Block copolymer nanostructures mapped by far-field optics.

Ullal, Chaitanya K; Schmidt, Roman; Hell, Stefan W; Egner, Alexander · Nano Lett · 2009

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We demonstrate stimulated emission depletion microscopy using opposing objective lenses to noninvasively reveal the nanoscale morphology of block copolymers in three dimensions with focused light. This is exemplified in a poly(styrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) model system in which contrast is achieved by specifically staining the vinylpyridine phase with a fluorescent dye. We image swelling induced mesopores and other convoluted structures within the bulk of samples, at scales that have so far required electron and scanning probe microscopes.