Work

Generalized ellipsometry in-situ quantification of organic adsorbate attachment within slanted columnar thin films

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: We apply generalized ellipsometry, well-known to be sensitive to the optical properties of anisotropic materials, to determine the amount of fibronectin protein that adsorbs onto a Ti slanted columnar thin film from solution. We find that the anisotropic optical properties of the thin film change upon organic adsorption. An optical model for ellipsometry data analysis incorporates an anisotropic Bruggeman effective medium approximation. We find that differences in experimental data from before and after fibronectin adsorption can be solely attributable to the uptake of fibronectin within the slanted columnar thin film. Simultaneous, in-situ generalized ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance measurements show excellent agreement on the amount and rate of fibronectin adsorption. Quantitative characterization of organic materials within three-dimensional, optically anisotropic slanted columnar thin films could permit their use in optical sensor applications.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.20.005419

Authors: Keith B. Rodenhausen, Daniel Schmidt, Tadas Kasputis, Angela K. Pannier, Eva Schubert, Mathias Schubert

Institution: University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Language: English

Topic: Optical Polarization and Ellipsometry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: National Science Foundation, Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems