A time-domain version of photothermal microscopy using
an atomic
force microscope (AFM) is reported, which we call Fourier transform
photothermal (FTPT) spectroscopy, where the delay between two laser
pulses is varied and the Fourier transform is computed. An acousto-optic
modulator-based pulse shaper sets the delay and phases of the pulses
shot-to-shot at 100 kHz, enabling background subtraction and data
collection in the rotating frame. The pulse shaper is also used to
flatten the pulse spectrum, thereby eliminating the need for normalization
by the laser spectrum. We demonstrate the method on 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene
(TIPS-Pn) microcrystals and Mn-phthalocyanine islands, confirming
subdiffraction spatial resolution, and providing new spectroscopic
insights likely linked to structural defects in the crystals.
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