Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
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Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one of the most versatile characterisation methods. AFM performs scanning probe microscopy, scanning the surface of a material with a nanoscale cantilever, either through direct contact or through oscillating the cantilever just above the surface. When the cantilever is positioned in close proximity to the surface, forces between the tip and the sample lead to deflection of the cantilever, which is then measured with a laser signal reflected to a photodiode detector. The properties of the material surface such as topography, mechanical properties and tip-surface interaction forces can then be generated leading to an understanding of the material surface at the nanoscale. AFM has a wide range of applications including nanoscale materials and surface characterisation, electrical materials characterisation, interaction forces and mechanical properties mapping. Bio AFM is useful for pharmaceutical studies, immunology studies, biosensing applications, antibody/antigen binding studies, as well as intra-molecular studies such as protein folding.

List of available equipment
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Asylum Research MFP3D-BIO
Atomic force microscope (AFM) with inverted optical microscope
La Trobe University VIC Node
Description
General use Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) built on a Nikon inverted microscope base for integrated scanning-probe and optical microscopy.Modes available; Kelvin force probe/adhesion and stiffness maps, conductivity maps and single molecule spectroscopy, viscoelastic mapping, magnetic force mapping.
Related Information
Large substrate size can be handled. Topological map of 90 µm x 90 µm with sub-nanometre resolution in Z.Accessories: closed fluid cell, electrochemistry fluid cell, temperature-controlled fluid exchange, polymer heater.
Tool Contact
p.pigram@latrobe.edu.au
Asylum Research MFP3D-SA
Atomic force microscope (AFM)
La Trobe University VIC Node
Description
A versatile AFM mounted on an active-damping vibration-isolation table in an acoustic-isolation enclosure to improve resolution.Operating Modes: contact and non-contact (AC) AFM, EFM, MFM, lateral force microscopy (LFM), conductive AFM, KPFM, and nanolithography.
Related Information
90 μm X-Y raster scanningAccessory features: closed fluid cell, electrochemistry fluid cell, temperature-controlled fluid exchange (BioHeater™), and polymer heater.
Tool Contact
p.pigram@latrobe.edu.au
Atomic Force Microscope – Asylum Research Cypher
Atomic force microscope (AFM) with high resolution m
QLD Node University of Queensland
Description
A purpose built AFM in a dedicated enclosure to investigate surface nanomechanics and topography. Modes available: Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM); high voltage piezoresponse force microscopy (HV-PFM); scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM); and AM-FM viscoelastic mapping mode.
Related Information
Substrate size of 15mm diameter. Topological map of 30 µm x 30 µm.
Tool Contact
anff@uq.edu.au
Atomic Force Microscope – Bruker Dimension Icon XR
More information to come.
QLD Node University of Queensland
Description
Modes available: PeakForce Tapping, Kevlvin Probe Force Microscopy, TUNA, PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping.
Related Information
More information to come.
Tool Contact
anff@uq.edu.au
Atomic Force Microscope – JPK NanoWizard 4XP
Atomic force microscope (AFM) for biological samples
QLD Node University of Queensland
Description
AFM with cell adhesion module, suitable for live cell imaging built on a Zeiss inverted microscope base.Modes available: fluid cell; temperature and gas control for biological samples; cohesion module (piezo crystal 100 µm in Z); optical/AFM image overlay; and electrochemical unit.
Related Information
Large substrate size can be handled. Topological map of 90 µm x 90 µm with sub-nanometre resolution in Z.
Tool Contact
anff@uq.edu.au
Atomic Force Microscope – Asylum Research Cypher ES
Atomic force microscope (AFM) for polymer film analysis
Materials Node University of Newcastle
Description
An atomic force microscope which performs very high resolution probing of surfaces. The ES model of the Cypher has an environmental chamber, allowing for the control of temperature and the atmosphere around the sample. Dry and liquid AFM is possible with this system.
Related Information
Typical sample size is maximum 10 mm x 10 mm. Scanning window is maximum 30 μm.
