Keywords

scanning impedance, electrical impedance, resolution scaling

Abstract

Noncontact scanning impedance imaging has been presented as a method to provide high resolution, high contrast images for a variety of material systems. This technique combines electrical impedance measurements with very high resolution scanning. This article reports on efforts to scale this technique down to the very important single micron range and reveals measurements for both thick and thin samples with a measured minimum resolution below 30 µm. A design for a shielded impedance probe applicable to this process is outlined and probes of several different sizes were made and tested. Fabrication of these impedance probes is explained and a testing methodology to characterize the probes' imaging capability is outlined. Measured results are reported and compared to a predictive model based on image blurring. Two-dimensional impedance images of objects have also been made indicating good image contrast and high resolution. Based on measured data and the model, scaling down to submicron resolution dimensions should be possible given small diameter probes and thin test samples.

Original Publication Citation

Green, Benjamin C., Tao Shang, Jacey C. Morine, Hongze Liu, Stephen M. Schultz, Travis E. Oliphant, and Aaron R. Hawkins. "Resolution scaling in noncontact scanning impedance imaging." Review of Scientific Instruments 75 (24): 461-4614

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2004-10-29

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/1100

Publisher

AIP

Language

English

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

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