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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Force Spectroscopy of Single Protein Molecules Using an Atomic Force Microscope
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The qPlus sensor, a powerful core for the atomic force microscope.

Franz J Giessibl1

  • 1Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany.

The Review of Scientific Instruments
|February 3, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Atomic force microscopy (AFM) advancements, particularly with the qPlus sensor and frequency modulation AFM (FM-AFM), enable subatomic resolution imaging and force spectroscopy. These techniques offer unprecedented detail in surface science and nanoscience applications.

Area of Science:

  • Surface science
  • Nanoscience
  • Materials science
  • Chemistry
  • Biology

Background:

  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM), developed in 1986, is a versatile tool for imaging and manipulation across various scientific disciplines.
  • AFM evolved from scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), replacing the STM tip with a force sensor to measure chemical forces.
  • Significant instrumentation progress has been made in AFM, focusing on force sensors, tips, and detection mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight advancements in AFM force sensors, specifically the qPlus sensor and its self-sensing capabilities.
  • To discuss the principles and advantages of Frequency Modulation Atomic Force Microscopy (FM-AFM) for high-resolution imaging and force spectroscopy.
  • To explore the applications and limiting factors of these advanced AFM techniques.

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Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026

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Main Methods:

  • Utilizing qPlus sensors, which leverage the piezoelectricity of quartz for self-sensing, enabling parallel STM and AFM measurements.
  • Employing Frequency Modulation Atomic Force Microscopy (FM-AFM) to detect force gradients by measuring changes in cantilever oscillation frequency.
  • Implementing noncontact AFM operation to separate conservative and dissipative forces and achieve high signal-to-noise ratios.

Main Results:

  • The qPlus sensor achieves subatomic spatial resolution in AFM, surpassing STM capabilities.
  • FM-AFM provides atomic and subatomic resolution, along with force spectroscopy at sub-piconewton sensitivity.
  • Simultaneous AFM and STM measurements are feasible with FM-AFM due to its noncontact operation.

Conclusions:

  • Advanced AFM techniques, particularly those using qPlus sensors and FM-AFM, offer unprecedented resolution and sensitivity.
  • These methods are crucial for detailed studies of atomic interactions, spin-dependent forces, and molecular structures.
  • Continued development in AFM instrumentation promises further breakthroughs in nanoscience and surface characterization.