The Design and Construction of an Atomic Force Microscope

Abstract

A variable temperature atomic force microscope (AFM) is being built at Houghton. The AFM will use a spring vibration isolation system with eddy current dampening in order to remove mechanical vibrations from both the machine and external sources. To approach and scan a sample, a modified “Johnny Walker” beetle will be built to move up, down, and across a ramp. Once complete and fully operational, this AFM will be able to scan samples on the resolution of nanometers, making it useful for many fields of science.