Three-dimensional nanoscale molecular imaging by extreme ultraviolet laser ablation mass spectrometry

Abstract

Analytical probes capable of mapping molecular composition at the nanoscale are of critical importance to materials research, biology and medicine. Mass spectral imaging makes it possible to visualize the spatial organization of multiple molecular components at a sample's surface. However, it is challenging for mass spectral imaging to map molecular composition in three dimensions (3D) with submicron resolution. Here we describe a mass spectral imaging method that exploits the high 3D localization of absorbed extreme ultraviolet laser light and its fundamentally distinct interaction with matter to determine molecular composition from a volume as small as 50 zl in a single laser shot. Molecular imaging with a lateral resolution of 75 nm and a depth resolution of 20 nm is demonstrated. These results open opportunities to visualize chemical composition and chemical changes in 3D at the nanoscale.

Ablation and transmission of thin solid targets irradiated by intense extreme ultraviolet laser radiation

“…Such lasers can enable fundamental studies and be utilized for applications such as nanomachining 14,15 and the development of nanoprobes. [16][17][18] We present the results of experiments undertaken with an argon capillary discharge laser, producing nanosecond pulses at a wavelength of 46.9 nm, focused onto thin parylene-N targets. This type of plastic contains equal proportions of hydrogen and carbon, which simplifies radiation-hydrodynamic simulations.…”

Ultrasensivite three dimensional nanoscale chemical imaging

“…The method has a sensitivity of O.Olat-mole, outperforming state-of-the-art TOF MSI methodologies [1].…”

“…Herein we describe the first demonstration of three dimensional (3D) nanoscale mass spectral imaging (MSI) made possible by the ablation of nano-scale spots with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) laser light [1]. The use of a EUV laser beam for ablation offers distinctive advantages relative to optical laser ablation methods used in mass spectrometry: it allows to deposit the laser energy into extremely small volumes simultaneously achieving superior sub-100 nrn lateral resolution and exceptional 10 nm depth resolution.…”

Temperature- and wavelength-insensitive parametric amplification enabled by noncollinear achromatic phase-matching

“…Ultrafast lasers with high peak and average powers are reliable tools for micromachining1, strong-field physics2 and applications in biology, medicine and materials sciences345. Recently, the peak power has been boosted to hundreds of terawatts or even petawatt levels by means of Ti:sapphire chirped-pulse amplification6 (CPA) or optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification78 (OPCPA).…”