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The History of Molecular Imaging Corporation (1993–2018, and Beyond)
Molecular Imaging Corporation was founded in 1993 by Professor Stuart Lindsay and Dr. Tianwei Jing of Arizona State University (ASU) to advance nanotechnology measurement tools, particularly in atomic force microscopy (AFM). The company quickly became a leader in high-resolution imaging solutions, especially for applications in electrochemistry and biophysics.
Founders and Academic Roots
Professor Stuart Lindsay, a physicist at ASU, had been an early pioneer in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) for biological and electrochemical applications. Realizing the lack of commercial instruments tailored for these research areas, Lindsay co-founded Molecular Imaging to develop advanced attachments and modular AFMs that would bridge this gap. The company focused on in-situ imaging, enabling researchers to study samples in fluids, gases, and controlled environmental conditions.
Product Development and Market Position
Molecular Imaging introduced the PicoPlus® AFM product line, which became known for its versatility, precision, and ability to operate under different environments. These systems found applications in life sciences, electrochemistry, materials science, and polymer research. Their flexibility in imaging soft biological samples and nanomaterials gave them a competitive advantage over conventional AFMs.
Acquisition by Agilent Technologies (2005)
In November 2005, Agilent Technologies Inc., a global leader in measurement and scientific instruments, acquired Molecular Imaging Corporation to strengthen its nanomeasurement portfolio. This acquisition allowed Agilent to integrate Molecular Imaging’s AFM technology with its existing expertise in high-precision measurement systems. Molecular Imaging’s AFMs became an essential part of Agilent’s nanotechnology and life sciences solutions.
Following the acquisition, Molecular Imaging continued operating from its Tempe, Arizona facility, maintaining strong collaborations with Arizona State University and the Lindsay Laboratory. Under Agilent, the AFM product line evolved, incorporating advanced electronics, environmental control, and electrochemical scanning probe microscopy (EC-SPM) capabilities.
Exit from the AFM Market (2018)
In 2014, Agilent spun off its electronic measurement business into a separate company, Keysight Technologies, which inherited Agilent’s scientific-grade AFM portfolio. However, by 2018, due to shifts in business strategy, Keysight Technologies withdrew from the AFM market and ceased manufacturing atomic force microscopes. This marked the end of Agilent/Keysight’s involvement in AFM production, closing a chapter in the company’s pioneering work in nano measurements.
Legacy and Impact
Molecular Imaging Corporation’s innovations left a lasting impact on the nanotechnology and scientific measurement industries. The company’s pioneering in-situ AFM technology, emphasis on electrochemical and biological imaging, and contributions to high-resolution nanoscale characterization paved the way for advancements in biophysics, materials science, and semiconductor research.
Though Agilent/Keysight exited the AFM market in 2018, the technologies and methodologies developed by Molecular Imaging Corporation continue to influence scientific research and instrumentation today. The new Molecular Imaging is committed to preserving and expanding this legacy, ensuring that AFM researchers worldwide have access to the best tools for nanoscale imaging and analysis.
The Mission of the New Molecular Imaging: Continuing the Legacy
Although Agilent and Keysight exited the AFM market, the spirit of Molecular Imaging lives on. With the support of former founders, employees, users, contractors, and customers, the mission of the new Molecular Imaging is to continue this legacy. The new Molecular Imaging aims to provide the best modular, flexible AFM systems with high resolution, multiple imaging modes, and environmental control for in-situ applications, serving dedicated AFM research labs around the world. The goal is to keep advancing high-performance AFM technology, ensuring that researchers, scientists, and industries still have access to cutting-edge nanoscale imaging solutions.
