Request for an upgrade to existing AFM to significantly improve the soft imaging capability and future upgradability

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The request for an upgrade to the existing 10 year old AFM will replace an aging instrument that is no-longer supported and quickly losing ground to the newer more stable and user friendly equipment. The upgrade will allow for more reliable imaging of difficult sensitive samples using magnetically driven tapping mode (known as MAC mode) with the added ability of being able to direct the tip to the area of interest on the sample. This video access was not available 10 years ago, and has been one of the limitations that has led to the decline in the use of the AFM. We have successfully used MAC Mode to characterize Pt and Pt-alloy nanoparticles on a carbon support, illustrating the ability of this method to characterize difficult samples. That said, the new model will enable even more delicate samples to be investigated, specifically modified electrode surfaces containing DNA or adsorbed liposomes. Our attempts to image these surfaces with our current instrument have been less reliable. Performing these measurements in liquid or in electrochemical environments is also quite limiting. The requested instrument is a newer design which has solved a number of the alignment and sealing issues and will significantly enhance our ability to perform these measurements in liquid.