Efficiency improvement in the cantilever photothermal excitation method using a photothermal conversion layer

Ultra-broadband optical detection from the visible to the terahertz range using a miniature quartz tuning fork

We report and experimentally demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, sensitive and wideband optical detection strategy based on the light-induced thermoelastic effect in a miniature quartz tuning fork (mQTF) with low stiffness prongs. Compared with a traditional QTF, the soft prongs of the mQTF result in improved sensitivity. Experimental results demonstrate that the mQTF exhibits ∼54-fold superior sensitivity compared to a QTF, and the mQTF sensor has an ultra-broadband optical response, ranging from visible light to terahertz wavelengths. Its response time reaches 11.7 ms, and the minimum noise equivalent power (NEP) is measured to be 2.2 × 10^-9 W Hz^-1/2 at room temperature. The mQTF exhibits advantages in its cost-effectiveness, sensitivity, and ultra-broadband response, and provides a promising approach for the detection of low-dose optical and terahertz-wave radiation.

Graphene oxide and polydimethylsiloxane coated quartz tuning fork for improved sensitive near- and mid-infrared detection

Sensitive and broadband infrared sensors are required for security and medical applications, as few can rapidly and sensitively detect infrared without uncooled devices. Here, we report a wideband optical-detection strategy based on the thermoelastic effect of a coating-enhanced quartz tuning fork (QTF) and study the feasibility of using an atomic force probe operating in contact mode to monitor the vibration. Graphene oxide (GO) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating were applied on the QTF's surface to improve the light absorption and the thermal-mechanical conversion efficiency. Experimental results showed that the bi-layer coatings yielded a maximum gain factor of 8 in response amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than that of a bare QTF, respectively. Lasers with wavelengths of 1512 nm and 10.6 µm were used as the typical representative light source to test the photoresponse of the QTF detector. The device displays a broadband photoresponse covering the near-infrared to mid-infrared range at room temperature, high performance with the maximum photoresponsivity of 85.76 V·mW^-1, and 1σ detection limit of 0.056 µW; the lowest noise equivalent power (NEP) of 1.35 nW·Hz^-1/2 and 43.9 ms response speed is also achieved. The preparation process of detector is simple and easy to implement; the resulting device exhibits high responsivity and wide wavelength response ranging at least from 1512 to 10600 nm, compared with custom QTF; and the surface coating strategy potentially enables the construction of a new class of low-cost photodetection sensors operated at room temperature.

Polymer-coated quartz tuning fork for enhancing the sensitivity of laser-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy

A novel laser-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy (LITES) sensor based on a polymer-coated quartz tuning fork (QTF) is reported. Two types of polymer films with different thicknesses are deposited on commercially available QTF to improve the conversion efficiency of laser energy deposition into vibration. CO₂ was selected as the target analyte for validation measurements. The experimental results indicate that by introducing a polymer coating, a maximum gain factor of 3.46 and 3.21 is attained for the signal amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), respectively, when compared to traditional LITES that using only a bare QTF. A minimum detectable concentration of 0.181% can be obtained, corresponding to a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient (NNEA) of 1.74×10^-11 cm^-1·W·Hz^-1/2, and the measurement precision is approximately 0.06% with an averaging time of 200 s. Here, we show what we believe is the first demonstration of polymer coated QTF for LITES sensing, compared with custom QTF, the design has the virtues of lower cost, simple and easy-to-operate, is a promising new strategy for sensitive trace gas analysis.

Photothermal excitation efficiency enhancement of cantilevers by electron beam deposition of amorphous carbon thin films

In recent years, the atomic force microscope has proven to be a powerful tool for studying biological systems, mainly for its capability to measure in liquids with nanoscale resolution. Measuring tissues, cells or proteins in their physiological conditions gives us access to valuable information about their real ‘in vivo’ structure, dynamics and functionality which could then fuel disruptive medical and biological applications. The main problem faced by the atomic force microscope when working in liquid environments is the difficulty to generate clear cantilever resonance spectra, essential for stable operation and for high resolution imaging. Photothermal actuation overcomes this problem, as it generates clear resonance spectra free from spurious peaks. However, relatively high laser powers are required to achieve the desired cantilever oscillation amplitude, which could potentially damage biological samples. In this study, we demonstrate that the photothermal excitation efficiency can be enhanced by coating the cantilever with a thin amorphous carbon layer to increase the heat absorption from the laser, reducing the required excitation laser power and minimizing the damage to biological samples.

Dynamical characterization of micro cantilevers by different excitation methods in dynamic atomic force microscopy

An atomic force microscopy experimental setup was modified to analyze the differences between the piezoelectric excitation and the photothermal excitation (PTE) for three types of cantilevers, including two aluminum coated cantilevers and one uncoated single-crystalline silicon cantilever. The results show the PTE is a direct and localized excitation method to yield smooth and clean frequency spectra representing only the dynamics of the cantilever without the coupling with mechanical components. The cantilever can be easily excited for a high and controllable amplitude by the PTE method as compared to the piezoelectric excitation. The 1st and 2nd order flexural vibration amplitudes of the coated cantilever are easily and efficiently excited by the PTE method, mainly due to the bimetallic effect and a high photothermal efficiency. The energy conversion and absorption efficiency comparison has been analyzed for different cantilevers by the PTE method. The spurious effects can be avoided by the PTE method which clearly reflects dynamic characteristics of the cantilever, and the scanning image quality can be improved.