Wir danken A. Sharoni von der Bar-Ilan-Universität für die supraleitenden Filme bereitstellt. Diese Forschung wurde unterstützt durch European Research Council ERC Grants-2014-STG- 639.792, Marie-Curie-Career Integration Grants FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG-333799, und Israel Science Foundation Grant ISF-1102-1113.

1. Der Zugang zu einem Scanning SQUID-System <ol><li> Verwenden Sie ein Scan - SQUID - System , das einen SQUID - Sensor auf einem Chip 9, 10, Stick - Slip - Grobbewegungstisch und einem piezobasierten Scanner für feine Bewegung hergestellt umfasst. Siehe Abbildung 1. </li><li> Polieren Sie die SQUID-Chip in eine Ecke rund um den Pickup-Schleife. Das Material des Chips muss den ganzen Weg zu der Aufnahmeschleife entfernt werden. <ol><li> polieren Sie vorsichtig das SQUID, 5 bis 0,5 um nicht-magnetische Polierpapier. HINWEIS: Nach der Polierstufe kann der Pickup-Schleife in die Nähe gebracht werden, oder Kontakt mit der Probe. </li></ol></li></ol> 2. Deposition von Niobium (Nb) Thin Film mit Gleichstrom (DC) Sputtering <ol><li> Besorgen Sie sich ein Substrat. In dieser Arbeit verwenden, um eine Bor-dotierte Siliziumsubstrat mit 500 nm aus Siliziumoxid. Andere Substrate wie SrTiO und MgO sind möglich. </li><li> Erreichen Sie eine Basis pressure von 10 -7 Torr in der Kammer. Pre-Sputter mit 99,95% Nb Target in einer Argonumgebung bei einem Druck von 2,4 mTorr mit einer Abscheidungsrate von 1,8 Å / s bei Raumtemperatur für 10 min, um die Verdampfungskammer. Beachten Sie, dass der Abscheidungsprozess erst beginnen kann , wenn der Basisdruck in der Kammer kleiner als 10 -7 Torr. Wenn der Druck höher ist, wiederholen Sie den Pre-Sputter-Bühne. </li><li> Platzieren Substrat in der Kammer. </li><li> Deposit Nb-Dünnfilms durch von einer 99,95% Nb Ziel bei Raumtemperatur Sputtern in einer Argonumgebung bei einem Druck von 2,4 mTorr mit einer Abscheidungsrate von 1,8 Å / s. </li></ol> 3. Probe-Spitze Ausrichtung <ol><li> In diesem Stadium auszurichten den Sensorchip mit der Probe, so dass die Spitze des Chips den Kontakt mit der Probe ist, wenn die Wirbel bewegt. Um dies zu erreichen, einen Ausrichtungswinkel von mindestens 4 ° verwenden. </li><li> Kleben Sie einen flexiblen Ausleger auf einer leitenden Platte mit einer dielektrischen Schicht. Dann kleben Sie die SQUID chip auf dem Ausleger. Die Kapazität zwischen dem Cantilever und einer statischen Platte bestimmt den Kontakt mit der Probe und dem Ausmaß der Belastung aufgetragen. </li><li> Legen Sie die Probe auf dem Mikroskop. Kleben Sie die Probe auf eine bestimmte Probenträger einen Lack oder Silberpaste verwendet wird. Kleben Sie die Halterung an der Z Piezoelement (Abbildung 1a). </li><li> Schließen Sie die Stick-Slip-Grobbewegungssystem mit einem Controller. </li><li> Richten Sie optische Abbildung von zwei Seiten - der Vorderseite und der Seite des Chips. Verwenden Sie zwei Teleskope platziert auf Übersetzung Stufen, gerichtet an der Vorderseite des Chips und einer seiner Seiten. </li><li> Unter Verwendung der Z-Stick-Slip-Grobbewegungstisch, bewegen Sie die Probe auf einen Abstand von 1 &amp; mgr; m von dem Sensor, so dass die Reflexion des Sensors auf der Probe sichtbar ist. HINWEIS: Der Kontakt zwischen der Probe und dem Sensor in diesem Stadium kann das SQUID schaden. </li><li> Bewegen Sie die Probe von 0,5 bis 1 mm vom Sensor entfernt den Z-Stick-Slip-Grobbewegungstisch mit Schäden an der S zu verhindernPFUND. </li><li> Drehen Sie die Ausrichtungsschrauben (Abbildung 1a) gleich Frontwinkel zu erhalten (dh die Winkel der Seiten der Spitze des Chips mit seiner Reflexion zu machen, wie in Abbildung 1c zu sehen ist ). </li><li> Bewegen der Probe in einem Abstand von 1 &amp; mgr; m von dem Sensor. Überprüfen Sie die Winkel und wiederholen Sie Schritt 3.7 und 3.8, wenn nötig. </li><li> Drehen Sie die Justierschrauben einen Winkel von 4 Grad zwischen dem Sensor zu erhalten und die Probe (Abbildung 1d). Stellen Sie sicher, dass die Spitze des Chips ist der Teil, der Kontakt mit der Probe macht. </li></ol> 4. Messungen <ol><li> Laden Sie den Scankopf (Abbildung 1a) zu einem 4 K Kühlsystem. HINWEIS: Die Scankopf sollte durch ein Vakuum auf einer kalten Platte, und umgeben verbunden werden. Draht zu einer Spule um die Dose zum Anlegen von externen Magnetfeldes (niedrige Felder aus mehreren Gauß ausreichend sind für diese Studie). Decken Sie diese Einstellung mit einem Mu-Metallabschirmung. </li><li> Kühle in Gegenwart von Magnetic Feld von Strom durch die Spule der Anwendung des Mikroskops umgibt. Wählen Sie die Feldstärke sorgfältig die gewünschte Wirbeldichte zu erreichen. Verwenden Sie 1Φ 0 = 20,7 g / &amp; mgr; m 2 die Abklingzeit Feld zu berechnen. Beispielsweise für 10 Wirbel in einer 10 &amp; mgr; m bis 10 &amp; mgr; m-Bereich, gelten 2,07 G. </li><li> Für oberhalb der Sprungtemperatur zu einer neuen Wirbeldichte Wärmeprobenwechsel (für Nb, Hitze über 10 K). Wenden Sie das neue Feld. </li><li> Kühle Probe auf 4,2 K. </li><li> Schalten Magnetfeld ab. Drehen Sie SQUID auf. </li><li> Bewegen Sie die Probe nahe an dem SQUID mit dem Stick-Slip-Grobbewegungssystem. <ol><li> Nehmen zunehmende Spannungen auf der Z-Stick-Slip-Würfel die Probe näher an den SQUID-Chip zu bewegen. </li><li> Anwenden Spannung zwischen dem Ausleger und der Platte zum Lesen der Kapazität einer Kapazitätsbrücke unter Verwendung von (0,1-1 V typisch). </li><li> Fegen die Spannung auf der Z Piezoelement. Messen Sie die Kapazität zwischen dem Ausleger und dem plate. Wenn eine große Veränderung der Kapazität auftritt, ist die Probe in Kontakt mit dem SQUID-Chip. </li><li> Wenn die Probe nicht mit dem Chip gemacht haben Kontakt, Schritte wiederholen 4.6.1-4.6.3, bis der Kontakt beobachtet wird. </li><li> Optional: Kurs Bewegung Verwenden Sie den Abstand zwischen der Spitze und der Probe einzustellen, so dass der Kontakt bei niedrigen Spannungen (0 - 10 V angelegt auf der Z-Piezo) auftritt. </li><li> Sobald dort Kontakt ist, wiederholen Sie die Schritte 4.6.2-4.6.3 an mehreren Stellen, um die Neigungswinkel der Oberfläche zu bestimmen und die Ebene der Probe, relativ zu dem Sensor zu bestimmen. </li></ol></li><li> Kehren die Spannung an den X und Y Piezoelemente, um die Probe relativ zu dem Sensor zu bewegen. Scannen auf einer konstanten Höhe oberhalb der Probe, ohne Kontakt zwischen der Spitze und der Probe, um Wirbel Verteilung abzubilden. Erzielen eine konstante Scanhöhe durch die Spannung an der Z piezo ändert gemäß den X- und Y-Positionen und auf die Ebene in 4.6 definiert. </li><li> Wählen Sie einen Wirbel und Scan around es genau die Position seiner Mitte bestimmen. Beachten Sie, dass die Wirbel Lage zu der Aufnahmeschleife des SQUID relativ ist, nicht an die Kontaktstelle. </li><li> Schalten SQUID aus. </li><li> Übernehmen einer Spannung, die größer als Aufsetzpunkt Spannung an die piezo z ist und entweder tap neben dem Wirbelzentrum oder den Wirbel kehren durch den Sensor ziehen (in Kontakt mit der Probe) langsam auf die Probe zu einer gewünschten Stelle. Der Wirbel wird auf dem Hahn oder in der Durchlaufrichtung bewegen. Typische Werte der angelegten z Piezospannung sind 2-5 V. hinzufügen </li><li> Drehen Sie SQUID auf. </li><li> Bild erneut auf einer konstanten Höhe ohne Kontakt, um die neue Position des Wirbels zu lokalisieren. </li></ol>

<ol>
	<li>Olson Reichhardt, C. J., Hastings, M. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Do+Vortices+Entangle?.">Do Vortices Entangle?.</a> Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 157002 (2004).</li><li>Milo&#353;evi&#263;, M. V., Berdiyorov, G. R., Peeters, F. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluxonic+cellular+automata.">Fluxonic cellular automata.</a> Appl. Phys. Lett. 91, 212501 (2007).</li><li>Kalisky, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Scanning+Probe+Manipulation+of+Magnetism+at+the+LaAlO3/SrTiO3+Heterointerface.">Scanning Probe Manipulation of Magnetism at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Heterointerface.</a> Nano Lett. 12, 4055-4059 (2012).</li><li>Silva, C. C. D. S., Van de Vondel, J., Morelle, M., Moshchalkov, V. V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Controlled+multiple+reversals+of+a+ratchet+effect.">Controlled multiple reversals of a ratchet effect.</a> Nature. 440, 651-654 (2006).</li><li>Kalisky, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamics+of+single+vortices+in+grain+boundaries:+I-V+characteristics+on+the+femtovolt+scale.">Dynamics of single vortices in grain boundaries: I-V characteristics on the femtovolt scale.</a> Appl. Phys. Lett. 94, 202504 (2009).</li><li>Embon, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Probing+dynamics+and+pinning+of+single+vortices+in+superconductors+at+nanometer+scales.">Probing dynamics and pinning of single vortices in superconductors at nanometer scales.</a> Sci. Rep. 5, 7598 (2015).</li><li>Auslaender, O. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanics+of+individual+isolated+vortices+in+a+cuprate+superconductor.">Mechanics of individual isolated vortices in a cuprate superconductor.</a> Nature Phys. 5, 35-39 (2008).</li><li>Kalisky, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Behavior+of+vortices+near+twin+boundaries+in+underdoped+Ba(Fe1-xCox)2As2.">Behavior of vortices near twin boundaries in underdoped Ba(Fe1-xCox)2As2.</a> Phys. Rev. B. 83, 064511 (2011).</li><li>Huber, M. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gradiometric+micro-SQUID+susceptometer+for+scanning+measurements+of+mesoscopic+samples.">Gradiometric micro-SQUID susceptometer for scanning measurements of mesoscopic samples.</a> Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 053704 (2008).</li><li>Koshnick, N. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+terraced+scanning+super+conducting+quantum+interference+device+susceptometer+with+submicron+pickup+loops.">A terraced scanning super conducting quantum interference device susceptometer with submicron pickup loops.</a> Appl. Phys. Lett. 93, 243101 (2008).</li><li>Kremen, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanical+Control+of+Individual+Superconducting+Vortices.">Mechanical Control of Individual Superconducting Vortices.</a> Nano Lett. 16, 1626-1630 (2016).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Erfolgreiche Manipulation von Wirbeln, hängt von mehreren kritischen Schritte. Es ist wichtig, den Sensor in einem Winkel auszurichten, so dass die Spitze des Chips wird die erste, um einen Kontakt mit der Probe sein. Zweitens ist es wichtig zu beachten, dass die Kraft auf die Probe ausgeübt wird, durch die mechanischen Eigenschaften des Cantilevers bestimmt wird, dass der Chip auf montiert ist. In dem elastischen Regelung ausgeübte Kraft ist proportional zur Auslenkung x nach Hookeschen Gesetz: F = kx <p ...

