Olympus*** discontinued all their AFM probes!

We offer AFM probes ranging from the “perfect replacement” to “very good alternatives”

discontinued All Olympus AFM probes discontinued Olympus***

NanoAndMore Replacement Options:

OPUS™ AFM tip shape
OPUS™ AFM tip shape
AdvancedTEC™ AFM tip shape by NANOSENSORS™
AdvancedTEC™ AFM tip shape by NANOSENSORS™
Arrow AFM tip shape by NanoWorld®
Arrow AFM tip shape by NanoWorld®
Polygon-based AFM tip shape by NANOSENSORS™, NanoWorld®, BudgetSensors® and MikroMasch®
Polygon-based AFM tip shape

How to find the Olympus replacement AFM probe that works for you:

Step 1:

Identify the order code of the discontinued Olympus AFM probe you have been using.

Step 2:

Click on the NanoAndMore replacement category showing the same order code.

 

OMCL-AC160TS Replacement AFM Probes
OMCL-AC160TS Replacement AFM Probes

Also known as Olympus AFM Probe AC160 (300kHz, 26N/m)

OMCL-AC200TS Replacement AFM Probes
OMCL-AC200TS Replacement AFM Probes

Also known as Olympus AFM Probe AC200 (150kHz, 9N/m)

OMCL-AC240TS Replacement AFM Probes
OMCL-AC240TS Replacement AFM Probes

Also known as Olympus AFM Probe AC240 (70kHz, 2N/m)

OMCL-AC240TM Replacement AFM Probes
OMCL-AC240TM Replacement AFM Probes

Also known as Olympus AFM Probe AC240 (70kHz, 2N/m)

OMCL-AC55TS Replacement AFM Probes
OMCL-AC55TS Replacement AFM Probes

Also known as Olympus AFM Probe AC55 (1600kHz, 85N/m)

OMCL-TR800PSA Replacement AFM Probes
OMCL-TR800PSA Replacement AFM Probes

Also known as Olympus AFM Probe TR800PSA (73kHz, 0.57N/m and 24kHz, 0.15N/m)

Step 3:

We offer different AFM tip shapes and several AFM probes brands to choose from, when replacing an Olympus*** AFM probe. Choose the option that suits your needs best.

Step 4:

If you need any explanation regarding the different AFM tip shapes that are available, please check the information below, called "About Olympus***AFM Tips."

Step 5:

 

Request a free sample or place an online order. We will be happy to serve you!

About Olympus***AFM Tips

Olympus Corp. has decided to stop producing their well-known AFM probes, also known as Olympus*** Micro Cantilevers, which have been on the market for decades. Over the last few years many of the well-known Olympus*** AFM probe types and series have been discontinued. In September 2022 Olympus Corporation declared the production end for the 5 remaining types of silicon-based Olympus*** AFM probes (https://probe.olympus-global.com/en/support/discon/)

  • OMCL-AC160TS also known as Olympus*** AFM probe AC160 (300kHz, 26N/m)
  • OMCL-AC240TS also known as Olympus*** AFM probe AC240 (70kHz, 2N/m)
  • OMCL-AC200TS also known as Olympus*** AFM probe AC200 (150kHz, 9N/m)
  • OMCL-AC55TS also known as Olympus*** AFM probe AC55 (1600kHz, 85N/m)
  • OMCL-AC240TM also known as Olympus*** AFM probe AC240 with platinum coating for electrical measurements (70kHz, 2N/m)
  • OMCL-TR800PSA also known as Olympus*** AFM probe TR800PSA (73kHz, 0.57N/m and 24kHz, 0.15N/m)

Therefore, now all Olympus*** AFM probes are officially with status discontinued! Please refer to the Olympus website: https://probe.olympus-global.com/en/product/

NanoAndMore has been receiving an influx of inquiries from concerned AFM users preparing to switch from the Olympus Probe to other AFM Probe brands to meet their specific AFM probe requirements

We have therefore prepared a detailed guide introducing the different possible options for alternatives.

In the following we will break down the different AFM tip shape types offered by NanoAndMore compared to the Olympus*** AFM tips shape.

Additionally, we also compare and highlight the variety of AFM probes brands offered by NanoAndMore:

  • NANOSENSORS™
  • NanoWorld®
  • MikroMasch®
  • OPUS™
  • BudgetSensors®

from a mechanical-parameter point of view for each individual Olympus*** AFM probe type.

In order to enable an easy switch and to reduce a loss in time and frustration on the customer’s side, we are providing this information in dedicated subcategories here in this section.

There are two more points to mention before we get into comparing the different AFM tip shapes.

