New AttoMap software enables 3D mapping of nanoscale spectroscopic properties
The new AttoMap software, based on Digital Surf's Mountains technology, now enables 3D imaging of spectroscopic information obtained with Attolight's Cathodoluminescence (CL) technology. Attolight's CL technology integrates a scanning electron microscope and an optical microscope into its high-resolution spectroscopic instruments. These are used by global players to characterize semiconductors, solar cells and other nano devices. For researchers and quality engineers, AttoMap's 3D visualization facilitates the localization and characterization of structures and defects on these devices, but also on other nanoscale objects.
The Attolight CL microscope generates images containing up to 1600 colors. Visualizing these images, known as hyperspectral maps, is a real challenge, as the human eye can only perceive the three primary colors, red, green and blue, as well as a mixture of these colors.
AttoMap software provides a powerful solution to this problem. Firstly, it allows the user to convert the relevant spectral bands into colors he or she can perceive, such as red, green and blue. The software then automatically generates a 2D RGB image that respects the capabilities of the human eye and helps the user pinpoint the location of specific spectral features. Finally, AttoMap transforms this image into a 3D map, in which the third dimension represents cathodoluminescence intensity. This is a very useful way of comparing the intensity of each spectral band with other bands. This 3D map can be modified in real time to facilitate inspection.
In addition to processing cathodoluminescence data, AttoMap works with images and surface data from a wide range of microscopes. These include scanning electron microscopes (SEM), near-field microscopes (NFS) and 3D optical profilometers. AttoMap CL software is capable of collocating images and data from different instruments for correlative studies. Working with measured or reconstructed 3D topographic surface data, it can be used for surface metrology applications. These include the calculation of areas, volumes, step heights and roughness parameters, as well as Fourier analysis, particle analysis, statistical analysis and much more.
" AttoMap's 3D visualization of hyperspectral images is an incredible way to quickly gain insight into a set of cathodoluminescence data. It further widens the gap between Attolight and its competitors, offering a superior experience from measurement through to data processing.said Jean Berney, Attolight's Technical Director. In addition, the software provides unprecedented analysis tools, enabling cathodoluminescence to be correlated with complementary measurement methods such as EBIC, AFM, micro-photoluminescence or Raman. "
" Attolight is a reference in cathodoluminescence technology. Digital Surf is proud to supply the AttoMap software from its Mountains Technology® software platform, which includes a wide range of functions for imaging, hyperspectral analysis and surface metrology. "said François Blateyron, COO of Digital Surf.
Attolight will unveil AttoMap at the MRS trade show in Boston, Massachusetts, December 2-4, 2014.
Learn more: www.attolight.com