Piezoresponse Force Microscopy

Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) is an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique that allows for the visualisation and manipulation of electromechanical coupling at the nanoscale. This powerful mode is crucial for studying piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials, offering unprecedented insights into their structure, properties, and behaviour.

Key Features

  • High Sensitivity: Detect even the smallest piezoelectric responses
  • Dual-Frequency Mode: Simultaneously map topography and piezoresponse
  • Vector PFM: Measure both vertical and lateral piezoresponse components
  • Spectroscopy Capabilities: Perform local hysteresis measurements
  • Integration with Other Modes: Combine PFM with conductivity or mechanical property mapping

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!

How does PFM mode work?

PFM operates by applying an alternating electric field to a sample through a conductive AFM tip. The sample's piezoelectric response causes tiny deformations, which are detected by the AFM system.

This allows for:

  1. High-resolution mapping of piezoelectric domains

  2. Quantitative measurements of local piezoelectric coefficients

  3. In-situ polarisation switching studies

Applications

Materials Science

  • Characterisation of ferroelectric thin films
  • Study of domain structures in piezoelectric ceramics
  • Investigation of electromechanical properties in composite material

Nanotechnology

  • Development and optimisation of nanoscale actuators and sensors
  • Exploration of 2D piezoelectric materials

Energy Research

  • Analysis of piezoelectric energy harvesters
  • Study of ferroelectric solar cells

Biology

  • Examination of piezoelectric properties in biological materials (e.g., bone, collagen)
  • Investigation of electromechanical coupling in cell membranes

Data Storage

  • Research on ferroelectric memory devices
  • Domain writing and reading for potential data storage applications

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:

Brochures

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.

Get in touch to discuss your requirements

Whether you have a general enquiry, need support, or want to request a demo or sample measurement, simply select your enquiry type on our contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.

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