Attocube scattering-type scanning near-field optical Microscope (s-SNOM) & nano-FTIR

Thanks to the SESAME (Région Ile de France)/Université Paris Cité-IPGP co-funding obtained in 2019, the PARI platform was equipped in 2021 with a combined system of scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and Fourier transform infrared nanospectroscopy (nano-FTIR) from Attocube, which combines imaging (topography, rigidity, optical reflection intensity) and ponctual analysis (FTIR) of surfaces at very high spatial resolution, to non-destructively highlight compositional heterogeneities on a very small scale. Compared with other systems from this supplier available in Europe, the instrument’s unique feature is its extended range of vertical movements, enabling analysis of rough samples with higher-than-usual roughness, without the need for extensive surface preparation. Near-field optical technology enables both inorganic and organic compounds to be imaged. Analysis is also possible using a combination of broadband lasers.
By way of illustration, this instrument is a major asset for studying the close relationships between minerals and organic matter, whether in the context of the origin of life, the exploration of intraterrestrial microbial life or biomineralization, or any question concerning the deep carbon cycle – themes in which IPGP plays a major role on the international scene. It can, however, have a much wider range of applications across multiple thematics in Earth Sciences and other fields, and approaches can be adapted as required to complement more traditional approaches such as Raman or infrared spectroscopy. and organic compounds to be imaged.
It can, however, have a much wider range of applications across multiple thematics in Earth Sciences and other fields, and approaches can be adapted as required to complement more traditional approaches such as Raman or infrared spectroscopy.

Practically:

By obtaining images (topography, rigidity and optical reflection intensity) of the surface under analysis, points can be selected for spectral analysis (Figure).
The spectromicroscope is controlled by NeaSCAN software (Attocube). Data processing is carried out with NeaPLOT software (Attocube). Time is needed to
learn how to use these softwares.

●  The sample must be solid, as flat as possible and no thicker than 10 mm
●  Maximum possible roughness is 8 μm
●  Broadband lasers from 2.4 to 4.2 μm and from 4.5 to 15 μm
●  Spectral detection range from 2400 to 4000 cm^-1 and from 650 to 2100 cm^-1
●  Spectral resolution of 8 cm^-1
●  Spatial resolution of 20 nm