Tag: Atomic Force Microscope

AFMWorkshop Offers Instrumentation and Training Materials to Educational Groups

One of our most popular instruments used in university settings is the TT-AFM. Because the TT-AFM is similar to 99% of the Atomic Force Microscopes used in research labs throughout the world, students can use skills developed on the TT-AFM to operate AFMs with more complex instrumentation.

On a TT-AFM, students learn how to operate all of the key modes such as contact, vibrating, lateral force, and phase modes. For example, the TT-AFM and AFMWorkshop was selected as instrument and trainer of choice by Hiroshi Yokoyama, Ph.D., director of Kent State University’s Glenn H. Brown Liquid Crystal Institute.

AFMWorkshop can work with your institution to create your own optimal training program.

AFM Training Programs

TT-2 Assembly Workshop

The ultimate in comprehensive knowledge of Atomic Force Microscope design and function can be gained through AFMWorkshop’s TT-AFM Assembly Workshop. Participants build their own AFM and participate in numerous workshops on AFM theory, operation, and applications. Attendees learn the components of an Atomic Force Microscope, how an AFM operates, key AFM design points, light lever design, scanner design/construction, and how to maximize image signal-to-noise ratio.

AFM Applications Workshop

AFMWorkshop’s five-day AFM Applications Workshop provides access to an AFM for each attendee for extensive hands-on labs. Participants spend time in group lectures on the theory of Atomic Force Microscopy, and put theory into practice by preparing and measuring images for a wide variety of metallurgic and life sciences samples. Participants have time for expert guidance in troubleshooting their particular applications.

For more information on creating a tailored workshop to meet your students’ needs, please contact AFMWorkshop.

Free Atomic Force Microscopy Webinars

AFMWorkshop provides a series of free live-streaming seminars for educators and professionals. Key skills to help all AFM users’ gain the most from their AFM are covered, including effective utilization of image processing software, techniques for successful sample preparation, detecting artifacts, and selecting the right probes. To view pre-recorded webinars, visit the AFMWorkshop Webinar Page.

Animated AFM Tutorials

Learning how an atomic force microscope works is an essential part of proper AFM training. AFMWorkshop provides a series of animations that illuminate key operating principles and efficiently introduce new users to Atomic Force Microscopes.

While minimal training is needed to measure basic AFM images, gaining optimal performance requires greater insight into the operating principles and design of atomic force microscopes. This depth of understanding is especially necessary when users need to measure high-quality images with only a few angstroms of resolution.

Concepts essential to understanding how to optimize AFM performance, such as the design of piezoelectric scanners, light lever design, probe sample interactions, and feedback control can be readily understood by the AFM user and are clearly illustrated in the AFMWorkshop Animated.

AFM Tutorials

Our tutorials act as a starting point for anyone interested in learning about the theory and operation of atomic force microscopes. For example, in the section of animations describing the “Design of the Light Lever AFM,” we:

  • First show that a photodetector can convert photons to electrical energy;
  • Then demonstrate how 2 photodetectors are used to create a position-sensitive detector;
  • Finally show how the motion of a cantilever is measured with a light lever.

Researchers, educators, and students around the globe have voiced their appreciation for the unique and immediately useful knowledge communicated through the AFMWorkshop animated tutorials.

Atomic Force Microscopy Textbook

The book Atomic Force Microscopy, written by Dr. Peter Eaton and Paul West and published by Oxford University Press, is available from Amazon.com, or Oxford University Press. Atomic Force Microscopy has become the leading text for AFM education and is a great resource for both professionals and students.

Presentations

AFMWorkshop customers have access to a complete library of PowerPoint® presentations, including over 500 slides on subjects ranging from AFM image analysis, instrument design, quantitative AFM measurements, and Atomic Force Microscope image artefacts. These presentations may be used for teaching courses to undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, a trained instructor from the AFMWorkshop is available to lead a three day course derived from these PowerPoint® presentations.

Training for AFM Success

Pick up any scientific journal or click through a website and you’ll see beautiful images produced by scientists and engineers on atomic force microscopes. What’s not so easy to see is the amount of time and effort that went into producing these amazing images.

Training, education, and time on the instrument are the keys to successful AFM imaging. Although basic operation of the instrument is straightforward, acquiring beautiful nano-scale images like those seen in scientific publications requires theoretical knowledge as well as actual practice time on the instrument.

