Abstract
High-density samples of fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) were imaged using an apertureless near-field optical microscopy technique. QD fluorescence was modulated by oscillating a silicon atomic force microscope tip above an illuminated sample and a lock-in amplifier was used to suppress background from the excitation laser. Spatial resolution near 10nm and a peak signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ∼60 were achieved. Individual QDs within high-density ensembles were still easily resolved (SNR>5) at a density of 14QDs∕μm2. These results have favorable implications for the eventual nanoscale imaging of viable biological systems, such as cellular membranes.
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