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Understanding the Atomic Force Microscope: A Key Tool in Nanotechnology
An Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is one of the most powerful and versatile instruments used in modern scientific research, particularly in the fields of nanotechnology, materials science, and molecular biology. It allows researchers to visualize, measure, and manipulate materials at the nanoscale with exceptional precision, making it indispensable for studying surfaces and structures that are too small for conventional optical microscopes.
How an AFM Works
Unlike optical or electron microscopes, which rely on light or electron beams, an AFM uses a sharp probe that physically interacts with the surface of a sample. This probe, mounted on a flexible cantilever, scans the surface line by line. As the tip moves over tiny bumps and grooves, forces between the tip and the sample cause slight deflections in the cantilever. These deflections are measured using a laser beam reflected onto a photodetector, creating…
