Force Modulation Mode operates by oscillating the AFM probe vertically while maintaining contact with the sample surface. The tip-sample interaction response provides a map of the sample’s mechanical properties, such as stiffness and viscoelasticity, in real time.
Force Modulation
Force Modulation Mode is an advanced Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique designed to map material properties like stiffness and elasticity at the nanoscale. By applying a periodic force to the sample, this mode enables the visualisation of mechanical variations in complex materials, making it ideal for polymers, composites, and nanostructures.
Manufacturer
CSI
CSInstruments is a French scientific equipment manufacturer specialised in the conception of Atomic Force Microscope and options designed for existing AFM (Nano-Observer AFM, Resiscope™, High Voltage Amplifier, Magnetic modules). The product range proposed by CSInstruments is designed and manufactured to help the scientific community to achieve nanometre performances that meet the research needs and requirements for actual and future nanoscience applications.
CSInstruments was founded by a team of experts working in AFM field for more than 20 years, starting as pioneer with some historical manufacturers. CSInstruments activity is also based on a qualified and dynamic team, experienced in the fields of mechanics, electronics and data processing. This expertise ensures innovation and performance in the production of AFM and achieves an excellent price/performance ratio!
Key Features
- Mechanical Property Imaging: Map stiffness, elasticity, and viscoelastic behaviour with high resolution
- Nanoscale Sensitivity: Detect subtle mechanical variations at the sub-nanometre scale
- Wide Applicability: Suitable for hard and soft materials in diverse environments
- Non-Destructive Testing: Perfect for delicate samples like biological tissues and thin films
- Multimodal Compatibility: Combine with other AFM modes for comprehensive analysis
How does Force Modulation AFM work?
Specifications
| Frequency Range | Up to hundreds of kHz for mechanical property mapping |
| Displacement Control | Sub-nanometre precision |
| Operating Environments | Air, liquid, and controlled atmospheres |
| Applications | Polymers, composites, biological tissues, and thin films |
Industries
- Materials Science
- Life Sciences
- Semiconductors and Electronics
- Academics
- Others (includes solar cells, geoscience, forensic science, and food technology)
Applications
Polymers and Nanocomposites
- Map stiffness and elasticity variations in polymer blends.
- Analyse nanoscale heterogeneity in composite materials.
Thin Films and Coatings
- Measure mechanical properties of thin films without damaging the surface.
- Evaluate adhesion and elasticity in functional coatings.
Biological Samples
- Characterise the mechanical behaviour of cells and tissues.
- Investigate biomaterial elasticity for medical applications.
Related Products
Service Support
Comprehensive repairs and servicing
Annual Support Programs
Your metrology instrumentation is a major investment that is critical to your business operation and success. In today’s competitive climate, it is more important than ever to extend the functionality and peak performance of your metrology equipment years beyond the expiration of your factory warranty. CN Tech’s Support Programs will help ensure that your investment is protected, and that you and your instrument’s are always operating at peak performance.
With over 20 years’ experience servicing and repairing you can be assured that your system is in safe hands. The independent services we offer include system relocation, maintenance visits, parts and consumables, and break down interventions.
CN Tech’s Support Programs are an economical way to guarantee optimal working condition:
- Annual Preventive Maintenance
- Priority Technical Assistance
- Preferred Parts Availability
- On-Site User Training
- Remote Diagnostics
- No surprise repair expense and much more!
Support Contact Example
An example of our service and support contracts are shown below:
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Metrology & Instrumentation Annual Support Programs 2024/25
CN Tech's Support Programs will help ensure that your investment is protected, and that you and your instrument’s are always operating at peak performance.