AFMWorkshop is committed to helping our customers develop the strong AFM skill sets necessary to produce world-class AFM images.

To learn more about uses of Atomic Force Microscopy for Education, feel free to visit www.afmworkshop.com.

AFM: An Ideal Tool to Use in the Photonics Industry

Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs) offer substantially better horizontal and vertical resolution than optical and stylus profilers. For this reason, AFMs are ideal for the analysis of materials used in the photonics industry.

Some of the advantages from using an AFM for analysis of photonics materials include the following:

  • Three dimensional structures are measured: depth and angles are measurable.
  • Image is independent of optical properties.
  • No sample preparation required – no coatings, no cross sections.
  • Extreme contrast on flat samples.

Atomic Force Microscopy is non-destructive.

  • AFM applications in the photonics industry include:
  • Analysis of Polished Fused Silica Substrates
  • Ruled Gratings
  • Holographic Gratings

Analysis of Polished Fused Silica Substrates

Once polished, fused silica substrates can have surface roughness values of 0.1 nm. With an AFM it is possible to visualize the surface of polished silica substrates, to measure the surface texture, and to measure the dimensions of structures created by the polishing process.

Ruled Gratings

Atomic Force Microscopes scan and directly measure the topography of ruled grating. From AFM images the ruling angle, pitch, and surface texture of features are measurable. The image below is of a ruled grating measured on a TT-AFM.

Holographic Gratings

Specifications of holographic grating including heights must be maintained to very tight tolerances. Properly operated, an AFM can measure step heights as low as a few angstroms with very high precision and accuracy.

Looking for a reliable Atomic Force Microscope company?

Try AFMWorkshop, We have extensive experience manufacturing atomic force microscopes as well as training users on the operation of AFMs. With hundreds of customers worldwide, AFMWorkshop products have stood the test of time and have been used in a wide variety of applications.

To learn more about AFM Workshop Products, feel free to visit at www.afmworkshop.com.

Why Understanding Atomic Force Microscope Theory Is Important

AFMs are essential instruments for nanoscale measurements and helps nanotechnology researchers in all disciplines of engineering and science. There is a considerable and increasing demand among students and professionals for AFM training and education. There are three levels of AFM training.

Introduce Nano world to students

Instructors who fall under this category wants to introduce learners to an AFM by showing them what it looks like and how it works. Here students learn how to enlarge the view of the surface with the help of the scanning tip. Usually few samples are visually represented during this training so that students can see nanometer sized features of a surface. Students are exposed to the AFM for a couple of hours in this group.

Provide training to students that want to operate an AFM

In this group, the motive of instructors is to train students on how to operate the AFM efficiently for measure different types of images. During this training, students learn the basic functions of the AFM, how the instrument scans, and the function of feedback control. Here students come to know how to operate AFM for both industrial and research laboratiries. The training can be as short as one week and can lasts a whole semester.

Prepare students for better career

The motive of instructors here is to prepare students to do well in their careers in the future in instrument design, customer service or applications development. In this group there are additional categories of researchers who aspire to repair and modify their own instruments. Here students build AFMs on their own and also learn to measure images on standard reference samples. It is a 40 hour intensive course that fulfills the requirments of this third group.

Are you the one who wants to include AFMs in your training programs?

If yes, you just need to browse through our website www.afmworkshop.com. We are 24/7 are here to assist you in any regard concerning your AFM queries.

Uses of Atomic Force Microscope in Life Sciences Applications

Do you think it’s not possible to measure biological samples on nano scale? Actually, Atomic force microscopes are capable of making measurements on biological samples at the nanoscale that are difficult or even impossible with any other type of microscope. AFM allows the nanoscale imaging of soft biomaterials including cells and DNA in both ambient atmospheric conditions as well as liquid environments, Examples of biology applications which are unique to atomic force microscopes are as follows.

  1. Imaging Biomolecules

Atomic force microscopes are the only microscopes capable of imaging bio-molecules in ambient air as well as liquids.

Double-stranded DNA Molecules

Imaging of oligonucleotides can be used in a wide variety of applications, notably in structural studies, and in the study of interactions between the oligonucleotides and other molecules, such as enzymes.

