Materials Research Laboratory

Training Material and Supplemental Documentation
AFM tip distributors

Background

Instrumentation. The Center for Microanalysis of Materials maintains a collection of five atomic force microscopes for our users here at the University of Illinois and other researchers around the world.

We have two advanced AFMs from Asylum Research. These are state-of-the-art systems featuring closed-loop, low noise, high precision scanners, with fluid cell, sample heater, Q-controlled AC modes (with phase imaging), conductive AFM, piezo response imaging, contact mode with lateral force, and detailed force-distance measurements. These systems allow scanning in air or liquid environments, and have extensive nanomanipulation and nanolithography capabilities.

We have two workhorse AFMs from Digital Instruments/Veeco for scanning in air. The MultiMode AFM is a high-resolution scanner for samples approximately one square cm or smaller. This system also features regular and low-current STM scanning, and also has a nanoindenter from Hysitron for sample hardness measurements. The Dimension 3100 AFM allows large samples (up to a six inch wafer) and large scan size (up to 100 microns), and also phase imaging. Both instruments have sub-angstrom vertical resolution (lateral resolution is generally limited by the tip geometry, not the instrument).

We have a UHV-AFM/STM from RHK Technology. This system operates in ultrahigh vacuum, allowing the study of surfaces that have not been exposed to air. A portable vacuum system allows samples to be transferred from remote growth chambers to the AFM under vacuum. The AFM operates in contact or noncontact AFM modes as well as STM. A heating element allows sample cleaning and annealing. Scanning is only done at room temperature for now, but the system is upgradeable to variable temperature. UHV noncontact AFM is capable of true atomic resolution.

Applications.

AFM tip distributors

NOTE: Commonly used tips and sample supplies are available for purchase in the MRL storeroom.
I most commonly use BS-Tap300AL tapping tips from BudgetSensors (very inexpensive but good), and for extra sharp tips, SuperSharpSilicon from Nanosensors. Both of these are carried in the storeroom and can be charged to your University of Illinois account if you have one.

Some other good sources of AFM tips:

Nano and More USA, US distributor for BudgetSensors, NanoWorld and Nanosensors.

Ted Pella, Inc., another distributor for BudgetSensors tips and other microscopy supplies.

Nanoscience Instruments, US distributor for VistaProbes, plus carbon nanotube tips (and a great resource for nanoscience educators).

Asylum Research, distributors for Nanosensors and Olympus.

MikroMasch, many types, including STING high aspect ratio tips and new Hi-Res one nanometer tips!

Veeco Probe Store, very large selection.

Novascan Technologies, functionalized tips with defined chemistries.

If you have some other favorite tip or distributor, please let me know!