    1. Dry-etching vs. wet-etching: Both etching methods are used to bulk micromachine silicon and to form shapes, AFM support chips, AFM cantilevers and AFM tips out of silicon wafers. Dry etching is going against and/or through silicon planes and in general yields rougher surfaces. Wet etching, on the other hand, etches along silicon crystal planes, utilizing the different etching behavior and etching speed of the differently oriented silicon planes, which in general results in smoother and more reproducible surfaces. Because almost all silicon AFM probes see some kind of oxide-sharpening during their manufacturing process, the difference in roughness is reduced to some extent, but not completely.
    2. Triangular AFM cantilever ends vs. rectangular or roundish AFM cantilever ends: Olympus*** style AFM probes as well as OPUS™, Arrow and AdvancedTEC™ AFM cantilevers feature a triangular AFM cantilever end with the AFM tip attached to the very end of the triangular AFM cantilever end. Because the AFM cantilever end shape, from a birds-eye view, tapers towards the end to zero, the deflection laser spot is always placed behind the AFM tip towards the support chip at the wider part of the AFM cantilever. This results in loss of sensitivity. Pointprobe® style AFM probes have a rectangular/roundish end with the AFM tip slightly behind the end of the AFM cantilever (tip setback). The beam deflection laser can therefore be placed right on top of the AFM tip, which is preferable for higher sensitivity.

 Lateral distance between laser spot and AFM tip for triangular and Pointprobe®-style AFM cantilevers Fig.1: Lateral distance between laser spot and AFM tip for triangular and Pointprobe®-style AFM cantilevers

 

 

The Olympus*** AFM Tip (silicon-based AFM tips only):
(applies to the Olympus*** AFM tip and AFM probe types of AC160, AC240, AC200, AC55, AC240TM, TR800PSA)

In general, the silicon-based Olympus*** AFM tip is a dry etched (around 90° sidewall) tetrahedral AFM tip at the end of the AFM cantilever. It has an AFM tip height of about 14um and an AFM tip radius of curvature of 7nm (specs taken from Olympus*** Microlever spec sheet).

 Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view Fig.2: Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view

The main feature is that the AFM tip is positioned at the very end of the AFM cantilever. It allows for precise positioning of the AFM tip onto the point of interest on the sample. This is helpful for some applications and sample combinations. In this respect it must also be pointed out that once the AFM tip is mounted onto the AFM head under an angle of typically 12°–13°, the very end of the AFM tip is not visible anymore, but the feature of placing the AFM tip close to the point of interest remains.
The Olympus*** Micro Cantilever AFM probes are made from a SOI wafer and the AFM tip as well as the AFM cantilever is defined by a dry etch manufacturing step.

 

 

The OPUS™ AFM Tip:

The OPUS™ AFM tip is identical to the Olympus*** AFM tip in form, fit and function. The OPUS™ AFM tip as well as the Olympus*** AFM tip is a dry etched (around 90° sidewall) tetrahedral AFM tip at the end of the AFM cantilever with an AFM tip height of about 14um and a radius of curvature of 7nm.

 Opus AFM tip shape side view
Fig.3: Opus AFM tip shape side view
vs
 Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view
Fig.4: Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view

The OPUS™ AFM tip has been designed as a one-to-one replacement for the Olympus*** AFM tip and is therefore the perfect candidate in an upcoming replacement scenario for all silicon-based Olympus*** AFM probes.

Just like in the case of the Olympus*** style AFM tip the main feature of the OPUS™ AFM tip is that the AFM tip is positioned at the very end of the AFM cantilever, which helps the AFM user pointing the OPUS™ AFM tip onto the point of interest on the sample. Again, this is helpful for some applications and sample combinations. Same as for the Olympus*** AFM tip, it also must be pointed out that once the OPUS™ AFM tip is mounted onto the AFM head under an angle of typically 12°–13° the very end of the AFM tip is not visible anymore, but the feature of placing the AFM tip close to the point of interest remains.

OPUS™ AFM probes are made from SOI wafers and the AFM tip as well as the AFM cantilever is defined by a dry etch manufacturing step.

 

 

The AdvancedTEC™ (Advanced Tip at the End of the Cantilever) AFM Tip from NANOSENSORS™:

The AdvancedTEC™ AFM tip features a tetrahedral AFM tip that is different from the Olympus*** and OPUS™ style, because the AFM tip protrudes over the very end of the AFM cantilever. This very special feature allows precise positioning of the AFM tip onto the point of interest on the sample even once the AdvancedTec™ AFM probe is mounted onto the AFM head and tilted at 12° to 13° (see schematic below).

Since the AdvancedTEC™ AFM tip protrudes over the end of the AFM cantilever, it offers REAL TIP VISIBILITY FROM TOP and is the premium choice for all Olympus*** AFM probe users who have used Olympus*** AFM probes exactly for this specific feature of placing the AFM tip right onto the place of interest.

 AdvancedTEC™ AFM tip shape side view
Fig.5: AdvancedTEC™ AFM tip shape side view
vs
 Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view
Fig.6: Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view

The AdvancedTEC™ AFM tip height is 15-20μm. The AFM tip radius of curvature is smaller than 10nm. The AdvancedTEC™ AFM probes series is produced from special monocrystalline highly doped silicon wafers.
Additionally, the AdvancedTEC™ AFM tip shape is defined by wet etching and therefore by real crystal planes that result in highly reproducible geometries and extremely smooth surfaces.

