Sub-nanometer Resolution Imaging with Amplitude-modulation Atomic Force Microscopy in Liquid2017/3/8 9:54:44
Researchers from the Physics Department at Durham University demonstrate an imaging technique using Atomic Force Microscopy in their JoVE Engineering publication.
For each step, the authors have explained the scientific rationale behind their choices to facilitate the adaptation of the methodology to every user’s specific system.
The NanoWorld Arrow-UHF AFM probe for high speed AFM is also mentioned in this publication.
Ethan J. Miller, William Trewby, Amir Farokh Payam, Luca Piantanida, Clodomiro Cafolla, Kislong Tchovsky, Sub-nanometer Resolution Imaging with Amplitude-modulation Atomic Force Microscopy in Liquid (2016), JoVE, 1940-087X, doi:10.3791/54924
This is the abstract of the article:
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become a well-established technique for nanoscale imaging of samples in air and in liquid. Recent studies have shown that when operated in amplitude-modulation (tapping) mode, atomic or molecular-level resolution images can be achieved over a wide range of soft and hard samples in liquid. In these situations, small oscillation amplitudes (SAM-AFM) enhance the resolution by exploiting the solvated liquid at the surface of the sample. Although the technique has been successfully applied across fields as diverse as materials science, biology and biophysics and surface chemistry, obtaining high-resolution images in liquid can still remain challenging for novice users. This is partly due to the large number of variables to control and optimize such as the choice of cantilever, the sample preparation, and the correct manipulation of the imaging parameters. Here, we present a protocol for achieving high-resolution images of hard and soft samples in fluid using SAM-AFM on a commercial instrument. Our goal is to provide a step-by-step practical guide to achieving high-resolution images, including the cleaning and preparation of the apparatus and the sample, the choice of cantilever and optimization of the imaging parameters. For each step, we explain the scientific rationale behind our choices to facilitate the adaptation of the methodology to every user's specific system.