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Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
The AFM Probe
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...

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Imaging Integrin Tension and Cellular Force at Submicron Resolution with an Integrative Tension Sensor

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Inertial imaging with nanomechanical systems.

M Selim Hanay¹, Scott I Kelber², Cathal D O'Connell³

¹1] Kavli Nanoscience Institute and Departments of Physics &Applied Physics and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA [2] Department of Mechanical Engineering and National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey.

Nature Nanotechnology

|March 31, 2015

Summary

Researchers developed nanomechanical inertial imaging to map the mass distribution of single molecules in real-time. This technique offers molecular-scale resolution, surpassing conventional imaging limitations for ultrasensitive mass sensing.

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Area of Science:

Physics
Materials Science
Nanotechnology

Background:

Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) have enabled ultrasensitive mass sensing, achieving atomic-scale resolution and single-protein mass spectrometry.
Current NEMS sensors excel at detecting gaseous analytes and measuring mass but lack spatial imaging capabilities at the molecular level.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate real-time, molecular-scale imaging of an analyte's spatial mass distribution using nanomechanical resonators.
To develop a method for deducing spatial mass distribution moments from single-molecule adsorption events.

Main Methods:

Utilizing nanomechanical resonators that exhibit discrete, time-correlated frequency perturbations upon single-molecule adsorption.
Continuously monitoring multiple vibrational modes of the resonator to analyze frequency shifts.
Employing numerical simulations alongside experimental measurements to validate the imaging technique.

Main Results:

Successfully imaged the spatial distribution of mass within individual analytes in real-time.
Deduced inertial mass, adsorption position, size, and shape of single analytes.
Demonstrated that resolution is limited by frequency fluctuation processes, not diffraction.

Conclusions:

Nanomechanical inertial imaging provides a novel approach for real-time, molecular-scale mass distribution analysis.
This technique overcomes the diffraction limits inherent in conventional imaging methods.
Advanced NEMS devices show significant potential for resolving and characterizing molecular-scale analytes.