AFMWorkshop routinely works with customers to create custom instrumentation. Once completed these instruments may be purchased by customers with similar requirements.
Price Range*
$30,000.00 -
$100,000.00
* Prices vary depending on options purchased, importation taxes, installation and training fees.
A front access AFM (FALL AFM) is necessary to access a sample with one two external probes and as well as an AFM probe. Below are two examples of the FALL AFM being used for studying cardiomyocytes. At the left two carbon fiber probes are used to stretch a cardiomyocyte while an AFM probe is used to measure the stiffness of the cell. At the right a patch-clamp probe is attached to the cardiomyocyte cell while AFM measurements are made.
Up to two independent probes can access the sample in the FALL AFM.
Left - Two carbon fiber probes stretch the cardiomyocyte. Right - A patch clamp is attached to the cell during AFM measurements.
In the FALL AFM the laser, probe and photodetector are rotated 90 degrees from the traditional AFM.
Detailed view of the probe area. There is space on both the left and right of the AFM probe for additional types of specimen probes.
This is a view of the FALL LS AFM when fully operational. Two carbon fibers are inserted into the sample, and the sample is maintained under physiological conditions.
2. Resonance Cell
The resonant properties of a cantilever can change if the cantilever undergoes a change in mass because of the absorption of molecules on its surface. To make this type of measurement an AFM-type apparatus is used. The resonance cell unit is an AFM without an XYZ scanner, or a Z approach motor, which uses a closed liquid cell.
Resonance Cell Stage
Software
The resonance cell includes a light lever force sensor, environmental cell, video optical microscope and control station.
The resonance cell software includes the controls necessary for aligning the laser and photodetector. Also, the resonance frequency limits and scan resolution are selected. The resonance and phase change are displayed in the same window. Resonance curves are saved after acquisition.
Environmental cell Top View
3. Vacuum AFM
It is often advantageous to make AFM measurements in a vacuum. The V AFM is designed to operate in a High Vacuum, or Ultra high Vacuum. Depending on customer requirements, the unit can be purchased with automated adjusters on the laser, photo-detector, and XY stage.
4. Motorized Stages
Motorized stages of almost any size may be added to AFMWorkshop products. This includes the TT, NP, SA, and LS AFMs. The range and resolution of the translator is selected based on the specific customer requirement.
TT-2 AFM with 30 cm ✕ 30 cm XY motorized stage.
Custom control software for the stage can be created for simply translating the stage in the XY axis or for automatically making measurements at several locations.
Up to two independent probes can access the sample in the FALL AFM.
Left - Two carbon fiber probes stretch the cardiomyocyte.
