Advanced 3D Optical Surface Profiling Solutions

3D surface profiling on modular scanning probe platforms from Molecular Imaging. The pendulum scanner covers selectable ranges from 90 x 90 um down to 9 x 9 um, so a single instrument resolves both large-area form and sub-nanometre step heights. Materials scientists, biophysicists and nanotechnology groups across the United States use these systems to capture height maps, extract Sa, Sq and Sz roughness parameters, and compare surfaces between sessions.

High precision 3D optical surface profiling instrument analyzing nanoscale surface topography

Our 3D Optical Surface Profiling Services

Comprehensive surface profiling solutions, custom instrumentation configurations, preventive system maintenance, and practical operator training for research laboratories.

Custom System Configuration

Collaborate with our engineering team to design modular surface profiling and probe microscopy platforms integrated with specialized environmental chambers, spectroscopy scripts, and multi-modal analytical tools.

Profiling System Calibration

Hardware diagnostics, component upgrades and replacement parts for these platforms, to limit downtime and keep topographical measurements repeatable between sessions.

Comprehensive Operator Training

Structured technical courses for laboratory staff covering surface characterization mechanisms, scanner setup, image resolution optimization, and troubleshooting in both ambient air and controlled liquid environments.

Modular Measurement Solutions

Advanced Modularity and Precision in Nanoscale Surface Characterization

Molecular Imaging builds surface characterization platforms on a modular architecture. Interchangeable nose cones and selectable scan ranges let one base system move between materials science, molecular electronics and biological work without a system rebuild. Environmental isolation chambers control humidity and gas, and temperature stages run from -30 C to 250 C, so quantitative height and roughness data stay stable over long acquisitions.

Researcher configuring a modular nanoscale surface profiling microscope
The Molecular Imaging Advantage

Why Choose Molecular Imaging?

Modular scanner architecture, interchangeable nose cones, and service from the engineers who designed the platform.

Decades of Innovation

Celebrating twenty-five years of discovery and proven instrument leadership in nanoscale surface characterization.

Modular Instrument Architecture

Easily adapt hardware and integrate custom analytical modules tailored to unique laboratory experimental needs.

Institutional Heritage

Guided by the original design engineers and by academic advisor Dr. Stuart Lindsay.

Rapid Technical Service

Diagnostics, replacement components for legacy platforms, and remote troubleshooting over an online session.

Meet The Leadership Team

The engineers who developed these scanning probe platforms, now supporting surface metrology on them.

Portrait of Dr. Song Xu, Leader and Co-Founder of Molecular Imaging

Dr. Song Xu

Leader / Co-Founder (Revival Team)

Dr. Song Xu is a founding leader of the revived Molecular Imaging, having been instrumental in reuniting former employees after Keysight Technologies exited the AFM market in 2018. With deep institutional knowledge of Molecular Imaging's original technology and mission, he guides the company's strategic direction and technical development. Dr. Xu's expertise spans atomic force microscopy and nanoscale imaging systems, ensuring the company continues to deliver modular, precise, and user-friendly instrumentation. He is deeply committed to supporting researchers in nanotechnology, life sciences, and materials science, and works to ensure every customer receives reliable systems backed by strong technical support. Dr. Xu's leadership reflects a passion for continuing Molecular Imaging's legacy of innovation and collaboration for the global scientific research community.

Portrait of Steve Raba, Team Member at Molecular Imaging

Steve Raba

Team Member (Revival Team)

Steve Raba is a former Molecular Imaging professional who returned to help revive the company after Keysight Technologies' exit from the AFM market in 2018. His background spans application support, production, engineering, and R&D, giving him a well-rounded perspective on delivering high-quality AFM and STM instrumentation. Steve plays a key role in ensuring Molecular Imaging's systems meet the exacting standards required by researchers in nanotechnology, life sciences, and materials science. His hands-on experience with the company's original technology allows him to contribute valuable insight into product development and customer support. Steve is dedicated to helping the global research community achieve precise, reliable results through Molecular Imaging's advanced instrumentation and dependable service.

