Imaging and positioning of objects at the nanoscale [Elektronische Ressource] / submitted by Christian Steinhauer

Imaging and Positioning of Objects at the NanoscaleChristian SteinhauerMunich, December 17, 2010Imaging and Positioning of Objects at the NanoscaleDissertationSubmitted byChristian Steinhauerfrom Heidenheim a.d. BrenzatFaculty of PhysicsLudwig-Maximilians-UniversityMunichMunich, December 17, 2010Erstgutachter: Prof. Dr. Philip TinnefeldZweitgutachter: Prof. Dr. Tim LiedlTag der mündlichen Prüfung: 25.01.2011SummaryThe process of miniaturization brings benefits in many areas of every day life. It describes theprocess of down-scaling mechanical, optical and electronic devices while maintaining their function.This continuous process has brought up the field of nanotechnology. It allows computers to runfasterandfasterwhilereducingtheirsizeandenergyconsumption. Manybio-analyticalapplicationsprofit from smaller sizes to be more sensitive with lower sample volumes. Finally, each and everyliving cell contains the most complex nanoscopic machinery.In order to mimic nature’s highly efficient concepts, they first of all need to be understood. Theirnanoscopic dimensions, however, make this task a very challenging one. Direct observation of sub-cellular processes by conventional light microscopy is difficult as almost all cellular components arecolorless. Fluorescence microscopy introduces sufficient contrast and can be specifically applied tomany different target molecules but remains limited in its spatial resolution.