Wirbel sind magnetische Objekte auf der Nanoskala, bei Typ-2-Supraleiter in Gegenwart von äußeren Magnetfeld gebildet. In einem fehlerfreien Probe kann Wirbel frei bewegen. Jedoch verschiedene Mängel im Material Ergebnis in Bereichen verringerter Supraleitung, die für Wirbel energetisch günstig sind. Wirbel neigen dazu, diese Regionen, auch bekannt als die Pinning-Stellen zu dekorieren. In diesem Fall ist die Kraft um einen Wirbel zu bewegen, muss größer sein als die Pinning-Kraft. Eigenschaften von Wirbeln, wie beispielsweise Wirbeldichte Wechselwirkungsstärke und Reichweite, kann leicht durch externes Feld, Temperatur oder Geometrie der Probe bestimmt werden. Die Fähigkeit , diese Eigenschaften zu kontrollieren macht sie ein gutes Modellsystem für kondensierter Materie Verhalten , das leicht abgestimmt werden kann, sowie geeignete Kandidaten für elektronische Anwendungen 1, 2. Steuerung der Lage der einzelnen Wirbel ist wesentlich für die Gestaltung solcher logische Elemente. Mechanische Kontrolle magnetischer Nanopartikel hatte zuvor erreicht. Kalisky et al. zuletzt verwendeten Scan supraleitenden Quanteninterferenzvorrichtung (SQUID) zur Untersuchung der Einfluss der lokalen mechanischen Beanspruchung auf ferromagnetischen Patches in komplexen Oxidgrenzflächen 3. Sie waren in der Lage, die Orientierung des Pflasters durch Scannen in Kontakt zu verändern, wird durch Drücken der Spitze des SQUID in die Probe, um eine Kraft von bis zu 1 &amp; mgr; N in dem Verfahren Anwendung. Wir haben ein ähnliches Verfahren in unserem Protokoll zu bewegen, um Wirbel eingesetzt. In bestehenden Studien der Wirbel Manipulation wurde Bewegung durch Anlegen von Strom an die Probe erreicht, so dass die Schaffung Lorentzkraft 4, 5, 6. Während dieses Verfahren wirksam ist, ist es nicht lokal, und erforderlich, um einen einzigen Wirbel, zusätzlichen Herstellungs zu steuern ist. Vortices kann auch sein maniplierten durch externes Magnetfeld angelegt wird , beispielsweise mit einem Magnetkraftmikroskop (MFM) oder mit einem SQUID Feldspule 7, 8. Dieses Verfahren ist wirksam und lokal, aber die Kraft, die durch diese Werkzeuge angewendet ist klein, und die Pinning-Kraft nur bei hohen Temperaturen, in der Nähe der kritischen Temperatur des Supraleiters überwinden. Unser Protokoll ermöglicht eine effektive, lokale Manipulation bei niedrigen Temperaturen (4 K) ohne zusätzliche Herstellung der Probe. Wir Bild Wirbel Scanning SQUID-Mikroskopie. Der Sensor wird auf einem Siliziumchip hergestellt, der in eine Ecke poliert wird, und auf einem flexiblen Kragarm verklebt. Der Ausleger ist für kapazitive Abtastung der Oberfläche verwendet. Der Chip ist in einem Winkel zu der Probe angeordnet ist, so daß der Kontaktpunkt an der Spitze des Chips ist. Wir wenden Kräfte von bis zu 2 &amp; mgr; N durch den Chip in die Probe drückt. Wir bewegen die Probe relativ zu dem SQUID von Piezo-Elementen. Wir ziehen umneben einem Wirbel der Wirbel, der durch den Siliziumspitze zu tippen, oder es durch Kehren, berühren den Wirbel.

<table><tbody><tr><td>stick slip coarse motion system</td><td>attocube</td><td>ANPx-101</td><td>x,y motion</td></tr><tr><td>stick slip coarse motion system</td><td>attocube</td><td>ANPz-101</td><td>z motion</td></tr><tr><td>stick slip coarse motion system controller</td><td>Attocube</td><td>ANC 300</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>high voltage amplifier</td><td>Attocube</td><td>ANC 250</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>data acquisition card</td><td>National Instruments</td><td>NI&amp;nbsp;PCIe-6363</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>piezo elements</td><td>Piezo Systems Inc</td><td>T2C</td><td>non magnetic</td></tr><tr><td>low noise voltage preamplifier</td><td>Stanford Research Systems</td><td>SR 560</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>capacitance bridge</td><td>General Radio</td><td>1615A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>telescope</td><td>NAVITAR</td><td>1-504516</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>camera</td><td>MOTICAM</td><td>MP2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>dewar</td><td>Cryofab</td><td>N/A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>insert</td><td>ICE oxford</td><td>N/A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mu-metal shield</td><td>Amuneal</td><td>N/A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>vacuum cap</td><td>ICE oxford</td><td>N/A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>sputtering system</td><td>AJA international Inc</td><td>N/A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>lapping film</td><td>3M</td><td>261X</td><td>non magnetic</td></tr><tr><td>Nb target</td><td>Kurt J. Lesker</td><td>EJTNBXX351A2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>GE Varnish</td><td>CMR-Direct</td><td>02-33-001</td><td>for cryogenic heatsinking</td></tr><tr><td>Silver paste</td><td>Structure Probe Inc</td><td>05063-AB</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

scanning squid study of vortex manipulation by local contact

Local, deterministic manipulation of individual vortices in type 2 superconductors is challenging. The ability to control the position of individual vortices is necessary in order to study how vortices interact with each other, with the lattice, and with other magnetic objects. Here, we present a protocol for vortex manipulation in thin superconducting films by local contact, without applying current or magnetic field. Vortices are imaged using a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and vertical stress is applied to the sample by pushing the tip of a silicon chip into the sample, using a piezoelectric element. Vortices are moved by tapping the sample or sweeping it with the silicon tip. Our method allows for effective manipulation of individual vortices, without damaging the film or affecting its topography. We demonstrate how vortices were relocated to distances of up to 0.8 mm. The vortices remained stable at their new location up to five days. With this method, we can control vortices and move them to form complex configurations. This technique for vortex manipulation could also be implemented in applications such as vortex based logic devices.

