NNIN SUMMER EXPERIENCE

GOALS

 To learn about the technology behind

an AFM and produce images of
different materials
 To create a lesson plan that
incorporates nanotechnology into the
existing curriculum
 To develop an action plan that
exposes students to nanotechnology
throughout the school year
AFM

 Explored the main principles behind

the AFM (cantilever, photodetector,
feedback loop, etc.)
 Produced and analyzed images from
a Nanosurf® easyScan AFM system
 Developed a presentation for other
educators to use with this AFM
system
AFM Operation - Overview

http://www.pacificnano.com/afm-modes.html
Learning to use the AFM

 Used the AFM to image Gold samples

 Interpretation of the images to
distinguish between the two gold
samples
 Image of Gold Grating
 Measurement and Analysis of Gold
Grating to determine grating spacing
Images of Gold Samples

Au sample A Au Sample B
average area roughness (Sq = 6nm) average roughness (Sq = 100nm)
Gold deposition by electroplating Gold deposition by sputtering
Gold Practice Grating
Image Analysis
Average grating spacing :

1.04 μm
Average height of features:

51.2 nm
Nature of the surface:

Blazed

Gold Practice Grating : 8μm scan

Plane Transmission Grating

1-D grating (sample A) 1- D grating (sample B) 2-D grating

grating spacing: grating spacing: grating spacings:
4.8 μm 1.28 μm x: 6.97 μm
y: 7.07 μm
LESSON PLAN: CDs AND DVDs
AS DIFFRACTION GRATINGS
 Develop Student Worksheet
and Teacher’s Guide
 Incorporate AFM imaging and
analysis of CDs and DVDs
with an existing Diffraction
Grating Lab
Diffraction Pattern using a CD as
a Diffraction Grating

CD grating

Laser central
spot

screen

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/grating.html
AFM Images and Cut-out Scans of a
Blank CD AND DVD (10 m)
AFM Images of CD and DVD
(unrecorded)

CD-Blank DVD- Blank

(10 μm scan) (10 μm scan)
Track pitch = 1.57 μm Track pitch = 0.780 μm
AFM Images CD/DVD
(recorded)

CD - data encrypted DVD – data encrypted

scan size : 20 μm scan size : 10 μm
AFM Images CD/DVD
(recorded)

CD - data encrypted DVD – data encrypted

scan size : 5 μm scan size : 5 μm
Blu-Ray AFM Images
Comparing Data Density of CD,
DVD and Blu-Ray
Blu-Ray Disc


 CD

DVD 
Experimental Data and Reference Data

Blu-Ray DVD CD
Laser Size 405 nm 650 nm 780 nm
Track pitch 0.32 m 0.74 m 1.6 m
(0.33 m) (0.79 m) (1.57 m)
Min. pit 0.15 m 0.40 m 0.83 m
length (0.17 m) (0.41 m) (0.79 m)
Channel bit 0.062 m 0.133 m 0.278 m
size
Capacity 25 GB 4.7 GB 0.7 GB

Blue: experimental values black : reference values

 CONCLUSIONS
 Experimental results of track pitch, minimum pit length of a
CD , DVD and Blu-Ray agree well with known values.

 Experimental results of grating spacing obtained from the

diffraction pattern using CDs and DVDs agree well with the
grating spacing obtained from imaging them with the AFM.

 The AFM image of a CD was used to determined the no. of

data bits per square micrometer. The total usable area of a
CD was determined from measurement and used to
calculate the storage capacity of the disc.

 The density of the tracks of CDs and DVDs as

compared to a Blu-Ray was used to explain the increase
in storage capacity and the recent technology used to
further increase the same.
ACTION PLAN
 Metric conversions – Powers of Ten Video (http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBsOeLcUARw)
 Hooke’s Law and cantilevers (SP3: Simple Harmonic
Motion)
 Diffraction Gratings (SP4: Waves)
 Photodiodes, Lasers, Voltage and the AFM (SP4 and
SP5: Waves and Electromagnetism)
 Piezo materials and Voltage (SP5: Electromagnetism)
 Journal Readings
 Projects
 Career Research

GPS Standards
Links to Lesson Plans

 Lesson Plan
 Student worksheet
 AFM Quick Reference
Dr.Larry Bottomley and group Dr. Nancy Healy Joyce Palmer

School of Chemistry and NNIN Educational Asst Educational

BioChemistry Coordinator Coordinator ,NNIN