DriveAFM: Flagship AFM Platform

DriveAFM by Nanosurf AG is a new flagship AFM platform. The device incorporates a tip-scanning atomic force microscope (AFM) that integrates, for the first time, various capabilities in a single instrument to allow new measurements in life sciences and materials.

The DriveAFM overcomes flaws of other tip-scanning instruments and offers atomic resolution collectively with fast force spectroscopy, fast scanningand large scan sizes ranging up to 100 µm.

As a result of Nanosurf’s innovations in optical beam path engineering and scanner design, the Drive scan features photothermal actuation and complete motorization for excellent research performance and is user-friendly for scientists during all stages of practice.

Ultra-low noise

CleanDrive: stable excitation in liquid and air

Fully motorized system: full control through software

Direct drive: high-resolution imaging and large scan areaavailable

DriveAFM introductory webinar trailerPlay

This video shows the summary of the introductory webinar about the DriveAFM. Users will see the main topics that are discussed in the full webinar. Video Credit: Nanosurf AG

CleanDrive: Stability in Air and Liquid with Photothermal Excitation

Photothermal excitation of the cantilever offers unsurpassed stability, a linear frequency responseand a high excitation bandwidth in liquid and air surroundings. These advantages enable measurements at various frequencies and high-speed applications and set the stage for innovative new measurement modes (for example, PicoBalance).

Image Credit: Nanosurf AG

These benefits are amplified in liquids as only the cantilever beam seems to be excited and the liquid environment remains highly untroubled. This leads to clean resonance peaks and not the “forest of peaks” that is seen generally with the piezo acoustic excitation of cantilevers.

Moreover, this technique of exciting the cantilever is not sensitive to variations in the surrounding and distance to the sample. This makes the complete measurement system highly stable.

The availability of small light spots in DriveAFM is consistent with the usage of small cantilevers, having numerous benefits that make them excellent in performance. As they have the same spring constant as a traditional cantilever, small cantilevers display a considerably greater operational bandwidth and resonance frequency.

Furthermore, the noise performance is improved. As a result of the small dimensions, the sensitivity has been raised, and hydrodynamic drag is decreased. All of this leads to better imaging performance.

Photothermal excitation (CleanDrive)Play

Photothermal excitation of the cantilever is the new best practice for high-performance AFM systems. The animation shows how the cantilever is actuated by an oscillating laser hitting the base of the cantilever beam. Video Credit: Nanosurf AG

Ultra-Low Noise

The DriveAFM consists of a very low overall noise floor, obtained via a combination of a low-noise/low-coherence superluminescent diode and a low-noise/high-bandwidth photodetector utilized in the low-noise/high-bandwidth CX Controller and the beam deflection detection module. This is considered to be the basis for the stable, sensitiveand high-resolution imaging and force spectroscopy capability of the DriveAFM.

Image Credit: Nanosurf AG

Direct Drive Scanner

The DriveAFM makes good use of the power of direct drive piezo actuation. The 1:1, non-geared actuation scheme of the DriveAFM’s flexure scanner offers more force and could push stiffer scanners. The consequent higher resonance frequency of the scanner components enables a greater available actuation bandwidth compared to the geared drives of the same scan size.

Together with the low-noise 28-bit CX Controller, the direct drive scanner actuation enables both imaging at large scales and at high resolution. The DriveAFM is known to be the ideal solution for high-resolution imaging of exacting samples like proteins, nanostructuresor polymeric structures (for example DNA), and also for bigger and micrometer-sized structures.

Full Motorization

The DriveAFM is known to be the first completely motorized AFM system that could be combined with an inverted optical microscope. The adjustment of the two light sources for the beam deflection detection system and the CleanDrive photothermal excitation, as well as the photodetector, are completely motorized and could be regulated from the software.

Also, the tip technique to the sample is motorized. The complete motorization not only contributesto the simple use but also enables new possibilities to completely automate the system.

DriveAFM Imaging Modes

This overview outlines which modes the instrument is capable of. Few modes might need software options or extra components. For details, users can view the brochure or contact the support team directly.

Standard Imaging Modes

Static force mode

Phase imaging mode

Lateral force mode

Dynamic force mode (tapping mode)

Magnetic Properties

Magnetic Force Microscopy

Electrical Properties

Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM)

Conductive AFM (C-AFM)

Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM)

Piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM)

Mechanical Properties

Force modulation

Force spectroscopyUnfolding and stretching

Adhesion

Force mapping

Stiffness and modulus

Electrochemical AFM (EC-AFM)

Lithography and nanomanipulation

System Specifications

Table 1. Scan Head. Source: Nanosurf AG

^(*) measured with a USC-F1.2-k7.3 cantilever

Table 2. CX Controller.Source: Nanosurf AG