Tool Contact
anff@newcastle.edu.au
Atomic Force Microscope – Cypher
Environmental Control & Blue Drive; Piezo Force Microscopy, Mechanical & Electrical properties investigations
University of Melbourne VIC Node
Description
AFM with Blue Drive and Environmental control
Related Information
Travel: X, Y=30um, Z=7um
Tool Contact
elena.taran@unimelb.edu.au
Atomic Force Microscope – MFP3D
AFM integrated with a inverted microscope and a camera for top and bottom views
University of Melbourne VIC Node
Description
AFM integrated with optical microscopy
Related Information
Travel: X, Y=90um, Z=14um
Tool Contact
elena.taran@unimelb.edu.au
Atomic Force Microscope- MultiMode 8- Bruker
AFM Microscope
SA Node University of South Australia
Description
Advanced atomic force microscope (AFM)
Related Information
Very high-resolution type of Scanning probe microscope
Tool Contact
Jason.Gascooke@flinders.edu.au
Bio-AFM
Atomic force microscope (AFM) for biological samples
Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication VIC Node
Description
AFM with cell adhesion module, suitable for live cell imaging built on a Nikon inverted microscope base.
Related Information
Large substrate size can be handled. Topological map of 90 µm x 90 µm with sub-nanometre resolution in Z.
Tool Contact
mcn-enquiries@nanomelbourne.com
Bruker Dimension Edge AFM
More information to come.
NSW Node University of New South Wales
Description
Atomic Force Microscope
Related Information
More information to come.
Tool Contact
anff@unsw.edu.au
Cleanroom AFM (Dimension Icon)
Atomic force microscope (AFM) with various condition control and usability modules
Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication VIC Node
Description
The Dimension Icon AFM features a number of application modules such as ScanAsyst, Peak Force QNMTM (PFQNM), electrical characterisation and heating and cooling studies. The ScanAsyst imaging mode performs automatic image optimisation by controlling the tip-sample interaction force for faster and more consistent imaging results. The PFQNM mode analyses tip-sample interaction forces and generates quantitative nanoscale maps of mechanical properties, including modulus, adhesion, deformation, and dissipation. PFQNM operates over an extremely wide range to characterise a large variety of sample types. The AFM executes temperature control and thermal analysis on samples from -35°C to 250°C while scanning in various AFM modes.
Related Information
Features a large sample platform.
Tool Contact
mcn-enquiries@nanomelbourne.com
Cleanroom AFM (Icon PFTUNA)
More information to come.
Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication VIC Node
Description
The Dimension Icon AFM features a number of application modules such as ScanAsyst, Peak Force QNMTM (PFQNM) and electrical characterisations such as Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), Scanning Capacitance Microscopy (SCM), Tunneling Current AFM (TUNA), and Piezo Response Force Microscopy (PFM). KPFM measures material work function as well as surface charge. SCM is one of the primary techniques for doping profile mapping in semiconductor industry. PeakForce TUNA is an ideal method for probing conductivity of fragile samples such as organic photovoltaics, conductive nanotubes, and nanoparticles. PFTUNA provides direct, precise force control and eliminates lateral forces. TUNA can measure material’s electrical conductivity with wide range of current from fA-uA. PFM enables high-resolution nanoscale characterization of piezoresponsive materials and topographical imaging using Contact Mode scanning.
Related Information
Peak Force TUNA is an ideal method for probing conductivity of fragile samples such as organic photovoltaics, conductive nanotubes, and nanoparticles. It overcomes the limitations of traditional contact-mode-based conductive AFM techniques, which are severely restricted by sample damage or probe tip contamination from CAFM lateral forces. PeakForce TUNA provides direct, precise force control and eliminates lateral forces. This enables routine highsensitivity and high-resolution current imaging.
Tool Contact
mcn-enquiries@nanomelbourne.com
Digital Instruments DI3000
Atomic force microscope (AFM)
NSW Node University of New South Wales
Description
AFM
Related Information
More information to come.
