The atomic force microscope (AFM) or scanning force microscope (SFM) is a very high-resolution type of scanning probe microscopy, with demonstrated resolution of fractions of a nanometer, more than 1000 times better than the optical diffraction limit. The AFM is one of the foremost tools for imaging, measuring and manipulating matter at the nanoscale. The information is gathered by "feeling" the surface with a mechanical probe. Piezoelectric* elements that facilitate tiny but accurate and precise movements on (electronic) command enable the very precise scanning. In the future, in-situ AFM may become increasingly important for the food, manufacturing, environmental and quality assurance industries.
*Piezoelectricity is the ability of some materials (notably crystals and certain ceramics, including bone) to generate an electric potential in response to applied mechanical stress. This may take the form of a separation of electric charge across the crystal lattice. If the material is not short-circuited, the applied charge induces a voltage across the material. The word is derived from the Greek piezo or piezein, which means to squeeze or press.
Something to read...
More about AFM.
AFM - Tutorial page
High speed AFM - Introduction
AFM in Food Reasearch
Application of AFM on rapid determination of microorganisms for food safety
Using AFM to explore food nanostructure
New techniques could help combat chocolate bloom
Nanorheological properties of casein
And something to see...
A nanoleap into the AFM
Visualization of an Atomic Force Microscope
Gerton Lab - Atomic force microscopy
Dr. Jason Hafner explains the AFM
Wii Teach You AFM
Key features of the XE-Bio AFM
*Piezoelectricity is the ability of some materials (notably crystals and certain ceramics, including bone) to generate an electric potential in response to applied mechanical stress. This may take the form of a separation of electric charge across the crystal lattice. If the material is not short-circuited, the applied charge induces a voltage across the material. The word is derived from the Greek piezo or piezein, which means to squeeze or press.
Something to read...
More about AFM.
AFM - Tutorial page
High speed AFM - Introduction
AFM in Food Reasearch
Application of AFM on rapid determination of microorganisms for food safety
Using AFM to explore food nanostructure
New techniques could help combat chocolate bloom
Nanorheological properties of casein
And something to see...
A nanoleap into the AFM
Visualization of an Atomic Force Microscope
Gerton Lab - Atomic force microscopy
Dr. Jason Hafner explains the AFM
Wii Teach You AFM
Key features of the XE-Bio AFM