Project Details
Projekt
High-Speed AFM
Subject Area
Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
Term
Funded in 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 566304576
A dedicated high-speed atomic force microscope (BioAFM) will be procured for measuring soft and liquid samples, enabling high imaging rates with nanoscale resolution to study dynamic processes. This BioAFM consists of two key components: a scanning head and an inverted optical fluorescence microscope, allowing for simultaneous optical and AFM measurements. The scanning head has a sufficiently large scan range to conduct topography measurements in liquids or microscopic objects in the 10 micrometer range. In contrast to conventional AFMs the high-speed version allows for real-time observation of rapid nucleation processes, externally modulated material changes, and nanostructure formation. In addition to topography, the BioAFM provides insight into the elastic and viscous properties of soft samples. Additionally, it supports a range of advanced measurement techniques, including peak force tapping, contact mode, lateral force mode, tapping mode, quantitative imaging, force-distance spectroscopy, fast force mapping, and lithography/manipulation. These capabilities will significantly enhance the university’s research facilities for soft matter, organic chemistry, and the study of complex fluids. The BioAFM will be utilized in three research field. First, we will study the nucleation process during heating and electrolysis to explore the physics of bubble formation in liquids. Additionally, the high imaging rates offers the real-time monitoring of polymer particle formation, enabling insights into the structural evolution and their reaction dynamics. As a third research area we will utilize the AFM for complex fluids to study photoresponsive interfaces and ferroelectric fluid structures. Further, we foresee the utilization from members of the Center of Advanced Medical Engineering and the research cluster Smart Process Systems. The BioAFM will be installed in such a way that it can be combined with additional experimental set-ups, such as a plasmonic laser heater, TIRF microscopy, surface plasmon microscopy, microfluidics, and high-speed imaging. Access to the device will be offered through an online booking system for trained users and sufficient long time slots that ensures the combination of the AFM with additional experiments. Training will be conducted by experienced users and permanent employees of the PI. These will oversee user training, booking, system maintenance, backups, and accessory management, ensuring efficient operation of the BioAFM.
DFG Programme
Major Research Instrumentation
Major Instrumentation
Rasterkraftmikroskop mit hohen Bildraten
Instrumentation Group
5091 Rasterkraft-Mikroskope
Applicant Institution
Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