 Other commercially available AFM tip shapes.
Fig.7: Other commercially available AFM tip shapes.
vs
 End of AFM cantilever AFM tip Position
Fig.8: End-of-AFM-cantilever AFM tip position
* 13° Tilted AFM probe due to its mounting onto the AFM Head

 

 

The Arrow AFM Tip by NanoWorld®:

The Arrow AFM tip has a tetrahedral shape as the Olympus*** and OPUS™ AFM tips and it is located at the very end of the AFM cantilever. Contrary to the Olympus*** AFM tip and OPUS™ AFM tips, the Arrow AFM tip has no dry-etched 90° flank but a slightly inclined, wet-etched silicon plane (family silicon plane) that forms the very end of the Arrow AFM tip.

 Arrow AFM tip shape side view
Fig.9: Arrow AFM tip shape side view
vs
 Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view
Fig.10: Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view

In addition to the fact that the AFM tip is at the very end and can be placed easily on the place of interest on the sample, the Arrow AFM tip offers the most symmetric scan in trace and retrace in X and Y direction for all silicon AFM tips once mounted tilted at 12°-13° onto the AFM head. This is due to the special sharpening of the Arrow AFM tip, which at the very end of the Arrow AFM tip results in a slight bend and tilts the very end of the AFM tip in the right direction, compensating the mounting angle (see schematic).

Special tip shape leads to extremely symmetric scan image in x- and y- direction when probe is tilted due to its mounting on the AFM head.
Fig.11: Special AFM tip shape leads to extremely symmetric scan image in x- and y- direction when probe is tilted due to its mounting on the AFM head.

The Arrow AFM tip height is 10-15µm (3.5um for the Arrow UHF AFM probe type – high speed version) and the radius of curvature is typically <10nm. The AFM tip as well as the AFM cantilever is defined by wet-etching and features a very smooth and reproducible overall AFM tip shape. The Arrow AFM probes series is produced from special monocrystalline highly doped silicon wafers.

 

 

Polygon-based pyramid etched Silicon AFM Probe Tips (Pointprobe®-Style) by NANOSENSORS™, NanoWorld®, MikroMasch®, BudgetSensors®:
 Polygon-based AFM tip shape side view
Fig.12: Polygon-based AFM tip shape side view
vs
 Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view
Fig.13: Olympus*** AFM tip shape side view

The standard polygon-based pyramid etched silicon AFM tip is, as the names suggests, shaped like a polygon-based pyramid. Its macroscopic half cone angle is 20° to 25° when viewed along the cantilever axis, 25° to 30° when viewed from the side and virtually zero at the very end of the AFM tip. This AFM tip style is fully wet-etched and features very smooth and reproducible surfaces.

In the following we also call this polygon-based pyramid etched AFM tip shape – Pointprobe® style because the NANOSENSORS™ Pointprobe® was the first commercially offered AFM tip of this style.

Contrary to the Olympus***, OPUS™, Arrow and AdvancedTEC™ AFM tips, all polygon-based pyramid etched silicon AFM tips come with a tip setback (of about 15um) which means the AFM cantilever end is overhanging the tip position. This brings a slight disadvantage when it comes to precisely placing the AFM tip onto area of interest on the sample (please keep in mind the resolution limitation of your optical camera at the AFM setup!), however it shadows the deflection laser from the sample and helps to avoid the laser influencing the sample while performing the measurement in some applications and measuring modes.

Furthermore, for laser reflective coatings along with other back side coatings that should not reach and contaminate the AFM tip, the shadowing effect of the AFM cantilever of the Pointprobe® style AFM tip (tip setback) is essential during coating the back side of the AFM cantilever, because it prevents metal clusters and particles from depositing onto the AFM tip. This latter effect could result in an increased radius of curvature and/or other unwanted effects, and defects during the AFM measurement. An AFM tip at the end of the AFM cantilever at 90° or even more complicated - a protruding AFM tip end flank - can make the coating of only the back side of Olympus***, OPUS™ and AdvancedTEC™ AFM cantilevers very difficult (not so for Arrow AFM tips as they offer the inclined, wet etched silicon AFM tip end).

The polygon-based pyramid etched silicon AFM tip is 10-15μm high (there are also tall versions available of up to 50um on the NANOSENSORS™ Special Developments List) and comes with radii starting with 2nm for super high-resolution imaging to standard radii of <7nm, <8nm, <10nm, … and radii of up to 200nm for nanomechanical measurements depending on the brand and/or AFM probe type, and model in question. Pointprobe® style AFM probes are produced on special monocrystalline highly doped silicon wafers.

Some brands (MikroMasch®, BudgetSenors®) offer a rotated PointPobe style AFM tip shape (meaning the Pointprobe® style AFM tip is rotated by 180° on the AFM cantilever) as standard and others (NANOSENSORS™, NanoWorld®) offer this as an option for some types and models.

In general, the Pointprobe® style AFM tip is by far the most versatile, AFM tip style worldwide. It comes in a wide variety of different AFM tip modifications, shapes and coatings – far too many to list here! Please contact us if you are looking for something out of the ordinary! We most likely have it available or have done it in the past and could have it reproduced on demand.

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