Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

14:13
Atomic Force Microscopy of Red-Light Photoreceptors Using PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Property Mapping
Published on: October 24, 2014
11.2K
High-speed adaptive contact-mode atomic force microscopy imaging with near-minimum-force.
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers University, 98 Brett Rd, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|August 3, 2014
Summary
This study introduces an adaptive contact-mode imaging method to significantly increase imaging speed and reduce probe-sample force. The new approach enhances topography tracking for faster, gentler high-resolution imaging.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Nanotechnology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Traditional contact-mode imaging faces limitations in speed and probe-sample interaction force.
- High-speed imaging often leads to image distortion and excessive force, compromising data quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an adaptive contact-mode imaging approach that overcomes the speed and force limitations of traditional methods.
- To improve topography tracking accuracy and reduce probe-sample interaction force during high-speed imaging.
Main Methods:
- Accounting for topography tracking error in quantification.
- Utilizing quantified topography with gradient-based optimization to adjust cantilever deflection set-point.
- Integrating data-driven iterative feedforward control with next-line topography prediction for enhanced tracking.
Main Results:
- Imaging speed increased by over 30-fold (13 mm/s scanning speed).
- Probe-sample interaction force reduced by over 15%.
- Maintained image quality comparable to traditional constant-force methods.
Conclusions:
- The proposed adaptive contact-mode imaging approach significantly enhances imaging speed and reduces interaction force.
- This method offers a viable alternative for high-speed, high-resolution imaging with reduced sample damage.

