Etching gold tips suitable for tip-enhanced near-field optical microscopy.
We describe a simple method of fabricating gold tips for tip-enhanced near-field optical microscopy using a single step direct current electrochemical etch. Smooth gold tips with a radius of curvature approximately 40 nm and with an aspect ratio suitable for shear force measurement have been produced in a few minutes. A detailed analysis of the etching process has enabled production of reproducible high quality tips. Near field images of single quantum dots using tips etched with this technique are shown.
Eligal
Lior
L
Department of Physics, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom.
Culfaz
Ferhat
F
McCaughan
Vincent
V
Cade
Nicholas I
NI
Richards
David
D