Chemistry: CT9 Atomic Force Microscopy

Since introduction in 1986 by Binnig, Quate and Gerber, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as one of the most powerful scanning probe microscopy technique. The possibility to acquire three-dimensional morphology maps of specimens on a surface in both air and in their native liquid environment with sub-nanometre resolution makes it a very versatile single molecule technique. A conventional AFM topography map provides valuable information on the morphology and structure of heterogeneous biological samples, while single molecule force spectroscopy can interrogate the biophysical and nanomechanical properties of the sample at the nanoscale. Furthermore, the combination of AFM with spectroscopic modes enable to enquire the optical properties of the sample with nanoscale resolution. In these introductory lectures, the general capabilities of AFM with respect to other scanning probe and electron microscopy techniques will be discussed. The general principles governing the functioning of AFM in contact and tapping mode will be given, as well as the principles enabling the study of nanomechanical properties of samples by force spectroscopy and nanomechanical imaging. Other modes such as scattering SNOM, AFM-IR and Raman will be generally discussed. The course will provide the necessary background to acquire a morphology map by AFM. The last session will consist of a hand-on session introducing the students to the use and functioning of an AFM instrument.

• Postgraduates
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available
• If you are from outside the Department of Chemistry, please wait to be collected from reception

Number of sessions: 2

• One session of two hours followed by one practical session of one hour

• Yearly

• Chemistry: CT1 Getting the Most out of Your Departmental Characterisation Facilities
• Chemistry: CT2 An Introduction to Mass Spec Processing
• Chemistry: CT4 Answering Materials Science Questions using Solid-State NMR
• Chemistry: CT7 X-Ray Crystallography