Quantitative measurement using scanning thermal microscopy

Ge, Yunfei (2016) Quantitative measurement using scanning thermal microscopy. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis reports on the development of quantitative measurement using micromachined scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) probes. These thermal probes employ a resistive element at their end, which can be used in passive or active modes. With the help of a review of SThM, the current issues and potentials associated with this technique are revealed. As a consequence of this understanding, several experimental and theoretical methods are discussed, which expand our understanding of these probes.
The whole thesis can be summarized into three parts, one focusing on the thermal probe, one on probe-sample thermal interactions, and the third on heat transfer within the sample. In the first part, a series of experiments are demonstrated, aimed at characterizing the probe in its electrical and thermal properties, benefiting advanced probe design, and laying a fundamental base for quantifying the temperature of the probe. The second part focuses on two artifacts observed during the thermal scans – one induced by topography and the other by air conduction. Correspondingly, two devices, probing these artifacts, are developed. A topography-free sample, utilizing a pattern transfer technique, minimises topography-related artifacts that limited the reliability of SThM data; a controlled temperature ‘Johnson noise device’, with multiple-heater design, offers a uniform, accurate, temperature distribution. Analyzing results of scan from these samples provides data for studying the thermal interactions within the probe and the tip-sample interface. In the final part, the observation is presented that quantification of measurements depends not only on an accurate measurement tool, but also on a deep understanding of the heat transfer within the sample resulting from the nanoscopic contact. It is believed that work in this thesis contributes to SThM gaining wider application in the scientific community.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Scanning probe microscopy, scanning thermal microscopy, nanoscale heat transfer, NEMS/MEMS devices, nanotechnology, thin films.
• Subjects: T Technology > T Technology (General); T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Funder's Name: European Commission (EC)
• Supervisor's Name: Dobson, Dr. Phil and Weaver, Prof Jonathan
• Date of Award: 2016
• Depositing User: Mr Yunfei Ge
• Unique ID: glathesis:2016-7474
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 12 Jul 2016 07:39
• Last Modified: 18 Aug 2016 08:32
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/7474