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)

Imaging of viruses is commonly carried out in structural studies. In addition, TMV is commonly used as an imaging standard since it has a highly conserved structure. Imaging high aspect ratio samples also helps to characterize tip sharpness.

High resolution imaging requires an instrument noise floor of less than 0.1nm, a good tip approach leading to the maintenance of a sharp tip, the capability to scan with very light forces, and placement of the microscope in an environment with minimal structural and acoustic vibrations.

Proper sample preparation is another critical factor. Sample preparation techniques are described in Atomic Force Microscopy by Eaton and West.

  1. Imaging Сells

Atomic force microscopy has a particular advantage over electron microscopy, in that cells and biomaterials can be imaged in partially or totally hydrated conditions including ambient air and liquid environments.

Parasites

Leishmania cells have been treated with an antimicrobial peptide, leading to highly roughened cell membranes, which can be measured and quantified by AFM.

Epithelial Cells

Measurement of high resolution images of cells in liquid (e.g., under physiological conditions) is another possibility unique to AFM, and can give much more relevant results than electron microscopy, which requires cell fixation, leading to artifacts.

Bacteria Spore Mutants

The ability to image a very large number of cells, allows the researcher to obtain statistically relevant information about a population of cells. Images of multiple cells can be also useful to assess inter-cellular effects, such as clustering and adhesion.

The inverted optical microscope facilitates direct placement of the probe on an area of interest for scanning. Additionally the inverted microscope can be operated in epifluorescence mode.

Are you looking for a microscope that fulfills all your research needs? If yes, then choose AFMWorkshop to buy Atomic Force Microscopes. AFMWorkshop is a renowned name in atomic force microscope manufacturers; they offer a wide variety of Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM’s) to suit every research needs.

For more information, feel free to visit https://www.afmworkshop.com.

Why Use Atomic Force Microscopes to Make Measurements on Biological Samples

Atomic force microscopes are well suited for making measurements on biological samples at the nanoscale in ambient air and in liquids.

Atomic force microscopy has a particular advantage over electron microscopy, in that cells and biomaterials can be imaged in partially or totally hydrated conditions including ambient air and liquid environments.

Recommended AFM products for life sciences applications are TT-2 Atomic Force Microscope and LS-Atomic Force Microscope.

Just have a look at some of these biological applications:

Double-stranded DNA Molecules

Using atomic force microscopes, imaging of DNA of size 5 µm x 5 µm can be done easily. Imaging of oligonucleotides can be used in a wide variety of applications, notably in structural studies, and in the study of interactions between the oligonucleotides and other molecules, such as enzymes.

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)

In structural studies, imaging of Tobacco Mosaic Virus is commonly carried out. Such high-resolution imaging requires an instrument noise floor of less than 0.1nm, a good tip approach leading to the maintenance of a sharp tip, placement of the microscope in an environment with minimal structural, the capability to scan with very light forces and acoustic vibrations. Furthermore, TMV is commonly used as an imaging standard since it has a highly conserved structure.

Parasites

In the air, Parasites of size 25 µm x 25µm can be measured using AFM. These Leishmania cells have been treated with an antimicrobial peptide, leading to highly roughened cell membranes, which can be measured and quantified by AFM.

Epithelial Cells

Using an Atomic Force Microscope, Epithelial cell of size 32 µm x 32 µm can be measured in liquid. Measurement of high-resolution images of cells in a liquid (e.g., under physiological conditions) is another possibility unique to AFM and can give much more relevant results than electron microscopy, which requires cell fixation, leading to artifacts.

If you want to buy high-quality Atomic Force Microscope, feel free to visit https://www.afmworkshop.com/.

Why Use Atomic Force Microscopes to Make Measurements on Biological Samples

Atomic force microscopes are well suited for making measurements on biological samples at the nanoscale in ambient air and in liquids.

Atomic force microscopy has a particular advantage over electron microscopy, in that cells and biomaterials can be imaged in partially or totally hydrated conditions including ambient air and liquid environments.

Recommended AFM products for life sciences applications are TT-2 Atomic Force Microscope and LS-Atomic Force Microscope.

Just have a look at some of these biological applications:

Double-stranded DNA Molecules

Using atomic force microscopes, imaging of DNA of size 5 µm x 5 µm can be done easily. Imaging of oligonucleotides can be used in a wide variety of applications, notably in structural studies, and in the study of interactions between the oligonucleotides and other molecules, such as enzymes.

