What is an atomic power microscope (AFM)?

Atomic forces (AFM) is an extremely accurate microscope that displays the sample by moving the probe with a nanometer size through its surface. This is quite different from an optical microscope that uses reflected light to display the sample. The AFM probe offers a much higher resolution than an optical microscope, because the size of the probe is much smaller than the best wavelength of visible light. In an ultra -high vacuum, the atomic forces can present individual atoms. Due to extremely high -resolution abilities, AFM has been popular in nanotechnology scientists.

Unlike the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), which represents the surface indirectly by measuring the degree of quantum tunneling between the probe and the sample, in the microscope of the atomic force either direct contact with the surface or measurement of the initial chemical bond between the probe and the sample.

AFM uses a microscopic console with a probe whose size is measured in nanometers. AFM works in oneof two modes: contact (static) mode and dynamic (oscillating) mode. In static mode, the probe is kept calm while oscillating in dynamic mode. When the AFM approaches or contacts the surface, the console deflects. At the top of the console is usually a mirror that reflects the laser. The laser is reflected in a photodio that precisely measures its deflection. When the oscillation or the tip of the AFM tip changes, it is registered in the photodiode and a picture is created. Sometimes more exotic alternatives are used, such as optical interferometry, capacity sensing or piezorestitive (electromechanical) probe.

Under the microscope atomic forces, individual atoms look like fuzzy balls in the matrix. Providing this degree of resolution requires an ultra -high vacuum environment ALTIMI stiff brackets that prevents it from holding on the surface within nearby reach. The disadvantage of stiff brackets is that for measurement of the degree of deflection requires more accurate sensors.

Scanning tunnel microscopes, another popular class of OdoCE accurate microscopes, usually have better resolution than AFM, but the advantage of AFM is that they can be used in a liquid or gas environment, while STM has to work in a high vacuum. This allows the display of wet samples, especially biological tissue. When used in an ultra high vacuum and with a stiff bracket, an atomic microscope has a similar resolution to STM.