Tool Contact
anff@unsw.edu.au
Raman Spectroscopy System- Horiba / Nanonics XploRA / MultiView 4000
Raman confocal microscope and atomic force microscope (AFM) with tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) capability
Flinders University SA Node
Description
Raman spectroscopy system, including a confocal microscope and an atomic force microscope which can perform tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS)
Related Information
Confocal Raman system with large area scanning stage. Lasers available are 532, 638 and 786nm. TERS option allows spectra to be recorded with a spatial resolution of 90nm.
Tool Contact
Jason.Gascooke@flinders.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Asylum Research MFP3D-BIO
Atomic force microscope (AFM) with inverted optical microscope
Flinders University SA Node
Description
General use Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) built on a Nikon inverted microscope base for integrated scanning-probe and optical microscopy.Modes available; Kelvin force probe/adhesion and stiffness maps, conductivity maps and single molecule spectroscopy, viscoelastic mapping, magnetic force mapping.
Related Information
Large substrate size can be handled. Topological map of 90 µm x 90 µm with sub-nanometre resolution in Z.Accessories: closed fluid cell, electrochemistry fluid cell, temperature-controlled fluid exchange, polymer heater.
Tool Contact
p.pigram@latrobe.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Asylum Research MFP3D-SA
Atomic force microscope (AFM)
Flinders University SA Node
Description
A versatile AFM mounted on an active-damping vibration-isolation table in an acoustic-isolation enclosure to improve resolution.Operating Modes: contact and non-contact (AC) AFM, EFM, MFM, lateral force microscopy (LFM), conductive AFM, KPFM, and nanolithography.
Related Information
90 μm X-Y raster scanningAccessory features: closed fluid cell, electrochemistry fluid cell, temperature-controlled fluid exchange (BioHeater™), and polymer heater.
Tool Contact
p.pigram@latrobe.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Atomic Force Microscope – Asylum Research Cypher
Atomic force microscope (AFM) with high resolution m
Flinders University SA Node
Description
A purpose built AFM in a dedicated enclosure to investigate surface nanomechanics and topography. Modes available: Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM); high voltage piezoresponse force microscopy (HV-PFM); scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM); and AM-FM viscoelastic mapping mode.
Related Information
Substrate size of 15mm diameter. Topological map of 30 µm x 30 µm.
Tool Contact
anff@uq.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Atomic Force Microscope – Bruker Dimension Icon XR
More information to come.
Flinders University SA Node
Description
Modes available: PeakForce Tapping, Kevlvin Probe Force Microscopy, TUNA, PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping.
Related Information
More information to come.
Tool Contact
anff@uq.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Atomic Force Microscope – JPK NanoWizard 4XP
Atomic force microscope (AFM) for biological samples
Flinders University SA Node
Description
AFM with cell adhesion module, suitable for live cell imaging built on a Zeiss inverted microscope base.Modes available: fluid cell; temperature and gas control for biological samples; cohesion module (piezo crystal 100 µm in Z); optical/AFM image overlay; and electrochemical unit.
Related Information
Large substrate size can be handled. Topological map of 90 µm x 90 µm with sub-nanometre resolution in Z.
Tool Contact
anff@uq.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Atomic Force Microscope – Asylum Research Cypher ES
Atomic force microscope (AFM) for polymer film analysis
Flinders University SA Node
Description
An atomic force microscope which performs very high resolution probing of surfaces. The ES model of the Cypher has an environmental chamber, allowing for the control of temperature and the atmosphere around the sample. Dry and liquid AFM is possible with this system.
Related Information
Typical sample size is maximum 10 mm x 10 mm. Scanning window is maximum 30 μm.
