Carbon Nanotube | Diameter | Measurements from 3D Images

Measurements from 3D Images

The scanning probe microscope (SPM) scans sample surfaces with a microscopic probe to provide high-magnification 3-dimensional observations. The SPM achieves high resolution, second only to the transmission electron microscope. It offers good resolution perpendicular to the image. The individual carbon nanotube (CNT) diameters can be accurately measured as heights.
The diagram shows measurement data for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The apex of the tube and the left-hand mica measurement point are indicated by the red × marks. These positions are indicated by red lines in the cross-sectional diagram. The SWNT diameter can be seen to be 1.72 nm and 1.3 nm at the different measurement positions.

The mean value can be observed by Raman measurements.

Scanning Probe Microscope

The scanning probe microscope (SPM) scans the sample surface with a microscopic probe to provide high-magnification 3-dimensional observations. It permits nm-order observations and shape measurements of solid and film surfaces in air or in solution.