Last Update: 2006-02-16

HIGH VACUUM AFM

The above image shows the vacuum chamber in which a TOPOMETRIX (now VEECO) AFM-Head can be mounted. The chamber is equipped with a removable load-lock system which allows the transfer of samples from an arbitrary derposition system to the AFM chamber. The AFM head within the chamber is displayed on the following image.

To operate the head within the chamber several modifications, which are indicated in the above image, had to be made.
Of course the AFM can also be operated in atmosphere in three basic modes: regular contact mode, non contact mode and the WiTec pused force mode which allows the assessment of mechanical surface data such as local adhesion and material stiffness with al lateral resolution of about 10 nm.