Basic Atomic Force Microscope for Routine Scanning and Education

The B-AFM is a complete system that includes a computer with software, a stage, and control electronics; everything needed for AFM scanning. The electronics are located at the rear of the B-AFM stage, and only a single USB cable is connected between the computer and the stage. For scientists and engineers with bigger ideas than budgets.

Key Features and Benefits of the B-AFM

7-Step Scanning Software
The B-AFM 7-Step Scanning Software is designed for casual AFM users that want to obtain AFM images without in depth AFM expertise. A user-friendly design makes the B-AFM ideal for teaching students the basics of AFM theory and operation.
Intuitive Light Lever Design
A unique design of the light lever makes aligning the system a routine procedure for users with limited experience. A removable probe holder makes changing probes quick and easy.
Linearized X, Y, and Z Scanners
Piezoelectric X, Y (50 µm) and Z (17 µm) scanners incorporate strain gauges that provide linear scans and rapid zoom-to-feature capabilities.
Standard AFM Scanning Modes
Scanning modes for the B-AFM include vibrating (tapping), non-vibrating (contact), phase, and LFM (Force/Distance). These modes will allow users to scan the most common types of samples.
Acoustic Enclosure
The B-AFM is encased in an acoustic cabinet made from ¾” MDF and acoustic foam, creating a vibration isolation environment that will provide high-quality scans on almost any lab bench.
B-AFM’s Applications
Education
The B-AFM is ideal for educating students on the theory, operation and applications of an atomic force microscope. One of the advantages of the B-AFM for education is the open design of the light lever force sensor.
Routine Scanning
Routine scanning of samples that are not challenging to scan is a common application for the B-AFM. If a noise floor below 300pM is required, we suggest purchasing the AFMControl software and a vibration table.

If our AFMs can’t run your application, we will refund the full purchase price. Additionally, our AFMs are now backed by a two-year, return-to-factory warranty.

Contact us to take advantage of this offer (888)671-5539 or visit www.afmworkshop.com to learn more about Basic Atomic Force Microscope.

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.

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.

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

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)

Parasites

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.

Vibration Solution Products to Avoid Fuzzy AFM Images

AFMs are quite susceptible to external vibrations, structural vibartions are transmitted through a building structure and acoustic vibrations are transmitted through air. Both acoustic and structural vibrations degrade the resolution and overall performance of an Atomic Force Microscope.

External vibration can degrade the resolution of scans by adding extra noise. Atomic force microscope vibration solutions offer a way to reduce external vibration that often causes fuzzy AFM images. To reduce external vibrations and obtain the highest-quality AFM images, particularly for high-resolution scanning, AFMWorkshop has designed a variety of proven options for vibration isolation including vibration tables, vibration enclosures, bungee options, and even custom/OEM enclosures.

Vibration Isolation filters out unwanted acoustic structural vibrations that interfere with high-resolution scanning. Acoustic vibrations are reduced by placing the microscope in an acoustic isolation chamber. Structural vibrations are reduced by using a mechanical isolation platform.

Below are some vibration solution products offered by AFMWorkshop:
– Passive Vibration Table
Passive Vibration Table is a moderate Vibration solution when ultimate AFM Performance is not necessary.
– Active Vibration Table
An Active Vibration Table uses a feedback control method for removing vibrations for a better quality of scans.
– Acoustic Cabinet
An acoustic cabinet reduces unwanted vibrations transmitted through air.
– Custom OEM vibration enclosure
Customized (OEM) Vibration enclosure is a scalable vibration solution for any Atomic Force Microscopy System.
–Bungee Option
A Bungee Option is a relatively cost-effective method for reducing unwanted structural vibrations and improving the quality of AFM Image.

Looking for the best atomic force microscope vibration solutions? If yes, feel free to get in touch with AFMWorkshop or visit https://www.afmworkshop.com/.

AFMWorkshop – A leading manufacturer for high value atomic force microscope

Being considered the leading manufacturer for high-value atomic force microscopes, AFMWorkshop works to design and manufacture high quality atomic force microscopes. Apart from this, it provides fundamental training to the customers. It ensures that the AFMs will run the application and in addition to this, the customer service provided by them is always there to help.

Looking for an atomic force microscope for research instruments? AFMWorkshop offers TT-2 AFM that includes an open architecture with unsurpassed flexibility. If you need a microscope for soft samples and biomaterials, LS-AFM is there for you at AFMWorkshop. Besides, if you are searching for a microscope for routine scanning and educational purposes, go for the newest model B-AFM.

AFMWorkshop offers in-house workshops as well as on-site training for each of their customers. They also offer tutorials on the website explaining the basic function of an atomic force microscope, as well as videos and webinars for further education. They ensure that their customers are fully prepared to operate their AFM successfully.

Being one of the confident atomic force microscope
companies, AFMWorkshop ensures customer satisfaction. Additionally, it builds AFMs with price and resolution in mind in order to increase the accessibility of AFMs. Believe it or not, atomic force microscope education is important as it helps students to get exposed to an atomic force microscope by showing them what an AFM looks like and how it operates. I0t helps to prepare students for a career in instrumentation design or instrument customer service. This is accomplished in part by helping students understand the design and construction of an Atomic Force Microscope. This group may include an additional category of researchers who intend to modify or repair their own instruments.

Struggling to find the best atomic force microscope manufacturer? Look no further with AFMWorkshop. To learn more, 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).