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)

In structural studies, imaging of Tobacco Mosaic Virus is commonly carried out. Such high-resolution imaging requires an instrument noise floor of less than 0.1nm, a good tip approach leading to the maintenance of a sharp tip, placement of the microscope in an environment with minimal structural, the capability to scan with very light forces and acoustic vibrations. Furthermore, TMV is commonly used as an imaging standard since it has a highly conserved structure.

Parasites

In the air, Parasites of size 25 µm x 25µm can be measured using AFM. These Leishmania cells have been treated with an antimicrobial peptide, leading to highly roughened cell membranes, which can be measured and quantified by AFM.

Epithelial Cells

Using an Atomic Force Microscope, Epithelial cell of size 32 µm x 32 µm can be measured in liquid. Measurement of high-resolution images of cells in a liquid (e.g., under physiological conditions) is another possibility unique to AFM and can give much more relevant results than electron microscopy, which requires cell fixation, leading to artifacts.

If you want to buy high-quality Atomic Force Microscope, feel free to visit https://www.afmworkshop.com/.

Table Top Atomic Force Microscope for Demanding Applications

TT-2 AFM is a compact, second generation high resolution tabletop Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). It has all the important features and benefits expected from a light lever AFM. The TT-2 AFM includes a stage, control electronics, probes, manuals, and a video microscope.

Applications

Research

With over 200 TT-2 AFMs in laboratories throughout the world, researchers have published 100s of publications in all types of science and engineering journals.

Instrument Innovators

The TT-2 AFM serves as an ideal platform for creating new and innovative instruments. AFMWorkshop facilitates instrument innovation with an open architecture.

Education

With its open design the TT-2 is ideal for colleges and universities that teach students about AFM design, applications, and operation.

Key Features and Benefits of the TT-2 AFM

Low Noise Floor

With a noise floor <80 picometers, the TT-2 AFM is capable of measuring samples with features from nano-meters to microns.

Direct Drive Tip Approach

A linear motion stage moves the probe relative to the sample. The probe sample angle does not change, and samples of many thicknesses are readily scanned.

Research Grade Video Optical Microscope

With a mechanical 7:1 zoom and a resolution of 2 µm, the video optical microscope facilitates locating features, tip approach, and laser alignment.

Multiple Scanners

Linearized piezoelectric scanners with several ranges are available to optimize scanning conditions.

LabView Software

The TT-2 uses industry standard lab view software. For customization, the systems VI’s are readily available.

Modular Design

Once you buy the TT-2 AFM you can add options and modes such as focus assist, image logger, lithography and liquid scanning when you are ready.

Simple Probe Exchange

With the removable probe holder, exchanging probes is simple, and takes less than a minute.

Ligh Lever Large Adjustment Range

Because the TT-2 has a large adjustment range on the laser and photodetector, probes from all major manufacturers can be used.

To learn more, feel free to visit https://www.afmworkshop.com/.

AFMWorkshop Atomic Force Microscope Probes

Where Atomic Force Microscopy Probes are used? Atomic Force Microscopy Probes are used for all atomic force microscope applications, and are operated in vibrating (tapping), non-vibrating (contact), lithography, conductive and magnetic AFM, as well as force-distance scanning.

AFMWorkshop offers AFM probes from the largest international probe manufacturers at discounted prices. These probes are available to US customers that own AFMWorkshop products only. AFM Probes are nanofabricated using highly-doped single crystal silicon with unparalleled reproducibility, robustness, and sharpness, giving consistent high-quality AFM images.

ACLA AFM Probes

ACLA AFM Probes are designed for vibrating mode (non-contact, tapping mode, intermittent contact, and/or close contact) applications. Compatible with most commercially available SPMs/AFMs, ACLA probes are nanofabricated using highly doped single crystal silicon with unparalleled reproducibility, robustness and sharpness for consistent high-resolution imaging capabilities. This is a box of 10 probes.

SHOCONA Probes

SHOCONA Probes are designed for non-vibrating, contact mode applications and are compatible with most commercially available SPMs/AFMs. These probes are nanofabricated using highly doped single crystal silicon with unparalleled reproducibility, robustness and sharpness for consistent high resolution imaging capabilities. This is a box of 10 probes.

