AFM Modes

Photoconductive AFM (pcAFM)

Quantitative nanoscale electrical characterization of OPVs at the highest resolution

The field of green energy is booming, and organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are a key niche of the solar energy sector. OPV developers can depend on Bruker’s Photoconductive AFM (pcAFM) module for quantitative nanoscale electrical characterization of OPVs at the highest resolution.

The pcAFM module combines the high-resolution conductivity imaging of PeakForce TUNA™ with correlated quantitative nanomechanical property mapping of PeakForce QNM™ on the industry-leading Dimension Icon® AFM. Compatibility with both Newport solar simulators for uniform sample illumination and Bruker’s AFM Environmental Control 1ppm turnkey accessory make this pcAFM solution the highest resolution, most reliable photoconductivity mapping available for soft, fragile samples such as OPV materials.

Combination of atomic force microscope images: (Left) a topography image of P3HT-PCBM under short circuit conditions; (Right) a photoconductive image of P3HT-PCBM under short circuit conditions.