Unser Protokoll wurde auf Tausenden von einzelnen, gut getrennt Wirbel in zwei Proben von Nb, und neun Proben von NbN erfolgreich getestet. Wir erzeugen neue Wirbel an der gleichen Probe, indem die Probe oberhalb von Tc erhitzt wird, und Abkühlen wieder auf 4,2 K in Gegenwart eines Magnetfelds. Wir wählten das externe Magnetfeld um die gewünschte Wirbeldichte zu erreichen. Wir zeigen hier, Daten aus diesen Experimenten. Diese Ergebnisse wurden im Detail von Kremen et al. <sup...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Scanning SQUID Study of Vortex Manipulation by Local Contact at JoVE.com

Scanning SQUID Study of Vortex Manipulation by Local Contact

We present a protocol for manipulation of individual vortices in thin superconducting films, using local mechanical contact. The method does not include applying current, magnetic field or additional fabrication steps.

Scannen SQUID-Studie von Vortex Manipulation durch Kontakt vor Ort

Local, deterministic manipulation of individual vortices in type 2 superconductors is challenging. The ability to control the position of individual ...

scanning-squid-study-of-vortex-manipulation-by-local-contact

Research

JoVE Journal

Engineering

6.8K Aufrufe.  Bar-Ilan University. We present a protocol for manipulation of individual vortices in thin superconducting films, using local mechanical contact. The method does not include applying current, magnetic field or additional fabrication steps. 

Serie: Scanning SQUID Study of Vortex Manipulation by Local Contact

Quantitatively Measuring In situ Flows using a Self-Contained Underwater Velocimetry Apparatus (SCUVA)

The ability to directly measure velocity fields in a fluid environment is necessary to provide empirical data for studies in fields as diverse as oceanography, ecology, biology, and fluid mechanics. Field measurements introduce practical challenges such as environmental conditions, animal availability, and the need for field-compatible measurement techniques. To avoid these challenges, scientists typically use controlled laboratory environments to study animal-fluid interactions. However, it is reasonable to question whether one can extrapolate natural behavior (i.e., that which occurs in the field) from laboratory measurements. Therefore, in situ quantitative flow measurements are needed to accurately describe animal swimming in their natural environment.
We designed a self-contained, portable device that operates independent of any connection to the surface, and can provide quantitative measurements of the flow field surrounding an animal. This apparatus, a self-contained underwater velocimetry apparatus (SCUVA), can be operated by a single scuba diver in depths up to 40 m. Due to the added complexity inherent of field conditions, additional considerations and preparation are required when compared to laboratory measurements. These considerations include, but are not limited to, operator motion, predicting position of swimming targets, available natural suspended particulate, and orientation of SCUVA relative to the flow of interest. The following protocol is intended to address these common field challenges and to maximize measurement success.

Quantitatively Measuring In situ Flows using a Self-Contained Underwater Velocimetry Apparatus SCUVA

This protocol provides instructions on how to use a self-contained underwater velocimetry apparatus (SCUVA), which is designed for quantification of in situ animal-generated flows. In addition, this protocol addresses challenges posed by field conditions, and includes operator motion, predicting position of animals, and orientation of SCUVA.

Quantitativen Messung In situ Flows mit einem Self-Contained Underwater Velocimetry Apparatus (SCUVA)

The ability to directly measure velocity fields in a fluid environment is necessary to provide empirical data for studies in fields as diverse as ...

Forschung

Biotechnik

Quantitative and Qualitative Examination of Particle-particle Interactions Using Colloidal Probe Nanoscopy

Colloidal Probe Nanoscopy (CPN), the study of the nano-scale interactive forces between a specifically prepared colloidal probe and any chosen substrate using the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), can provide key insights into physical interactions present within colloidal systems. Colloidal systems are widely existent in several applications including, pharmaceuticals, foods, paints, paper, soil and minerals, detergents, printing and much more.1-3 Furthermore, colloids can exist in many states such as emulsions, foams and suspensions. Using colloidal probe nanoscopy one can obtain key information on the adhesive properties, binding energies and even gain insight into the physical stability and coagulation kinetics of the colloids present within. Additionally, colloidal probe nanoscopy can be used with biological cells to aid in drug discovery and formulation development. In this paper we describe a method for conducting colloidal probe nanoscopy, discuss key factors that are important to consider during the measurement, and show that both quantitative and qualitative data that can be obtained from such measurements.

Colloidal probe nanoscopy can be used within a variety of fields to gain insight into the physical stability and coagulation kinetics of colloidal systems and aid in drug discovery and formulation sciences using biological systems. The method described within provides a quantitative and qualitative means to study such systems.

