High-Resolution Multimodal Confocal Raman-Imaging in SEM by Means of RISE Microscopy

Jan Englert, Ute Schmidt, Olaf Hollricher, Harald Fischer
2020 Microscopy and Microanalysis  
The characterization of materials, may it be hard or soft, organic or inorganic matter, often requires more than a single analytical technique to gather comprehensive information. Especially fully understanding and subsequently predicting the behavior for specific applications can be a challenging task. The scope of this presentation is to introduce a tool which blends in seamlessly in existing highresolution SEM imaging capabilities while providing chemically highly specific 3D information at
more » ... he limit of optical diffraction. Furthermore, we wish to present how a combination of spectroscopic methods (e.g. Raman/Photoluminescence) and microscopy techniques (confocal/AFM/SEM) can contribute to your in depth understanding of above-mentioned materials. Linking of data originating various methods conducted at the same sample position does always deliver a more comprehensive insight into the material, however having those methods available in a common platform accelerates the workflow, increases the level of reliability and simplifies interpretation. We wish to present our multimodal microscopy approach to make 3D confocal Raman imaging accessible on nano-analytical platforms including but not limited to SEM. In a series of examples, we will demonstrate how this approach allows for the characterization of phase separations in polymer blends, facilitates understanding of complex geological samples or provides in depth information in lithium battery research. RISE microscopy is a combination of Raman Imaging with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), a novel correlative microscopy technique, which combines the Raman effect with high spatial resolution scanning electron microscopy within one single integrated microscope system. SEM typically is equipped with various accessories and modes of detection (SE -secondary electrons, BSEbackscattered electrons) and especially along with microanalysis tools (EDS, CL) can be a particularly powerful tool for research, development, quality control or failure analysis. SEM on the one hand can provide information on morphology, elemental composition and crystallography. 3D Confocal Raman imaging on the other hand will provide in depth analysis of polymorphs beyond elemental composition and vivid details on soft matter (e.g. polymers or organic matter) corroborated by information on orientation, crystallinity, strain and anisotropies.
doi:10.1017/s143192762001942x fatcat:g64lsskk4jevhfe2pctmwmj7qu