Cantilever-Based Optical Interfacial Force Microscope

COIFM overcomes the persistent mechanical instability of the cantilever assembly near a sample surface in traditional AFM; the COIFM force-feedback technique prevents tip from snapping off. COIFM improves sensitivity by employing an optical detection scheme. The conventional IFM system is noisier due to its electrical detection scheme. The COIFM laser-and-position-sensor detector responds with greater precision. COIFM improves spatial resolution by using a cantilever-based probe with a nanometer scale diameter. COIFM achieves easier and more reliable force balance than the traditional magnetic force based balancing scheme. COIFM can be added to existing equipment.

Boise State University has developed a cantilever based optical interfacial force microscope (COIFM) that utilizes a microactuated silicon cantilever and optical detection method to establish the measurement of single molecular interactions using the force feedback technique. The COIFM can measure single molecular interactions and bridges the gap between AFM and IFM based protocols.

Inventor: Kim, Byung
Priority Number: US8549660B2
IPC Current: G01Q007014 | G01Q003014
US Class: 850015 | 850059
Assignee Applicant: Boise State University,Boise
Title: Cantilever-based optical fiber probe interfacial force microscope for partial immersion in liquid
Usefulness: Cantilever-based optical fiber probe interfacial force microscope for partial immersion in liquid
Novelty: Cantilever-based optical interfacial force microscope for micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device, has feedback controller that applies voltage indicative of strength of interfacial force between sample substance and fiber probe

Electronics

Circuit Design

USA