Nanotechnology & Surface Metrology

Nanosurf

Nanosurf - Nanotechnology AFM

Nanosurf was founded in 1997 in Liestal, Switzerland and has a vast knowledge base in scanning probe microscopy. They’re a global market leader for AFM-based single-cell and nanomanipulation tools, AFM and STM devices for Nano education, compact and mountable AFM systems and custom-built AFM systems.

Website: https://www.nanosurf.com/

nanosurf DriveAFM

DriveAFM

Performance without compromise

The DriveAFM is Nanosurf’s novel flagship AFM platform: a tip-scanning atomic force microscope (AFM) that combines, for the first time, several capabilities in one instrument to enable novel measurements in materials and life sciences. The DriveAFM overcomes drawbacks of other tip-scanning instruments and provides atomic resolution together with fast scanning, fast force spectroscopy, and large scan sizes up to 100 µm. Thanks to Nanosurf’s innovations in optical beam path engineering and scanner design, the Drive scan head features photothermal actuation and full motorization for superior research performance and is easy to use for researchers at all levels of experience.

Key features:

  • CleanDrive: stable excitation in air and liquid
  • Ultra low noise: below 15 fm/vHz
  • Direct drive: high-resolution imaging and large scan area
  • Fully motorized system: full control via software
 

WaveMode: Off-resonance imaging remastered

WaveMode is Nanosurf’s new imaging mode, developed in a collaboration with Georg Fantner at EPFL. It provides additional ease of use for users from all backgrounds. It is the first commercially available off-resonance imaging mode using CleanDrive photothermal excitation that is itself well-known for its exceptional excitation stability and bandwidth in any environment. Founded on these advantages, WaveMode allows stable and fast operation in all environments.

WaveMode converts the AFM cantilever from a simple detector of tip-sample interactions into a combined detector and actuator. AFM cantilevers are well-know for their capability to serve as fast actuators. Paired with photothermal excitation, the AFM cantilever is used to provide the oscillatory relative motion between AFM cantilever tip and sample surface that is typical for off-resonance modes. The combined high bandwidth of both the cantilever and the photothermal excitation allow overcoming the main speed-limiting factor in conventional off-resonance modes – the z-scanner that is typically used to generate the relative oscillatory motion.

DriveAFM imaging modes

This overview shows which modes the instrument is capable of. Some modes may require additional components or software options. For details, please view the brochure or contact us directly.

Standard imaging modes
  • Static Force Mode
  • Lateral Force Mode
  • Dynamic Force Mode (Tapping Mode)
  • Phase Imaging Mode
Magnetic properties
  • Magnetic Force Microscopy
Electrical properties
  • Conductive AFM (C-AFM)
  • Piezoelectric Force Microscopy (PFM)
  • Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM)
  • Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM)
Mechanical properties
  • Force Spectroscopy
  • Force Modulation
  • Stiffness and Modulus
  • Adhesion
  • Unfolding and Stretching
  • Force Mapping
  • Lithography and Nanomanipulation
  • Electrochemical AFM (EC-AFM)
 

Download Brochure

Learn More »

nanosurf CoreAFM

CoreAFM

The Best Value Research AFM

The CoreAFM is the result of intelligently combining the core components of AFM to achieve maximum versatility and user-friendliness.

The fusion of a modern flexure-guided scanner, XYZ sample stage, camera, active vibration isolation table, and airflow shielding in a single all-in-one unit results in a complete AFM system with an unparalleled compact footprint.

The system comes with a fully digital 24-bit controller developed specifically for the CoreAFM scan head. All the essential functions of modern AFM are integral components of the CoreAFM system; all you need to do to take the CoreAFM into operation is connect the controller and plug in power and USB.

Key features

  • Research AFM with a competitive price tag
  • Integrated system with small footprint
  • 33 modes and functions
  • Easy handling

Spike-Guard

Spike-Guard

Deeper system integration of the Isostage is reflected in the unique Spike-Guard, which eliminates glitches during imaging. Although the Isostage is an active vibration isolation system, glitches can still occur when distortions are too severe. Spike-Guard detects such anomalies and rescans the line for a distortion-free image.

 

Download Brochure

Learn More »

nanosurf Flex-Axiom

Flex-Axiom

The Most Flexible AFM for Materials Research

For success in materials research studies, scientists depend on professional tools that can readily provide the information needed, regardless of the tasks at hand. By advancing key technologies and designs, Nanosurf has made the Flex-Axiom one of the most versatile and flexible AFMs ever, allowing a large variety of materials research applications to be handled with ease. In combination with the powerful C3000 controller, complex material characterisations are possible.

Key features:

  • Ultra-flexible for materials research
  • Modular concept to match your needs
  • Suitable for any sample size

Download Brochure

Learn More »

nanosurf flex bio

Flex-Bio

The Most flexible AFM for Life Science Research

A key success factor in life science research is the combination of multiple techniques. With the Flex-Bio, Nanosurf's Bio AFM, you can combine the liquid AFM imaging, spectroscopy and nanomanipulation capacity of this system with the high-end optical techniques available for inverted microscopes.

