Abstract
The increase in capabilities of Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) has resulted in a parallel increase in complexity that limits the use of this technique outside of specialised research laboratories. SPM automation could substantially expand its application domain, improve reproducibility and increase throughput. Here, we present a bottom-up design in which the combination of positioning stages, orientation, and detection of the probe produces an SPM design compatible with full automation. The resulting probe microscope achieves sub-femtonewton force sensitivity whilst preserving low mechanical drift ( nm/min in-plane and nm/min vertically). The additional integration of total internal reflection microscopy, and the straightforward operations in liquid, make this instrument configuration particularly attractive to future biomedical applications.
Highlights
Automated Scanning ProbeOver the past few decades, the discovery of new nanoscale phenomena has produced scientific and technological breakthroughs across various disciplines from natural sciences to engineering [1] and medicine [2,3,4]
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) data add a unique mechanical assessment of the specimen that is lacking in other characterisation techniques, such as Dynamic Light Scattering [20] (DLS), Raman [21], or Nuclear Magnetic
Presented below are a series of design solutions, which significantly increase the stability, precision and usability of the modified Lateral Molecular Force Microscope (LMFM). These changes align with the constraints imposed by future automation levels and retain the versatility required for biomedical applications
Summary
Over the past few decades, the discovery of new nanoscale phenomena has produced scientific and technological breakthroughs across various disciplines from natural sciences to engineering [1] and medicine [2,3,4]. It is precisely the combination of extreme spatial resolution and the ability to manipulate the sample at the nanoscale, that gives AFM the potential to become an ideal tool for biomedical applications [24,25,26] Despite these capabilities, it has been challenging to transition SPM technology from research laboratories to clinical or medical applications [27]. Presented below are a series of design solutions, which significantly increase the stability, precision and usability of the modified LMFM These changes align with the constraints imposed by future automation levels and retain the versatility required for biomedical applications
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