.

The new Vortis™ Advanced SPM controller offers cutting-edge values available for data acquisition speed, noise levels, and utmost versatility. Advanced electronics and software for the highest bandwidth, several feedback controls, and access to all signals integrated with the potential to function with user-written scripts are all main elements for successful experiments. Synchronization of AFM and spectrometer data has been obtained by a user-friendly software interface.

The NanoWizard^® AFM has been developed for optimal use in liquid and is available with a vapor barrier, encapsulated piezo, and a range of fragile liquid cells. The system can be utilized in the air or controlled gas environments.

Adaptability in the software and the range of accessories make the system all set for any user-specified experiments. The newly formed fiber-coupled detection module for sensitive detectors such as PMTs and APDs provides excellent outcomes regarding stray-light suppression.

Image Credit: Bruker Nano GmbH - JPK BioAFM

Optical Near-Field Experiments

Aperture fiber SNOM experiments

A combined fiber SNOM port present in the NanoWizard^® NanoOptics head and the Tuning Fork module enable smooth integration of methods.

Scattering-type SNOM (sSNOM) Experiments

The new system is ideal for tip-enhanced applications such as fluorescence with nano-antennas composed of nanofabricated or chemically alternate tips. As an alternative to cantilever-based optical probes, STM tips could be utilized with the help of the new Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM) module.

Nanomanipulation in optical fields

The new system is perfect for learning the optical surface properties of dyes and markers, quantum dots/rods, or metamaterials, such as quenching or plasmon generation, in combination with nanomechanical, topography, magnetic, and electrical properties.

As a result of the symmetric design of the stage and head as well as the new closed-loop scanner technology in a 5- or 6-axis configuration, long-lasting stability and reproducibility help achieve the highest possible level.

Fiber-coupled detection module mounted on a Leica microscope side port. Image Credit: Bruker Nano GmbH - JPK BioAFM

Key Components and Basic Parameters for Raman/Ters/Bioters Experiments

Tip and Sample Scanner Combination

NanoWizard^® head (3 scan axes) and TAO™ sample scanner module (2 or 3 scan axes) on top of an inverted microscope combined into a Raman spectrometer.

Suppression of Optical Cross Talk Between AFM and Raman Excitation/Signal

• Blocking and cleaning filters present in the AFM head
• Availability of 980 nm laser source in the AFM

AFM Stability over Long Time

• High-performance closed-loop scanners and symmetric design of AFM head and stage.
• Coverslip-based fluid cells along with temperature control and fluid exchange for greatest stability combined with oil or water immersion objectives.

System Integration

• Synchronization between AFM tip and sample position, and Raman signal recording in the JPK software.
• JPKs proven algorithm determines the ideal tip position for high-NA objective lens.

Flexibility

• Large variety of AFM/SPM operation modes
• Raman Reflector Kit for TERS on opaque samples
• Vortis™ Advanced controller along with the greatest speed and lowest noise with a big number of signal channels that are available with the Signal Access front panel.
• User-friendly and completely featured JPK software for cutting-edge experiments for starters and experts.

NanoWizard^® NanoOptics setup with [1] Acton Advanced SP2750 [2] Renishaw inVia and [3] Jobin Yvon LabRaw HR. Image Credit: Bruker Nano GmbH - JPK BioAFM

TERS mapping on fixed single human colon cancer cells (HT29 in liquid); Raman data analysis by hyperspectral unmixing algorithm N-FINDR. From: M. Richter, M. Hedegaard, T. Deckert-Gaudig, P. Lampen, V. Deckert: “Laterally resolved and direct spectroscopic evidence of nanometer-sized lipid and protein domains on a single cell”, Small 7(2): 209 (2011). Image Credit: Bruker Nano GmbH - JPK BioAFM

Advanced Fluorescence Techniques and Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC)

Complementary methods to AFM, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy, epi-fluorescence, TIRF, FRET, FLIM, FCS, FRAP, STED, STORM, PALM, spinning disc, etc., provide knowledge regarding the behavior or location of specific features.

At present, it is possible to regularly integrate AFM imaging and force measurements with such optical techniques on the same sample spot in a similar way.

Simultaneous AFM and FLIM measurements on nanoparticles. Scan size 800nm². [1] 3D height information with fluorescence signal overlaid in green. [2] Lifetime signal. Image Credit: Bruker Nano GmbH - JPK BioAFM

The images show the NanoWizard® AFM combined with a Picoquant MicroTime 200 FLIM system and with a Zeiss LSM 700 confocal laser scanning system. Image Credit: Bruker Nano GmbH - JPK BioAFM

Key Features

• Comes with head in two versions
• UV transparency version available for top view sample illumination with UV-light
• Fiber port version available for fiber SNOM applications
• Up to six axes closed-loop scanning (3 by tip and 3 by sample) with the TAO™ module
• Greatest stability and lowest drift for long-term experiments
• Availability of versions for 2-photon microscopy
• Special filter sets available for blocking and cleaning inside
• 980 nm laser source available for cantilever deflection detection and avoids cross-talk with other wavelengths
• Coverslip-based sample holders for air, inert gases, liquid, and with electrical sample connection
• Optional PI PIFOC^® available for individual vertical focus positioning
• Consistent with the majority of the commercially available inverted research microscopes (Zeiss Axiovert and Axio Observer lines, and Ti lines, Nikon TE, Leica DMI/DMi, and Olympus IX lines)
• Smooth integration with Raman spectrometers, inverted microscopes, photon counting systems

Image Credit: Bruker Nano GmbH - JPK BioAFM