Experiment Principles and Applications of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)

Topics Covered:

- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

- Lennard-Jones Potential

- Imaging of nanostructures

- Static / Dynamic force mode

- Feedback loop

Principles and Objectives:

The approach of a sharp silicon tip mounted on a cantilever to the surface of a sample results in an atomic-scale interaction. This leads to a deflection of the cantilever, which is detected by a laser.

In static mode, the resulting deviation is used to study the sample surface topography line by line using a feedback loop. In dynamic mode, the cantilever is oscillated at a fixed frequency, resulting in a damped amplitude near the surface.

The measurement parameters (set point, feedback gain) play a crucial role in the image quality. Their effect on the image quality is studied for various nanostructured samples.

- Learn to mount a cantilever (with tip) and approach the tip towards a sample.

- Study the influence of scanning parameters on the quality and performance of imaging, such as PID gain, set point (force), vibrational amplitude, and scanning speed. Utilize static and dynamic modes.

- Image different samples (microstructures, carbon nanotubes, skin cross-section, bacteria, CD matrix, chip structure, glass beads) by optimizing their respective parameters.

Comments:

Investigation in static and dynamic modes. Modification of numerous parameters to optimize image quality. Custom-designed for use in educational laboratories. The microscope consists of a single compact and portable instrument, no additional equipment is required. Vibration isolation for better and reproducible results. Software included. Computer not provided.

- Compact atomic force microscope - AFM - Set of 6 samples / Set of tools for assembly of cantilevers and samples - Power supply (100-240V, 50/60Hz) / USB cable: length 3m - Software for measurement, control, analysis and visualization (one, two, and three dimensions) - Manual including brief operating instructions for basic experiments - Aluminum case (44cm x 32cm x 14cm)