Atomic Force Microscopy
Conducting AFM at cryogenic temperatures dramatically reduces thermal noise interference, allowing advanced small-scale metrology. With ARS upgraded AFM, researchers can study individual atoms, molecules, and material defects with extended probing and manipulation under controlled conditions. Cryogenic AFM also opens up access to otherwise inaccessible quantum phases and novel states of matter.
Below, data collected with an ARS cooled AFM operating in tapping mode is shown. This system was cooled using a CS204PF-DMX-20B closed-cycle cryocooler (pictured).
CS-204PF-DMX-20B used in experiment
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 1 shows the z-noise spectrum in the AFM tip-sample junction at different temperatures, demonstrating only negligeable noise contributions from the cryocooler at very low temperatures.
Figure 2 shows the scanning noise performance at 20K, with RMS noise of 100-150pm - noise levels comparable with state of the art ambient condition tapping mode AFMs. The image shows raw data. With a Fourier filter the periodic ripples in the image can easily be removed in post-processing. However, due to their low amplitude, the ripples would not be observable against the sample topography in most samples, even samples only exhibiting monolayer step edges.
Contact us to learn more about how ARS cryogenics can contribute to your AFM research.
Customer References:
Sven Doenges and Markus Raschke, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, USA.
ARS Cryostats Ideal for AFM/SPM Applications:
X-20B ULV for UHV
Ultra low vibrations and ultra high vacuum
System can be baked out to 200 C
| Cryostat Model | Type |
|---|---|
| CS202-DMX-20B | CCR |
| CS204-DMX-20B | CCR |
| CS210-GMX-20B | CCR |
LT3
Atomic resolution is achieved through a series of matrix heat exchangers
Coaxial shield flow transfer line ensures liquid at the tip and efficient flow
LT4
All-purpose, low cost flow cryostat
Maintains the high cooling power of the LT3
UHV option available
| Cryostat Model | Type |
|---|---|
| LT4 | Flow |