Retrospection of Instruments Today

Retrospection of Instruments Today [ 下載 PDF ]

Jer-Liang Andrew Yeh

Applications of Electron Microscopy in the Research on Metal Silicides [ 下載 PDF ]

Lih-Juann Chen

Metal silicide thin films have been an integral part of integrated circuits. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed to the low dimensional metal silicide systems owing to their importance in enhancing fundamental understanding of the interfacial reactions between metal and silicon as well as in a variety of applications. In this article, a brief introduction is made with particular emphasis on the applications of electron microscopy to the metal silicide research. With the vast potential for the novel and practical applications of metal silicides, continuing and vigorous efforts in research with electron microscopy playing a vital part are foreseen.

Detection of Unstable Gaseous Reaction Intermediates with a Step-Scan FTIR Absorption Spectrometer [ 下載 PDF ]

Yu-Hsuan Huang, Sheng-Zhi Lin, Li-Kang Chu, Yuan-Pern Lee

We employed a second-generation step-scan FTIR coupled with a White cell to investigate IR absorption spectra of gaseous reaction intermediates with resolution up to 0.075 cm⁻¹. With this method IR spectra with partially resolved rotational structures of many unstable free radicals and their isomers have been detected; their reaction kinetics was also investigated. The assignments were made according to comparison of observed vibrational wavenumbers, IR intensities, and rotational contours with those predicted with quantum-chemical calculations. The observation of the simplest Criegee intermediate CH₂OO serves as a good example for such an application.

Surface-enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy and Its Application on Interface Science Analysis [ 下載 PDF ]

Li-Chia Chen, Masatoshi Osawa, Hsien-Chang Chang

Recently, surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) has been received more attention and applied in the field of surface analysis. Combing SEIRAS with attenuated total reflection configuration (ATRSEIRAS), it can overcome the limitation of infrared spectroscopy for the measurement of aqueous solution in the past. ATR-SEIRAS can greatly increase the signal intensity and decrease the detection time. Moreover, this technique can measure the infrared spectroscopy of electrode surface simultaneous with electrochemical reaction. Here, we will introduce the theory and application of ATR-SEIRAS, and propose a new perspective for its development in the future.

Dawning of a New Age with the Taiwan Photon Source [ 下載 PDF ]

Kai-dee Lee, Chun-Jung Chen, Mau-Tsu Tang, Ching-Shun Ku, Di-Jing Huang

The National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC) finished construction of the Taiwan Photon Source, a light source with a low emittance and a high coherence. Construction of its beamlines and end stations with a high brilliance and nanoscale beams is forging ahead in a feverish pitch. These facilities should foster an environment for Taiwan's academe and technology community engaging in various fundamental and applied research realms, such as physics, chemistry, biomedical technology, semiconductor technology, energy and environmental sciences, and other material sciences to blossom in the future.

Astigmatic Detection System: New Tool for Precision Measurements [ 下載 PDF ]

Ing-Shouh Hwang, En-Te Hwu, Kuang-Yuh Huang, Chia-Seng Chang, Hsien-Shun Liao, Wei-Min Wang, Yen-Hung Chen, Ching-Hsiu Chen, Chung-Hsiang Cheng, Hsuan-Fu Huang

Astigmatic detection was originally developed in the optical disk recording technologies to detect the defocused condition of the disk away from the optical pickup head. Our team, comprising a group in the institute of Physics, Academia Sinica and a group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of National Taiwan University, has discovered that the commercial DVD optical pickup head has a sensitivity to detect linear displacements of sub-angstrom scale and angular changes in nrad. In addition, the detection spot size is smaller than 1 µm and the detection bandwidth is higher than 60 MHz, thus the DVD optical pickup head can detect high-frequency movements of small objects. Furthermore, it can be purchased easily with a low cost. This opens up various applications from low-cost education and training tools to sophisticated research instruments or equipments. In this article, we will describe the principle of astigmatic detection system (ADS), development and applications of the technology in precision instrumentation, and world-leading ADS technologies developed in our team. We hope to cooperate with other scientists and experts in industry to broaden the application of ADS technologies, and to even bring forth new technologies and industries.

