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

升级到现有10年历史的AFM的请求将取代不再受支持的老化仪器，并迅速被更新、更稳定和用户友好的设备所取代。这一升级将允许使用磁力驱动轻拍模式(称为MAC模式)对困难的敏感样本进行更可靠的成像，并增加了能够将尖端指向样本上感兴趣的区域的能力。这种视频访问在10年前是不可用的，这是导致AFM使用减少的限制之一。我们已经成功地用MAC模式表征了碳载体上的铂和铂合金纳米颗粒，说明了这种方法表征困难样品的能力。这就是说，新的模型将使更精细的样品能够被研究，特别是含有DNA或吸附脂质体的修饰电极表面。我们用目前的仪器成像这些表面的尝试就不那么可靠了。在液体或电化学环境中进行这些测量也是相当有限的。所要求的仪器是一种较新的设计，它解决了许多对准和密封问题，并将显著增强我们在液体中进行这些测量的能力。

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.