Dynamics of microfluidic cantilevers in a photothermal AFM

Master thesis (2021)

Authors

S.P. Paardekooper Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

G.J. Verbiest Dynamics of Micro and Nano Systems - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
M.K. Ghatkesar Micro and Nano Engineering - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
F. Alijani Dynamics of Micro and Nano Systems - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2021 Stijn Paardekooper
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Published Date

07-07-2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Any resonance based sensing method such as AFM or mass sensing using microfluidic cantilevers require high frequency stability. For mass measurement, a stable frequency allows for a lower mass resolution. One of the most commonly used methods to actuate these resonators is using piezoacoustics. A major downside of this method is the presence of spurious resonances, which corrugate the frequency response and can potentially degrade mass sensitivity. One way get rid of these spurious peaks is by
actuating photothermally (using laser light). This thesis is focused around designing and building a photothermal AFM to explore this. Additionally, some experiments are performed comparing piezoacoustic actuation to photothermal actuation in terms of the aforementioned frequency stability and
spurious peaks.