Key features:

  • Compatible with inverted microscopes
  • Flat and linear scanning thanks to flexure-based scanner technology
  • True flexibility with exchangeable cantilever holders for specialised tasks
  • High measurement versatility with scanning capabilities in liquid as well as additional measurement modes

Download Brochure

Learn More »

nanosurf

Cytomass Monitor

Measure the Mass of Living Cells in Real Time

The Cytomass Monitor is the only research tool currently available that allows the recording of time-lapse mass measurements in physiological conditions, while simultaneously conducting fluorescence and/or differential interference contrast microscopy in order to link cell mass dynamics to cell morphology and state.

Together with Prof. Daniel J. Müller of the ETH Zürichand Dr. David Martínez-Martín of the University of Sydney , Nanosurf has developed the Cytomass Monitor. The Cytomass Monitor is able to measure the mass of even single adherent cells with 0.1% mass and 10 ms temporal resolution.

The Cytomass Monitor allows novel research in the fields of cell mass or volume regulation, cell migration, cell nutrition, cell division and cell cycle progression, fat cell storage and metabolism, viral infection-related processes, ion channel properties, drug screening for drugs targeting pathways linked to cell growth, new therapies for cancer, aging, obesity, type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration, and other diseases linked to a deregulation of growth control.

 

cytomass

Long-term cultivation and optical/fluorescence/mass monitoring of control (unlabelled; left image column) and virus-infected cells (labelled with eGFP; right column).

Experimental details and results

 

Download Brochure

Learn More »

nanosurf Alphacen 300

Alphacen 300

Tip-Scanning AFM for Heavy and Large Samples Up to 300 mm

Featuring a fully accessible 300mm x 300mm sample stage, the AFM system can handle samples up to 45kg in weight. Nanosurf Alphacen 300 also runs a fully automated measurement series, making it an ideal solution for a number of industrial applications and quality control processes.

Alphacen 300 AFM has a sample stage that can move 300mm x 300mm in XY and measure every point on a 300mm sample. On request, the stage can be modified to handle a larger range in X (up to 500mm). The XY stage has a resolution of 1µm and a unilateral repositioning accuracy of 2µm, which allows for precise positioning of the sample under the imaging tip.

Standard imaging modes include Static Force Mode, Lateral Force Mode, Dynamic Force Mode (Tapping Mode), Phase Imaging Mode, friction force, force modulation, spreading resistance and EFM.

Key features:

  • Standard AFM system
  • 300 mm x 300 mm sample stage
  • Ideal for samples up to 45 kg

Download Brochure

Learn More »

nanosurf

LensAFM

Full AFM Integration for Upright Microscopes

The Nanosurf LensAFM is an atomic force microscope that continues where optical microscopes and profilometers reach their resolution limits. It is mounted like a normal objective lens, thus extending the resolution and measuring capabilities of these instruments. The LensAFM not only provides 3D surface topography information but can be used to analyse various physical properties of a measurement sample as well.

Key features:

  • Standard AFM system
  • 300 mm x 300 mm sample stage
  • Ideal for samples up to 45 kg
 
 

Download Brochure

Learn More »

nanosurf NaniteAFM

NaniteAFM

Small AFM for Custom Integration

The NaniteAFM is a market leading solution for AFM integration with least restriction to the sample dimensions.

The NaniteAFM has a tip-scanner, two inspection video cameras and an on-board approach motor in an exceptionally small footprint. It contains everything needed to operate independently, paving the way for easy integration: All you need is 300 cm3 in space and a stable docking site to mount the AFM.

Key features:

  • Ideal for custom integration
  • Automate serial measurements
  • Copes with large, heavy, or curved samples
 
 

Download Brochure

Learn More »

nanosurf NaioAFM

NaioAFM

Ideal AFM for Nano Education

The NaioAFM is the ideal atomic force microscope for Nano education and basic research on small samples. This all-in-one AFM system provides solid performance and easy handling, with a price tag and footprint that fit anyone and any place.

Key features:

  • All-in-one plug-and-play AFM system
  • Easy to use
  • All standard operating modes available
 
 

Learn More »

nanosurf NaioSTM

NaioSTM

All-In-One STM Microscope

The NaioSTM is a scanning tunnelling microscope that brings together scan head and controller in a single instrument for even simpler installation, maximized ease of use, and straightforward transportability. The setup is robust against vibrations and can be used to achieve atomic resolution on HOPG in standard classroom situations. With its 204 × 204 mm footprint it hardly takes up any workbench space.

Key features:

  • Small mechanical loop provides excellent stability
  • Atomic resolution in 5 minutes
  • Tiny footprint, easy to store and transport
 
 

Download Brochure

Learn More »