At Molecular Imaging, we connect innovation and precision to molecules, down to single atoms. Our specialty: enabling scientists to observe what is actually occurring at the smallest of scales, particularly using such sophisticated instruments as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). Whether in the world of intricate proteins you are working on or observing the chemical action in real-time, our devices are created to provide you with clarity and flexibility at each point of the process.

What Is a Scanning Tunneling Microscope in Liquid?

A Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) not only allows the scientist to observe, but also to interact with surfaces on an atom-by-atom at a time. Take that STM and use it in a liquid, and suddenly you can study how atoms and molecules behave when they’re truly “in their element.” This is crucial for real-world research, biomolecules in fluid, battery reactions in electrolytes, or nanomaterial changes happening on the fly.

Unlike traditional STMs, which often require air or vacuum, a liquid STM keeps everything stable and functional even with a soft, reactive, or fragile sample. That means you can watch molecules self-assemble, proteins fold, or reactions take place, exactly as they would in nature.

The Science Behind STM in Liquid

How does it all work? STM is founded on quantum mechanics, a tiny, super-sharp metal tip hovers just a few atoms away from a sample’s surface. By applying a voltage, electrons “tunnel” between the tip and the sample, creating a current. That tunneling current holds a map of the surface’s landscape at the atomic level.

In liquid, some special tweaks make it all possible:

• Electrochemical control keeps electrical signals steady.
• Protective coatings shield the tip and sample from corrosion.
• Vibration isolation ensures a stable, clear image, no matter what’s swirling in the liquid.

This allows STM to achieve atomic and molecular resolution even in challenging fluid environments, making it ideal for Bio STM applications like imaging DNA, proteins, or cell membranes.

Setting Up for Success: Liquid-Based STM Systems

Our PicoPlus AFM/STM platform makes fluid imaging accessible and reliable. Its modular design means you can easily swap in the features you need:

• MAC Mode AFM, for gentle imaging of soft, biological samples.
• Electrochemical AFM/SPM, so you can observe chemical reactions as they happen.
• Environmental Isolation Chambers, for experiments needing precise climate control.
• Multi-Frequency AFM, offering in-depth electrical and mechanical property insights.

Every detail is engineered for stability, clarity, and ultra-low noise, so your data is both accurate and reproducible.

Where STM in Liquid Makes a Difference

Because STM in liquid works in real, messy environments, it’s found its home in all kinds of labs:

• Biotech & Life Sciences: Visualize live cells, study drug/interactions, and decipher biomolecule structures just as they exist inside an organism.
• Nanotechnology & Materials Science: Zoom in on polymers or nanostructures, guiding discoveries in smart materials or medical devices. 
• Electrochemistry & Semiconductors: Track corrosion, map surface charges, and fuel advances in batteries and microchips.

Since these studies happen in situ, results are more meaningful, uncovering behavior you simply can’t see in dry or artificial conditions.

Why Scientists Choose Molecular Imaging

At Molecular Imaging, our goal is simple: empower scientists to do remarkable research with the right blend of performance and flexibility. Our Low Cost STM solutions ensure that world-class imaging technology remains accessible to every lab. Each system is customizable, built to last, and designed for excellence – because high-quality results don’t have to break the bank.

We partner cl/osely with researchers, ensuring every STM setup is tailor-made for each unique experiment, whether that’s imaging a piece of nerve tissue or watching nanowires grow in real time. Our advanced platforms, like the 5500 PicoPlus, make it easy to shift between STM, AFM, and hybrid modes for truly comprehensive analysis.

Redefining Nanoscale Research

With Molecular Imaging, researchers are constantly breaking new ground. Thanks to features like atomic-scale resolution, modular systems, and advanced environmental controls, you’re never limited by your tools.

If you’re ready to see science in a whole new way, where every atom, every movement, and every reaction can be captured and understood, discover what STM in liquid with Molecular Imaging can do for your next breakthrough.