This colloidal probe combines the well-known features of the proven qp-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.
qp-CONT AFM probes are designed for contact mode AFM imaging in air or for applications in liquid environments with a reduced thermal drift. The CONT type is also 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:
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.