AFM Applications – What You Need to Know

1. AFM Applications – What You Need to Know Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a technique which scans the surface of a sample with nanometer resolution. This device enables researchers to study at nanoscale without causing damage to the sample. Atomic Force Microscopy is used to collect data on mechanical, electrical and functional properties at nanoscale level. It is also used extensively in surface studies. AFM's scan the surface using a small probe which is controlled by elements with a feedback loop, which is connected to a computer. It moves back and forth over a small area, gathering interaction and profile data. The probe traces the surface. The probe is usually made of silicon nitrate with a free moving cantilever that is attached to a carrying chip. The cantilever is a thin arm of silicon, while the tip is very sharp and is placed at the end of the cantilever. The cantilever detection is determined by the forces between the tip and sample. Data is collected based on the surface and probe tip interaction as it scans the surface. A laser beam is focused at the back of the cantilever reflecting to a photodiode, recording the surface. The tip interacting with the surface is best described as the needle on a vinyl record player and how it interacts with the record being played. This enables the surface to be captured at a high resolution. These devices operate on a number of different modes, including contact, static, tapping and dynamic. When the tip moves across the sample surface making contact, this is contact mode. The feedback remains constant, offering constant force topography, which is recorded. Note that the force can cause damage to the sample and wear the probe tip down. In tapping mode, the cantilever is oscillated at resonant frequency, the amplitude is then measured and used to create an imaging loop. The amplitude becomes the image, the tip forces on the sample is reduce and the risk of damaging the tip and sample is reduced. Tapping mode provides more detail with higher resonance models. Fast Force Mapp9ng Mode is another of the imaging techniques used with AFMs. It measures the force distance curves at a very high speed, capturing all the curves. Analysis models can be applied offline and in real time to calculate modulus, adhesion and other properties, along with basic topography. Atomic Force Microscopy is considered one of the most effective imaging techniques used on subnanoscale and nanoscale levels. It has been applied in a number of problems in the field of natural sciences, recording a sot of material surfaces in the air and in liquid. AFM applications include semiconductor sciences and technology thin films and coatings and tribology, which is the interaction between surface and friction. In addition to this, AFM applications include cell biology, molecular biology and polymer chemistry and physicals, along with energy generation and energy storage and more. It is a very powerful measurement and imaging technique and that become valuable and vital to nanoscale research AFM”s are used at universities and commercial companies around the world in the development of circuits and more. It is important when purchasing a device of this nature that you do your research to find the best brand to purchase with confidence, that will not only provide you with the highest resolution, but with the best after sales service and support. Do your research, learn about the company, before reviewing and comparing them to find the one you feel confidence in buying from.

2. About Us: Park Systems is a leading supplier of AFM systems. This well-established company provides their clients with years of knowledge and experience in the industry. They comprise of a dedicated team of experienced professionals who focus on providing the highest level of service and support to their clients on a daily basis. Park Systems design their system with care and attention to detail. They are focus driven and have built up a solid reputation on a global scale. The company has a global sales network providing thirty years of experience with over 1,000 AFM’s available. They are the fastest growing AFM company with more than one hundred and twenty full time employees. To find out more, visit: https://parksystems.com.