Quantitative und qualitative Untersuchung der Partikel-Partikel Wechselwirkungen mit Kolloidales Probe Nanoskopie

Colloidal Probe Nanoscopy (CPN), the study of the nano-scale interactive forces between a specifically prepared colloidal probe and any chosen substrate ...

Chemie

Methods for Measuring the Orientation and Rotation Rate of 3D-printed Particles in Turbulence

Experimental methods are presented for measuring the rotational and translational motion of anisotropic particles in turbulent fluid flows. 3D printing technology is used to fabricate particles with slender arms connected at a common center. Shapes explored are crosses (two perpendicular rods), jacks (three perpendicular rods), triads (three rods in triangular planar symmetry), and tetrads (four arms in tetrahedral symmetry). Methods for producing on the order of 10,000 fluorescently dyed particles are described. Time-resolved measurements of their orientation and solid-body rotation rate are obtained from four synchronized videos of their motion in a turbulent flow between oscillating grids with R&#955; = 91. In this relatively low-Reynolds number flow, the advected particles are small enough that they approximate ellipsoidal tracer particles. We present results of time-resolved 3D trajectories of position and orientation of the particles as well as measurements of their rotation rates.

We use 3D printing to fabricate anisotropic particles in the shapes of jacks, crosses, tetrads, and triads, whose alignments and rotations in turbulent fluid flow can be measured from multiple simultaneous video images.

Verfahren zur Messung der Neigung und Drehrate von 3D-gedruckten Particles in Turbulence

Experimental methods are presented for measuring the rotational and translational motion of anisotropic particles in turbulent fluid flows. 3D printing ...

Ingenieurwesen

Hand Controlled Manipulation of Single Molecules via a Scanning Probe Microscope with a 3D Virtual Reality Interface

Considering organic molecules as the functional building blocks of future nanoscale technology, the question of how to arrange and assemble such building blocks in a bottom-up approach is still open. The scanning probe microscope (SPM) could be a tool of choice; however, SPM-based manipulation was until recently limited to two dimensions (2D). Binding the SPM tip to a molecule at a well-defined position opens an opportunity of controlled manipulation in 3D space. Unfortunately, 3D manipulation is largely incompatible with the typical 2D-paradigm of viewing and generating SPM data on a computer. For intuitive and efficient manipulation we therefore couple a low-temperature non-contact atomic force/scanning tunneling microscope (LT NC-AFM/STM) to a motion capture system and fully immersive virtual reality goggles. This setup permits &#34;hand controlled manipulation&#34; (HCM), in which the SPM tip is moved according to the motion of the experimenter&#39;s hand, while the tip trajectories as well as the response of the SPM junction are visualized in 3D. HCM paves the way to the development of complex manipulation protocols, potentially leading to a better fundamental understanding of nanoscale interactions acting between molecules on surfaces. Here we describe the setup and the steps needed to achieve successful hand-controlled molecular manipulation within the virtual reality environment.

We demonstrate the precise manipulation of individual organic molecules on a metal surface with the tip of a scanning probe microscope driven in 3D by the experimenter's hand using a motion capture system and fully immersive virtual reality goggles.

Hand kontrollierte Manipulation einzelner Moleküle über ein Rastersondenmikroskop mit einer 3D-Virtual-Reality-Schnittstelle

Considering organic molecules as the functional building blocks of future nanoscale technology, the question of how to arrange and assemble such building ...

Investigating the Three-dimensional Flow Separation Induced by a Model Vocal Fold Polyp

The fluid-structure energy exchange process for normal speech has been studied extensively, but it is not well understood for pathological conditions. Polyps and nodules, which are geometric abnormalities that form on the medial surface of the vocal folds, can disrupt vocal fold dynamics and thus can have devastating consequences on a patient&#39;s ability to communicate. Our laboratory has reported particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements, within an investigation of a model polyp located on the medial surface of an in&#160;vitro driven vocal fold model, which show that such a geometric abnormality considerably disrupts the glottal jet behavior. This flow field adjustment is a likely reason for the severe degradation of the vocal quality in patients with polyps. A more complete understanding of the formation and propagation of vortical structures from a geometric protuberance, such as a vocal fold polyp, and the resulting influence on the aerodynamic loadings that drive the vocal fold dynamics, is necessary for advancing the treatment of this pathological condition. The present investigation concerns the three-dimensional flow separation induced by a wall-mounted prolate hemispheroid with a 2:1 aspect ratio in cross flow, i.e. a model vocal fold polyp, using an oil-film visualization technique. Unsteady, three-dimensional flow separation and its impact of the wall pressure loading are examined using skin friction line visualization and wall pressure measurements.

