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Agilent MAC Mode
Magnetic AC Mode – The Gentle Touch for AFM
This publication introduces Agilent’s Magnetic AC Mode (MAC Mode) as a breakthrough technique for atomic force microscopy (AFM), optimized for high-resolution imaging of delicate samples, particularly in fluid environments. MAC Mode utilizes a magnetically coated cantilever driven by an oscillating magnetic field, ensuring precise amplitude and phase control through a digital lock-in amplifier. This eliminates spurious responses from the cantilever or surrounding media, reducing noise and enabling operation at smaller amplitudes.
The technique is highly suited for imaging soft samples, such as living cells, polymers, and biomolecules, without causing damage. Applications include imaging submolecular structures, phase transitions in polymers, and real-time biological processes in controlled environments. MAC Mode also supports force modulation and vertical or lateral modulation studies, making it versatile for material and life sciences.
By preserving probe sharpness and minimizing sample damage, MAC Mode significantly enhances resolution and sensitivity, providing unprecedented capabilities for nanoscale characterization.
How to Choose your MAC Lever
This publication details the design and application of MAC Levers, specialized atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes for Agilent’s Magnetic AC (MAC) Mode. MAC Mode provides superior imaging precision, especially in fluid environments, making it ideal for soft samples like polymers and biological materials.
MAC Levers are coated with a proprietary paramagnetic film, enabling precise oscillation at inherent resonance frequencies via an external magnetic field. Unlike conventional acoustic AC (AAC) mode, MAC Levers eliminate “forest of peaks” resonance artifacts, improving signal clarity and simplifying tuning. This ensures minimized imaging forces, reduced sample damage, and enhanced resolution.
Four types of MAC Levers—Type I, II, V, and VI—are tailored for different applications, ranging from soft biological samples to stiffer materials like block copolymers. These probes are compatible with advanced accessories, including liquid cells and temperature control systems, further expanding their applicability in nanotechnology, materials science, and life sciences.