AFM Workshop HR-2D AFM for 2D Materials / Glove Box

The HR-2D from AFM Workshop is a powerful, affordable and robust Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) designed specifically for those imaging low dimensional and 2-D materials. It has a small footprint (18x18cm and 28cm high) and is easily accommodated in a glove box. The HR2D AFM includes a stage, control electronics, probes, manuals, and a high quality video microscope with optical focus and zoom. The HR-2D AFM stage has excellent thermal and mechanical stability required for high resolution AFM scanning. Additionally, its open design facilitates user modification.

A video optical microscope in an AFM serves three functions: aligning the laser onto the cantilever in the light lever of the AFM, locating surface features for scanning, and facilitating probe approach. For viewing features on a sample’s surface, as well as facilitating probe approach, the HR-2D includes a high resolution video camera with a 5 MP CMOS camera. The camera support includes a focus mechanism with a 12 mm range.

The HR-2D AFM utilises a unique probe holder/exchange mechanism. Probes are held in place with a spring device that mates with a probe exchange tool. This combination makes changing probes fast and easy on the HR2D AFM.

The control system in the HR-2D AFM are constructed around industry-standard USB data acquisition electronics. The critical functions, such as XY scanning, are optimised with a 24-bit digital to analogue converter. With the analogue Z feedback loop, the highest fidelity scanning is possible. Vibrating mode scanning is possible with both phase and amplitude feedback using the high sensitivity phase detection electronics. Software for acquiring images is designed with the industry standard LabVIEW™ programming visual interface instrument design environment. There are many standard functions, including setting scanning parameters, probe approach, frequency tuning, and displaying images in real time. LabVIEW™ facilitates rapid development for those users seeking to enhance the software with additional special features. LabVIEW also allows the HR-2D AFM to be readily combined with any other instrument using LabVIEW.