Tool Contact
anff@newcastle.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Atomic Force Microscope – Cypher
Environmental Control & Blue Drive; Piezo Force Microscopy, Mechanical & Electrical properties investigations
Flinders University SA Node
Description
AFM with Blue Drive and Environmental control
Related Information
Travel: X, Y=30um, Z=7um
Tool Contact
elena.taran@unimelb.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Atomic Force Microscope – MFP3D
AFM integrated with a inverted microscope and a camera for top and bottom views
Flinders University SA Node
Description
AFM integrated with optical microscopy
Related Information
Travel: X, Y=90um, Z=14um
Tool Contact
elena.taran@unimelb.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Atomic Force Microscope- MultiMode 8- Bruker
AFM Microscope
Flinders University SA Node
Description
Advanced atomic force microscope (AFM)
Related Information
Very high-resolution type of Scanning probe microscope
Tool Contact
Jason.Gascooke@flinders.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Bio-AFM
Atomic force microscope (AFM) for biological samples
Flinders University SA Node
Description
AFM with cell adhesion module, suitable for live cell imaging built on a Nikon inverted microscope base.
Related Information
Large substrate size can be handled. Topological map of 90 µm x 90 µm with sub-nanometre resolution in Z.
Tool Contact
mcn-enquiries@nanomelbourne.com
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Bruker Dimension Edge AFM
More information to come.
Flinders University SA Node
Description
Atomic Force Microscope
Related Information
More information to come.
Tool Contact
anff@unsw.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Cleanroom AFM (Dimension Icon)
Atomic force microscope (AFM) with various condition control and usability modules
Flinders University SA Node
Description
The Dimension Icon AFM features a number of application modules such as ScanAsyst, Peak Force QNMTM (PFQNM), electrical characterisation and heating and cooling studies. The ScanAsyst imaging mode performs automatic image optimisation by controlling the tip-sample interaction force for faster and more consistent imaging results. The PFQNM mode analyses tip-sample interaction forces and generates quantitative nanoscale maps of mechanical properties, including modulus, adhesion, deformation, and dissipation. PFQNM operates over an extremely wide range to characterise a large variety of sample types. The AFM executes temperature control and thermal analysis on samples from -35°C to 250°C while scanning in various AFM modes.
Related Information
Features a large sample platform.
Tool Contact
mcn-enquiries@nanomelbourne.com
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Cleanroom AFM (Icon PFTUNA)
More information to come.
Flinders University SA Node
Description
The Dimension Icon AFM features a number of application modules such as ScanAsyst, Peak Force QNMTM (PFQNM) and electrical characterisations such as Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), Scanning Capacitance Microscopy (SCM), Tunneling Current AFM (TUNA), and Piezo Response Force Microscopy (PFM). KPFM measures material work function as well as surface charge. SCM is one of the primary techniques for doping profile mapping in semiconductor industry. PeakForce TUNA is an ideal method for probing conductivity of fragile samples such as organic photovoltaics, conductive nanotubes, and nanoparticles. PFTUNA provides direct, precise force control and eliminates lateral forces. TUNA can measure material’s electrical conductivity with wide range of current from fA-uA. PFM enables high-resolution nanoscale characterization of piezoresponsive materials and topographical imaging using Contact Mode scanning.
Related Information
Peak Force TUNA is an ideal method for probing conductivity of fragile samples such as organic photovoltaics, conductive nanotubes, and nanoparticles. It overcomes the limitations of traditional contact-mode-based conductive AFM techniques, which are severely restricted by sample damage or probe tip contamination from CAFM lateral forces. PeakForce TUNA provides direct, precise force control and eliminates lateral forces. This enables routine highsensitivity and high-resolution current imaging.
Tool Contact
mcn-enquiries@nanomelbourne.com
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Digital Instruments DI3000
Atomic force microscope (AFM)
Flinders University SA Node
Description
AFM
Related Information
More information to come.
Tool Contact
anff@unsw.edu.au
TOOL MAKE AND MODEL
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
LOCATION
Raman Spectroscopy System- Horiba / Nanonics XploRA / MultiView 4000
Raman confocal microscope and atomic force microscope (AFM) with tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) capability
Flinders University SA Node
Description
Raman spectroscopy system, including a confocal microscope and an atomic force microscope which can perform tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS)
Related Information
Confocal Raman system with large area scanning stage. Lasers available are 532, 638 and 786nm. TERS option allows spectra to be recorded with a spatial resolution of 90nm.
Tool Contact
Jason.Gascooke@flinders.edu.au