For a more in-depth understanding of how AFM probes work, as well as some helpful AFM tips and pointers, you can get in touch with experts of AFMWorkshop. At a fraction of the cost of other AFM manufacturers, AFMWorkshop is the only option for high-value atomic force microscopy. They provide a closer look at their AFMs, including full demonstrations, introductory AFM videos and more.

AFMWorkshop designed the free Atomic Force Microscopy animated tutorials to help students and professionals learn AFM technology and how an Atomic Force Microscope works. They offer multiple AFM courses and AFM training opportunities: from building your own Atomic Force Microscope to learning advanced techniques and applications.

Important Features of the B-AFM

Are you planning to buy the best quality B-AFM? If yes, then get in touch with AFMWorkshop.

B-AFM offered by AFMWorkshop is the ideal option for scientists with bigger ideas because of genuine pricing. User-Friendly design makes the B-AFM best for teaching the basics of AFM theory and operation to the students. The B-AFM is designed to obtain AFM images without expertise.

AFMWorkshop provides a 100% money-back guarantee and if their AFMs can’t run your application, they will refund the full purchase price. The complete B-AFM system includes the AFM stage, electronics, enclosure, computer and software.

Some of the features of the B-AFM are:

Sample Stage

The sample stage has an XY translation range of 6 mm X 6 mm and is used to select an area of interest on a sample for scanning. The controls for the positioner are conveniently located on the surface of the B-AFM stage, and the magnetic sample holder makes exchanging samples easy and intuitive.

Video Optical Microscope

For locating features on samples, aligning the light lever, and facilitating the probe approach, an LED video optical microscope is used. This optical microscope is all an AFM user needs to start scanning with 200X zoom, adjustable focus, and an LED illumination light.

Exchanging Samples

At the top of the piezoelectric stage, there is the magnetic sample holder that makes sample exchange a routine process. Samples are mounted onto metal disks and easily placed on the magnetic sample holder.

Enclosure

The front-opening enclosure of the B-AFM reduces both structural and acoustic vibrations that can affect the quality of AFM scans. It is made with high-density material and lined on the inside with noise-reducing foam.

Exchanging Probes

There is a removable probe holder with a spring action clamp that allows probe exchange to be done easily within one minute. A probe holder support is provided to store the probe holder when it is not in the AFM.

To buy the best quality product, feel free to visit https://www.afmworkshop.com/.

AFM Vibration Isolation Solution: Active Vibration Table

Atomic Force Microscopes which are quite susceptible to external vibrations, are able to measure topographic images at resolutions below 0.1 nanometers. The external vibrations need to be reduced in order to obtain the highest-quality AFM images, particularly for high-resolution scanning.

Both acoustic and and structural vibrations degrade the resolution and overall performance of Atomic Force Microscopy Instrumentation. The acoustic vibrations can be reduced by placing the microscope in an acoustic isolation chamber. On the other hand, structural vibrations can be reduced by using a mechanical isolation platform such as an active vibration table.

The vibration isolation tables are designed to provide stable working conditions for devices that are sensitive to vibration and shocks. The table consists of an outer table frame that supports the main work surface which is not isolated from vibration and an inner table frame that is entirely separate and supports the inner isolated work surface. This ensures vibrations are not transmitted to the isolated inner work surface. An Active Vibration Table uses a feedback control method for removing vibrations. An acceleration sensor measures vibrations and then electromechanical transducers use the output of the sensors to control the motion of the tabletop.

The advantage of an Active Vibration Table over the Bungee option is that the Vibration Isolation Tabletop is more stable than a platform suspended with bungee cords. Other equipment that provide vibration isolation include vibration enclosures, bungee options, and custom/OEM enclosures.

This being said, bungee solutions are often better for structural vibration reduction than active vibration tables.

AFMWorkshop is a leading Atomic force microscope manufacturing company in the USA and at the global market. Our customers range from researchers and engineers at high-profile institutions to educators in high schools and community colleges. Our atomic force microscopes have a modular and open design, simplifying education and training as well as allowing adjustments tailored to specific research. Feel free to visit https://www.afmworkshop.com/ for more information. You can also reach out to us via phone (1 (888) 671-5539) and email (info@afmworkshop.com).