AFM Operational Training
Master fundamental imaging mechanisms, scanner designs, controller setup, and operational workflows for contact and tapping modes in air and liquid environments.
Master atomic force microscopy with specialized online instruction developed by seasoned instrumentation specialists. Our modular curriculum guides researchers and laboratory technicians through core imaging principles, probe selection, contact and tapping modes, controller setup, and troubleshooting techniques to help your team capture precise, repeatable nanoscale measurements across varied academic and industrial research environments.
Explore expert-led modular curriculum covering atomic force microscopy fundamentals, calibration routines, and advanced operational troubleshooting.
Master fundamental imaging mechanisms, scanner designs, controller setup, and operational workflows for contact and tapping modes in air and liquid environments.
Learn rigorous system calibration protocols, cantilever spring constant calculation, optical alignment, and sensitivity verification to ensure reproducible nanoscale measurement accuracy.
Identify and correct common scanning probe artifacts, tip contamination, thermal drift issues, and feedback loop instabilities through detailed diagnostic case studies.
The course covers tip-sample interaction, resolution limits and fluid cell technique in structured modules. Participants work through cantilever spring-constant calibration, photodiode sensitivity, setpoint and gain selection, and the recognition of tip broadening, feedback oscillation, piezo creep and scanner bow in real image data, for materials and life science samples.
Our instruction is founded on over two decades of dedicated scanning probe microscopy engineering.
Courses developed by original engineers and microscopy specialists with extensive atomic force microscopy heritage.
Flexible instructional modules adaptable to undergraduate teaching, doctoral research, and core facility staff onboarding.
Curriculum informed by distinguished scientific leadership to reflect current standards in experimental nanoscale imaging.
Practical workflows spanning polymer science, biomolecular characterization, electrochemistry, and materials surface analysis.
Dedicated microscopy specialists bringing original design and operational insights to scientific education.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An AFM course is a structured training program that teaches the theoretical principles and hands-on operational practices of atomic force microscopy. It covers scanner physics, cantilever mechanics, laser deflection alignment, feedback loop controls, and surface topography generation across tapping, contact, and specialized imaging modes to ensure researchers collect accurate, artifact-free nanoscale data.
Speak with our technical specialists to find the right training modules for your research lab.
Reorganized by former Molecular Imaging staff after Keysight Technologies withdrew from the AFM market in 2018.
Specialized repair capabilities on most Molecular Imaging, Agilent and Keysight-branded AFM products.
Request course access, discuss group enrollment for your research group, or ask technical questions regarding AFM operational training.
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.
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.