Vocal fold polyps can disrupt vocal fold dynamics and thus can have devastating consequences on a patient&#39;s ability to communicate. Three-dimensional flow separation induced by a wall-mounted model polyp and its impact on the wall pressure loading are examined using particle image velocimetry, skin friction line visualization, and wall pressure measurements.

Untersuchung der dreidimensionalen Strömungstrennung, die durch ein Modell Vocal Fold Polyp induziert wird

The fluid-structure energy exchange process for normal speech has been studied extensively, but it is not well understood for pathological conditions. ...

Visualization of Flow Field Around a Vibrating Pipeline Within an Equilibrium Scour Hole

An experimental method is presented in this paper to facilitate visualization of the detailed flow fields and determination of the near-boundary shear and normal stresses within an equilibrium scour hole induced by a vibrating pipeline. This method involves the implementation of a pipeline vibration system in a straight flume, a time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) system for pipeline displacement tracking and flow fields measurements. The displacement time-series of the vibrating pipeline are obtained by using the cross-correlation algorithms. The steps for processing raw particle laden images obtained by using the time-resolved PIV are described. The detailed instantaneous flow fields around the vibrating pipeline at different vibrating phases are calculated by using a multiple-time-interval cross-correlation algorithm to avoid displacement bias error in the flow regions with a large velocity gradient. By applying the wavelet transform technique, the captured images that have the same vibrating phase are accurately cataloged before the phase-averaged velocity fields are obtained. The key advantages of the flow measurement technique described in this paper are that it has a very high temporal and spatial resolution and can be simultaneously used to obtain the pipeline dynamics, flow fields, and near-boundary flow stresses. By using this technique, more in-depth studies of the 2-dimensional flow field in a complex environment, such as that around a vibrating pipeline, can be conducted to better understand the associated sophisticated scour mechanism.

The goal of the protocol is to enable visualization of the detailed flow fields and determination of the near-boundary shear and normal stresses within an equilibrium scour hole induced by a vibrating pipeline.

Visualisierung des Strömungsfeldes um eine vibrierende Pipeline innerhalb eines Gleichgewichts-Scour-Lochs

An experimental method is presented in this paper to facilitate visualization of the detailed flow fields and determination of the near-boundary shear and ...

Umwelt

Fabrication of Magnetic Nanostructures on Silicon Nitride Membranes for Magnetic Vortex Studies Using Transmission Microscopy Techniques

Electron and x-ray magnetic microscopies allow for high-resolution magnetic imaging down to tens of nanometers. However, the samples need to be prepared on transparent membranes which are very fragile and difficult to manipulate. We present processes for the fabrication of samples with magnetic micro- and nanostructures with spin configurations forming magnetic vortices suitable for Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and magnetic transmission x-ray microscopy studies. The samples are prepared on silicon nitride membranes and the fabrication consists of a spin coating, UV and electron-beam lithography, the chemical development of the resist, and the evaporation of the magnetic material followed by a lift-off process forming the final magnetic structures. The samples for the Lorentz transmission electron microscopy consist of magnetic nanodiscs prepared in a single lithography step. The samples for the magnetic x-ray transmission microscopy are used for time-resolved magnetization dynamic experiments, and magnetic nanodiscs are placed on a waveguide which is used for the generation of repeatable magnetic field pulses by passing an electric current through the waveguide. The waveguide is created in an extra lithography step.

A protocol for the fabrication of magnetic micro- and nanostructures with spin configurations forming magnetic vortices suitable for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and magnetic transmission x-ray microscopy (MTXM) studies is presented.

Herstellung von magnetische Nanostrukturen auf Silizium-Nitrid Membranen für magnetische Wirbel Studien mit Übertragungstechniken Mikroskopie

Electron and x-ray magnetic microscopies allow for high-resolution magnetic imaging down to tens of nanometers. However, the samples need to be prepared ...

Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers

During the development of a multicellular organism, a single fertilized cell divides and gives rise to multiple tissues with diverse functions. Tissue morphogenesis goes in hand with molecular and structural changes at the single cell level that result in variations of subcellular mechanical properties. As a consequence, even within the same cell, different organelles and compartments resist differently to mechanical stresses; and mechanotransduction pathways can actively regulate their mechanical properties. The ability of a cell to adapt to the microenvironment of the tissue niche thus is in part due to the ability to sense and respond to mechanical stresses. We recently proposed a new mechanosensation paradigm in which nuclear deformation and positioning enables a cell to gauge the physical 3D environment and endows the cell with a sense of proprioception to decode changes in cell shape. In this article, we describe a new method to measure the forces and material properties that shape the cell nucleus inside living cells, exemplified on adherent cells and mechanically confined cells. The measurements can be performed non-invasively with optical traps inside cells, and the forces are directly accessible through calibration-free detection of light momentum. This allows measuring the mechanics of the nucleus independently from cell surface deformations and allowing dissection of exteroceptive and interoceptive mechanotransduction pathways. Importantly, the trapping experiment can be combined with optical microscopy to investigate the cellular response and subcellular dynamics using fluorescence imaging of the cytoskeleton, calcium ions, or nuclear morphology. The presented method is straightforward to apply, compatible with commercial solutions for force measurements, and can easily be extended to investigate the mechanics of other subcellular compartments, e.g., mitochondria, stress-fibers, and endosomes.

