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PeakForce QNM for Materials

Quantitative Nanoscale Mechanical Characterization

Utilizing PeakForce Tapping® technology, PeakForce QNM® maps and distinguishes between nanomechanical properties—including modulus, adhesion, dissipation, and deformation—with up to atomic resolution in topography as well as in the property channels. It is non-destructive to both tip and sample since it directly controls the peak normal force and minimizes the lateral force on the probe. Since force distance data is analyzed directly, there is no ambiguity regarding the source of image contrast, as often occurs in other techniques. The quantitative data produced can help researchers answer the critical question of what materials they are seeing in their topographic images.

The latest generation of PeakForce QNM comes with unique precalibrated PeakForce Tapping probes and an integrated workflow that make the acquisition of calibrated modulus data routine. Not even a reference sample is needed to obtain quantitative data.

PeakForce QNM For Life Sciences

Submolecular, Quantitative Mapping of Biological Interactions

PeakForce QNM allows bio-researchers, for the first time, to correlate submolecular AFM imaging with quantitative mapping of mechanical, chemical and biological interactions, including recognition imaging through the adhesion channel, with high resolution and low force control.

Additionally, it provides simultaneous, high-resolution imaging and mechanical property mapping of live cells,viruses and tissues. This opens up new areas of investigation into the role of mechanics in biological structures and processes. PeakForce QNM overcomes the numerous limitations of other modes for cell imaging, acquiring images at regular AFM imaging rates. Furthermore, its force-ramp rates uniquely enable visco-elastic property measurements over the widest available frequency range.

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Modulus image showing the transition between the ULDPE tie layer to the PS/LDPE sealant layer of a cross-sectioned packaging material. Image size 3 um.
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Topography (A) and corresponding modulus (B) images of living MDCK cells. Image size 32 um.

PeakForce QNM provides:

  • Highest resolution mapping of nanomechanical properties
  • High-speed, most quantitative nanomechanical mapping
  • Widest operating range for samples, from extremely soft materials (~1 kPa) to hard metals (100 GPa)

PeakForce QNM enables:

  • Submolecular resolution mapping of mechanical, chemical and biological interactions
  • High-speed, quantitative mechanical property and adhesion mapping of live cells
  • Easiest to use, making every user an AFM expert

Watch our recent webinar featuring Peakforce QNM

High-resolution Imaging of Chemical and Biological Sites Using PeakForce QNM Atomic Force Microscopy

WATCH NOW

Read more about PeakForce QNM:

New Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Approaches Life Sciences Gently, Quanitatively, and Correlatively, American Laboratory, April 2012.

Atomic Force Microscopy Images Label-Free, Drug Encapsulated Nanoparticles In Vivo and Detects Difference in Tissue Mechanical Properties of Treated and Untreated: A Tip for Nanotoxicology, PLOS ONE, May 2013.

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