Materials Sciences and Applications

Graduates with materials science training work in academic surface-science laboratories, core instrumentation facilities, and corporate research divisions. They operate specialized characterization equipment such as atomic force and scanning tunneling microscopes. Professionals evaluate nanostructures, develop advanced polymer coatings, analyze semiconductor defects, and conduct electrochemical research into energy storage devices, battery interfaces, and next-generation nanoscale electronic components.

Our modular microscope systems support contact mode, tapping mode, MAC Mode, and scanning tunneling microscopy. Specialized nose cones expand operational capabilities to include conductive AFM, Kelvin probe force microscopy, electrostatic force microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and nanolithography. These diverse modes allow investigators to map topography, mechanical properties, surface potential, and electrical conductivity on varied material samples.

Quick interchangeable nose cones allow researchers to alternate rapidly between standard AFM, STM, and force measurement configurations on a single platform. This modularity accommodates diverse samples ranging from hard semiconductor wafers to soft polymers. Scientists can change scanning modes without realigning the entire mechanical assembly, preserving optical access and maintaining high throughput across experimental protocols.

Yes, our systems accommodate wide collections of liquid cell designs engineered for fluid imaging. The assemblies are compatible with acids, bases, and organic solvents, enabling in-situ electrochemical AFM and STM. Additionally, MAC Mode uses magnetic field-driven cantilever oscillation, providing gentle, ultra-low noise imaging ideal for delicate structures, biological materials, and reactive electrochemical interfaces in liquids.

Systems can be equipped with environmental isolation chambers that regulate humidity, low oxygen, and gas atmospheres during measurement. Temperature-controlled sample stages provide heating and cooling from -30°C to 250°C using anti-drift stage engineering. These controls enable accurate evaluation of polymer phase transitions, thermal stability, corrosion processes, and reactive surface phenomena at the nanoscale.

Our AFM cantilevers and probes are designed to be compatible with all major brand AFM systems. The portfolio includes contact, tapping, and liquid imaging probes, as well as MAC Mode variants with paramagnetic coatings. For specialized wear resistance and indentation studies, options include carbon nanotube tips and durable diamond-coated cantilevers.