Here, we present a protocol to investigate the intracellular mechanical properties of isolated embryonic zebrafish cells in three-dimensional confinement with direct force measurement by an optical trap.

Direkte Kraftmessungen der subzellulären Mechanik im Einschluss mit optischen Pinzetten

During the development of a multicellular organism, a single fertilized cell divides and gives rise to multiple tissues with diverse functions. Tissue ...

Entwicklungsbiologie

Using a Microfluidics Device for Mechanical Stimulation and High Resolution Imaging of C. elegans

One central goal of mechanobiology is to understand the reciprocal effect of mechanical stress on proteins and cells. Despite its importance, the influence of mechanical stress on cellular function is still poorly understood. In part, this knowledge gap exists because few tools enable simultaneous deformation of tissue and cells, imaging of cellular activity in live animals, and efficient restriction of motility in otherwise highly mobile model organisms, such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The small size of C. elegans makes them an excellent match to microfluidics-based research devices, and solutions for immobilization have been presented using microfluidic devices. Although these devices allow for high-resolution imaging, the animal is fully encased in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and glass, limiting physical access for delivery of mechanical force or electrophysiological recordings. Recently, we created a device that integrates pneumatic actuators with a trapping design that is compatible with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. The actuation channel is separated from the worm-trapping channel by a thin PDMS diaphragm. This diaphragm is deflected into the side of a worm by applying pressure from an external source. The device can target individual mechanosensitive neurons. The activation of these neurons is imaged at high-resolution with genetically-encoded calcium indicators. This article presents the general method using C. elegans strains expressing calcium-sensitive activity indicator (GCaMP6s) in their touch receptor neurons (TRNs). The method, however, is not limited to TRNs nor to calcium sensors as a probe, but can be expanded to other mechanically-sensitive cells or sensors.

Using a Microfluidics Device for Mechanical Stimulation and High Resolution Imaging of C. elegans

New tools for mechanobiology research are needed to understand how mechanical stress activates biochemical pathways and elicits biological responses. Here, we showcase a new method for selective mechanical stimulation of immobilized animals with a microfluidic trap allowing high-resolution imaging of cellular responses.

Verwendung von einem Mikrofluidik-Gerät für mechanische Stimulation und High Resolution Imaging von C. elegans

One central goal of mechanobiology is to understand the reciprocal effect of mechanical stress on proteins and cells. Despite its importance, the ...

Neurowissenschaften

Visualizing Membrane Ruffle Formation using Scanning Electron Microscopy

Membrane ruffling is the formation of motile plasma membrane protrusions containing a meshwork of newly polymerized actin filaments. Membrane ruffles may form spontaneously or in response to growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, and phorbol esters. Some of the membrane protrusions may reorganize into circular membrane ruffles that fuse at their distal margins and form cups that close and separate into the cytoplasm as large, heterogeneous vacuoles called macropinosomes. During the process, ruffles trap extracellular fluid and solutes that internalize within macropinosomes. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a commonly used imaging technique to visualize and quantify membrane ruffle formation, circular protrusions, and closed macropinocytic cups on the cell surface. The following protocol describes the cell culture conditions, stimulation of the membrane ruffle formation in vitro, and how to fix, dehydrate, and prepare cells for imaging using SEM. Quantification of membrane ruffling, data normalization, and stimulators and inhibitors of membrane ruffle formation are also described. This method can help answer key questions about the role of macropinocytosis in physiological and pathological processes, investigate new targets that regulate membrane ruffle formation, and identify yet uncharacterized physiological stimulators as well as novel pharmacological inhibitors of macropinocytosis.

Macropinocytosis is a highly conserved endocytic process initiated by the formation of F-actin-rich sheet-like membrane projections, also known as membrane ruffles. Increased rate of macropinocytotic solute internalization has been implicated in various pathological conditions. This protocol presents a method to quantify membrane ruffle formation in vitro using scanning electron microscopy.

Visualisierung der Membranrüschenbildung mittels Rasterelektronenmikroskopie

Membrane ruffling is the formation of motile plasma membrane protrusions containing a meshwork of newly polymerized actin filaments. Membrane ruffles may ...