NanoWorld® Pointprobe® FM probes are designed for force modulation mode imaging. The force constant of the FM type fills the gap between contact and non-contact probes. Furthermore non-contact or tapping mode imaging is possible with this AFM probe.

All SPM and AFM probes of the Pointprobe® series are made from monolithic silicon which is highly doped to dissipate static charge. They are chemically inert and offer a high mechanical Q-factor for high sensitivity. The AFM tip is shaped like a polygon based pyramid with a typical height of 10 - 15 µm.

Additionally, this AFM probe offers typical AFM tip radius of curvature of less than 8 nm.

A trapezoidal cross section of the AFM cantilever and therefore 30% wider (e.g. NCH) AFM cantilever detector side result in easier and faster laser adjustment. Additionally, because there is simply more space to place and reflect the laser beam, a higher SUM signal is reached.

Aluminum Reflex Coating

The aluminum reflex coating consists of a 30 nm thick aluminum layer deposited on the detector side of the AFM cantilever which enhances the reflectance of the laser beam by a factor of 2.5. Furthermore it prevents light from interfering within the AFM cantilever.

As the coating is almost stress-free the bending of the AFM cantilever due to stress is less than 2 degrees.