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Sub-nanometer resolution imaging with amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy in liquid

Miller, E.J.; Trewby, W.; Farokh Payam, A.; Piantanida, L.; Cafolla, C.; Voïtchovsky, K.

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Authors

E.J. Miller

W. Trewby

A. Farokh Payam

L. Piantanida

Dr Miro Cafolla clodomiro.cafolla@durham.ac.uk
Addison Wheeler Research Fellow



Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become a well-established technique for nanoscale imaging of samples in air and in liquid. Recent studies have shown that when operated in amplitude-modulation (tapping) mode, atomic or molecular-level resolution images can be achieved over a wide range of soft and hard samples in liquid. In these situations, small oscillation amplitudes (SAM-AFM) enhance the resolution by exploiting the solvated liquid at the surface of the sample. Although the technique has been successfully applied across fields as diverse as materials science, biology and biophysics and surface chemistry, obtaining high-resolution images in liquid can still remain challenging for novice users. This is partly due to the large number of variables to control and optimize such as the choice of cantilever, the sample preparation, and the correct manipulation of the imaging parameters. Here, we present a protocol for achieving high-resolution images of hard and soft samples in fluid using SAM-AFM on a commercial instrument. Our goal is to provide a step-by-step practical guide to achieving high-resolution images, including the cleaning and preparation of the apparatus and the sample, the choice of cantilever and optimization of the imaging parameters. For each step, we explain the scientific rationale behind our choices to facilitate the adaptation of the methodology to every user's specific system.

Citation

Miller, E., Trewby, W., Farokh Payam, A., Piantanida, L., Cafolla, C., & Voïtchovsky, K. (2016). Sub-nanometer resolution imaging with amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy in liquid. Journal of Visualized Experiments, Article e54924. https://doi.org/10.3791/54924

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Dec 20, 2016
Publication Date Dec 20, 2016
Deposit Date Apr 29, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Journal of Visualized Experiments
Publisher MyJove Corporation
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Issue 118
Article Number e54924
DOI https://doi.org/10.3791/54924

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