Scanning Probe Microscopy Applications Research Articles

Fine tips engineer atomic and molecular opportunities

Fundamental breakthroughs in the science and applications of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) occur almost every week. In such a rapidly changing environment, where user demands are stringent, it takes innovative research, aggressive product development, and plenty of design skill to stay at the commercial cutting edge. Gary Aden, president of TopoMetrix – one of the world's largest SPM manufacturers – makes it his business to do just that.

Applications of Scanning Probe Microscopies in Technology and Manufacturing

Applications of Scanning Probe Microscopies in Technology and Manufacturing

Applications of scanning probe microscopies in technology and manufacturing

AbstractWithin the last 10 years the scanning probe microscopies (SPMs) have been applied to a variety of problems with the main emphasis on scientific applications. The SPM techniques have to date also found their technical applications. The simple concept can easily be adapted to a variety of different applications in high technologic manufacturing processes. The scanning tunneling microscope is now considered as a standard measuring equipment, in the meantime there exists a whole family of SPMs with promising applications in not only a pure scientific environment but also in a manufacturing environment. As examples for industrial applications, we report on magnetic force microscopic investigations, on magnetic storage device components, and on a relatively new technique for nanohardness investigations of thin‐films by an atomic force microscope.