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Quantum approach to modelling high resolution Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

Project description

Density functional theory simulations reveal the underlying physics of an atomic force microscopy variant

Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is one of the latest scanning probe microscopy techniques that uses a very sharp tip to measure the electrostatic forces and charge transfer on the surface of a sample. However, the theory that underlies such measurements and all physical interactions between the tip and the sample are not well understood, especially in very close scans. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme, the QMKPFM project will use density functional theory calculations to reveal the unknown physics of close KPFM scans. The work will enable researchers to derive additional information about the composition of the local structures on the surface of a sample.

Objective

Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) is one of the newest scanning probe microscopy techniques, that enables us to obtain information about electrostatics and charge transfer on a surface, measured via very sharp tip moving above a sample. However, the theory behind the KPFM measurements and all physical interactions between the tip and sample are not fully understood, especially for very close scans. We plan to use density functional theory calculations to reveal the unknown physics of close KPFM scans. We will prepare multiscale simulation package for the KPFM, which will work on quantum theory level as well as simplified fast mechanistic model level and which will cover a wide range of experimental conditions. This work will enable us to get additional information about the physics going on the scanned sample from the KPFM measurements and to employ KPFM as an additional source of information for structural identification. Finally, it can lead to general theory for chemical resolution in scanning probe microscopy.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018

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Coordinator

AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR
Net EU contribution
€ 202 680,96
Address
OTAKAARI 1
02150 Espoo
Finland
Region
Manner-Suomi Helsinki-Uusimaa Helsinki-Uusimaa
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 202 680,96