Laboratory

Advanced Materials Research Center (CERMA)

Department

Department of Chemistry

Funding agency(ies)

Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG)

Manufacturer (model)

Multi-segment Nanofilm Technology Ltd. system (BAM2plus) coupled with a Langmuir monolayer trough and a KSV (Nima) surface tension measurement system.

Commissioning

2005

Equipment Description

This microscopy technique enables the direct observation of ultrathin organic films at the air–water interface. Several other analyses can also be performed, including: 1) observation of the morphology and organization of molecular domains at the air–water interface; 2) dynamic study of the transformation of monolayer structures into multilayers; 3) investigation of the influence of different subphase compositions on monolayers; and 4) study of adsorption kinetics, as well as the quality and homogeneity of monolayers.

The principle of this technique is primarily based on the fact that when p-polarized light reaches the surface at the Brewster angle (53° for the air–water interface), no reflection occurs. The addition of molecules at the interface changes the local refractive index, allowing a small portion of the light to be reflected. Variations in image intensity can therefore be associated with the nature and different arrangements of molecules at the air–water interface. The system is also equipped with a scanner that enables a fully focused image to be obtained from a single correctly resolved line.

Technical Specifications

• Nd:YAG laser, 532 nm

• Adjustable power: 20–70 mW

• Lateral resolution: 1 μm (with the 20× objective) and 2 μm (with the 10× objective)

• Image dimensions: 220 × 275 μm (with the 20× objective) and 430 × 538 μm (with the 10× objective)

Areas of expertise

• Thin Films

• Monolayers

• Microscopy

Conditions of Use

This service is available on a rental basis with the assistance of a research professional. It is available to academic and industrial collaborators, depending on the number of users.

Rental Fees (CAD)

For internal use only.

Reservations

Elodie Boisselier

elodie.boisselier@fmed.ulaval.ca

418 656-2131 poste 405339