Portrait of John Alexander, Team Member at Molecular Imaging

John Alexander

Team Member (Revival Team)

John Alexander is a former Molecular Imaging professional who rejoined the team to help restore the company following Keysight Technologies' departure from the AFM market in 2018. His experience covers application support, production, engineering, and R&D, providing valuable expertise across the full lifecycle of AFM and STM system development. John's contributions help ensure Molecular Imaging's instruments remain modular, flexible, and dependable for researchers across nanotechnology, life sciences, and materials science fields. He is committed to maintaining the high standards of precision and usability that originally defined the Molecular Imaging brand. John's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction supports the company's mission of empowering the global research community with advanced nanoscale imaging solutions.

Portrait of Klaus Vicaro, Team Member at Molecular Imaging

Klaus Vicaro

Team Member (Revival Team)

Klaus Vicaro is a former Molecular Imaging professional who joined the effort to revive the company after Keysight Technologies exited the AFM market in 2018. He brings valuable experience in application support, production, engineering, and R&D to the organization's renewed mission. Klaus plays an important role in supporting the development and refinement of Molecular Imaging's AFM and STM product lines, helping ensure they meet the needs of researchers in nanotechnology, life sciences, and materials science. His technical background and familiarity with the company's original systems contribute to maintaining the precision and reliability customers expect. Klaus is committed to helping Molecular Imaging continue its legacy of innovation and dependable service for the global scientific community.

Portrait of John Ris, Team Member at Molecular Imaging

John Ris

Team Member (Revival Team)

John Ris is a former Molecular Imaging professional who joined the revival team following Keysight Technologies' 2018 exit from the AFM market. His expertise spans application support, production, engineering, and R&D, contributing to the company's ability to deliver advanced, user-friendly AFM and STM systems. John plays a vital role in supporting the technical and operational aspects of Molecular Imaging's product offerings, helping serve researchers across nanotechnology, life sciences, and materials science. His familiarity with the company's original technology and commitment to quality help maintain the precision and reliability that define Molecular Imaging's instruments. John remains dedicated to advancing the company's mission of innovation and collaboration for the global research community.

Portrait of Dr. Stuart Lindsay, Academic Advisor at Molecular Imaging

Dr. Stuart Lindsay

Academic Advisor

Dr. Stuart Lindsay serves as academic advisor to Molecular Imaging, bringing extensive scientific expertise and vision to the company's renewed mission. His guidance supports the organization's commitment to advancing atomic force microscopy technology for researchers in nanotechnology, life sciences, and materials science. Dr. Lindsay's academic background provides valuable insight that helps shape Molecular Imaging's product development and research applications, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of nanoscale imaging innovation. His involvement reflects the collaborative spirit that has defined Molecular Imaging since its original founding. Dr. Lindsay is dedicated to helping the company deliver unparalleled precision, versatility, and control in AFM/SPM systems, supporting the global research community in their pursuit of scientific discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 3D optical surface profiling and how does it work?

Optical surface profiling uses non-contact optical techniques or scanning probe interactions to generate high-resolution three-dimensional elevation maps of a sample. By recording surface variations without mechanical distortion, researchers can evaluate delicate microstructures, roughness parameters, and film thicknesses. This approach provides critical quantitative data for semiconductor evaluation, materials science investigations, and biological surface studies where non-destructive measurement is essential.

How does 3D optical surface profiling compare to atomic force microscopy?

Can your profiling systems be customized for specialized research environments?

What types of materials can be characterized using these surface profiling systems?

What maintenance and calibration services are available for profiling instruments?

How do you provide technical support for laboratories experiencing hardware or software issues?

Is specialized training provided for new research operators and students?

How can our facility request a custom configuration or service estimate?

Need Expert Guidance on Surface Profiling?

Speak directly with our instrumentation specialists about your research specifications and profiling requirements.

Discuss Your Surface Profiling Application

Reach out to our engineering specialists to configure your instrumentation, schedule maintenance, or request technical support.

Tell Us About Your Measurement

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 1-888-644-0389. You can also send us a quick email at songxu@nanocuetech.com.