Temporal Focusing-Based Multiphoton Excitation Microscopy [ 下載 PDF ]

Li-Chung Cheng, Chia-Yuan Chang, Chun-Yu Lin, Yi-Cheng Li, Chi-Hsiang Lien, Yvonne Yuling Hu, Shean-Jen Chen

A microscope based on temporal focusing offering widefield multiphoton excitation has been developed to provide fast three-dimensional (3D) biomedical imaging and microprocessing. This configuration can produce multiphoton images at a frame rate greater than 100 Hz with a lateral spatial resolution of less than 0.5 µm and an axial resolution of approximately 3.5 µm. Also, three techniques have been adopted to promote the spatial resolution. Furthermore, by replacing the conventional diffraction grating with a digital micromirror device, the setup can provide temporal focusing and arbitrary pattern illumination simultaneously. In the spatial resolution improvement, the lateral and axial resolutions are enhanced to 168 nm and 1.22 µm by using a second order nonlinear structuredillumination microscopy. Then, the lateral resolution is further improved to 50 nm with the fast frame rate by integrating an astigmatism approach. Finally, a wavefront sensorless adaptive optics system was utilized to correct the disturbances induced from the sample and the environment. In the biomedical applications, the system provides fast 3D biomedical molecular imaging, but additionally, it also achieves freeform 3D protein microstructures and multiphoton-induced ablation.

All-Solid-State Laser Systems [ 下載 PDF ]

Yung-Fu Chen

Diode-pumped solid-state lasers are constructed with laser diodes as pump sources and solid-state materials as gain media to form a type of all-solid-state lasers. Due to the development of high-power semiconductor lasers from the end of 1980s, all-solid-state lasers start to step into the renascent era. Since this new type of lasers posses numerous advantages of high conversion efficiency, high output power, high stability, high reliability, long lifetime, and compactness, they enhance the upgrade of traditional industries and trigger the development of new manufactures. This article makes a simple introduction and review for the fundamental components and UV laser systems.

The First-Level Optics Technology in LED Lighting [ 下載 PDF ]

Ching-Cherng Sun, Xuan-Hao Lee, Yu-Yu Chang, Jhih-You Cai, Ching-Yi Chen, Yi-Chien Lo, Wei-Shih Ji, Cheng-Chien Chen

The first-level optical technology associated with LED packaging is discussed in this article. The first is a precise optical modeling technology for LED light sources, which is based on midfield fitting technology, and can be applied to build up a precise optical model for advanced illumination design. The second is a phosphor modeling technology. We start the modeling from scattering property. Through the study of absorption and conversion in phosphor, we can precisely describe optical distribution of yellow and blue lights with Monte Carlo ray tracing. The two precise optical modeling technologies in the first-level optics have played important roles in LED lighting, and also benefit industry.

A Modular Compact Transmission X-ray Microscope with Nanometer Resolution [ 下載 PDF ]

Yu-Sheng Chen, En-Te Hwu, Huang-Han Chen, Tsong-Tse Li, Edwin Ong, Yeu-Kuang Hwu

Combining the long research results and nanofabrication technology supported by National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Program, we successfully developed and implemented a compact transmission X-ray microscope (TXM) based on a cylindrical symmetry around the optical axis sharply limits the instabilities due to thermal mechanical drift. Identical, compact multi-axis closed-loop actuation modules drive different optical components. The design is modular and simplifies the change of individual parts, e.g., the use of different magnification and focusing devices. This compact instrument can be easily transported between laboratory and synchrotron facilities and quickly put in operation. An automated alignment mechanism simplifies the assembling of different modules after transportation. This prototype is tested with synchrotron X-rays demonstrated effective elimination of the thermo-drift problem and achieved ~30 nm lateral resolution. The whole system can be packed into standard shipping case and reassembled within 1 hour for full operation.

Development of Instrumental Vacuum Technology in ITRC [ 下載 PDF ]

Chien-Nan Hsiao

On the eve of the 200th instruments today of ITRC, NARL, we would like to review the accomplishment on vacuum instrument, followed by the introduction to future direction in vacuum technology of ITRC, NARL.

The Status of Remote-Sensing Instrument Development in ITRC [ 下載 PDF ]

Ting-Ming Huang

The development of remote-sensing instruments in ITRC during previous decade has been reported. Optical and optomechanical design, analysis and simulation, optomechanical assembly and test are introduced. The related projects include the scale-down version of Formosat-2 RSI, airborne imager VCDi660 and remote sensing payload of Formosat-5. Hyperspectral imagers are also developed parallel in the center.

Precision Optical Engineering in ITRC [ 下載 PDF ]

Wei-Yao Hsu

Instrument technology research center (ITRC) has developed optical technology to support academic research activities and national missions for 40 years since 1974. ITRC also dedicates its optical technology to industrial application recently, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and precision machining and metrology systems. This paper presents the optical technology roadmap in ITRC and the current developments of ultraprecision machining and large optics fabrication and testing.