CP-CONT-Au

This colloidal probe combines the well-known features of the proven NANOSENSORS™ Cont AFM probes series such as high application versatility and compatibility with most commercial SPMs with a spherical microparticle instead of a sharp AFM tip.

CONT AFM probes are designed for contact mode (repulsive mode) AFM imaging. This sensor can also be used for force-distance spectroscopy mode or pulsed force mode (PFM). The CONT type is optimized for high sensitivity due to a low force constant.

The so called "Colloidal Probe Technique", where single colloids are attached with polymer glue to AFM cantilevers for force measurements, offers possibilities for a better understanding of fundamental interactions in a variety of fields. Examples are adhesion phenomena, particle-surface interactions, mechanical properties, suspensions, hydrodynamics and boundary slip - to name just some out of an increasing number of applications.

The AFM probe offers unique features:

• sphere material: gold (Au)
• sphere diameter A = 1.5 µm - 3 µm, B = 3 µm - 5.5 µm, or C =  5.5 µm - 9 µm, all typical values
  (Due to different masses the resonance frequency can differ.)
  Please choose  A, B, or C when ordering!
• highly doped silicon AFM cantilever to dissipate static charge, chemically inert to most common solvents
• high mechanical Q-factor for high sensitivity
• precise alignment of the AFM cantilever position when used together with the Alignment chip (within +/- 2 µm)
• compatible with PointProbe® Plus XY-Alignment Series

Please note that state-of-the-art synthesis of gold microparticles does not guarantee ideal surface smoothness and ideal spherical shape. Some nanoroughness and small shape deviations are an inevitable result of the nature of the synthesis process.

This AFM probe features alignment grooves on the back side of the holder chip.