Detail Page
published by
the Imaging Technology Group
supported by the NASA and the National Science Foundation
This animated tutorial explores the basics of scanning probe microscopy (SPM), a branch of microscopy that forms images using a tiny physical probe to scan specimens. The advantage of SPM is that it can produce high resolution images of nanoscale samples and (unlike an electron microscope) does not require a partial vacuum. This tutorial provides beginners with a very clear picture of how the tiny tip moves across a sample surface to "see" atomic resolution and provide 3-dimensional feedback about its topography. The tutorial covers scanning tunneling, contact mode, and tapping mode. For additional background information on probe microscopy, we recommend: Introduction to AFM.
This resource is part of the Virtual Microscope project, which provides cost-free simulated scientific instrumentation for students and researchers worldwide as part of NASA's Virtual Laboratory initiative. Please note that this resource requires Flash. Editor's Note: SPM has been around only for 30 years, and has become a major tool for imaging samples as small as 6-10 nanometers. At the heart of scanning probe technology is the piezoelectric actuator, which controls the precision and accuracy of the tiny probe tip. This tutorial presents SPM with a simplicity that can be understood by high school students.
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)1. The Nature of Science
1C. The Scientific Enterprise
3. The Nature of Technology
3A. Technology and Science
4. The Physical Setting
4D. The Structure of Matter
8. The Designed World
8B. Materials and Manufacturing
11. Common Themes
11B. Models
This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.
Topic: Particles and Interactions and the Standard Model
Unit Title: Microscopy: Observing at the Nanoscale Just what is a scanning probe microscope, and how does it use a tiny physical probe to "see" nanoscale specimens? This animated tutorial is a great way to explore the basics of SPM, which has become a very important tool for imaging samples as small as 10 nanometers. Link to Unit:
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=12614">NASA, and National Science Foundation. Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics. Urbana: Imaging Technology Group, 2007.</a>
AIP Format
(Imaging Technology Group, Urbana, 2007), WWW Document, (http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu/training/AFM_tutorial/).
AJP/PRST-PER
Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics (Imaging Technology Group, Urbana, 2007), <http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu/training/AFM_tutorial/>.
APA Format
Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics. (2007). Retrieved November 7, 2024, from Imaging Technology Group: http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu/training/AFM_tutorial/
Chicago Format
NASA, and National Science Foundation. Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics. Urbana: Imaging Technology Group, 2007. http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu/training/AFM_tutorial/ (accessed 7 November 2024).
MLA Format
Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics. Urbana: Imaging Technology Group, 2007. NASA, and National Science Foundation. 7 Nov. 2024 <http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu/training/AFM_tutorial/>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{
Title = {Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics},
Publisher = {Imaging Technology Group},
Volume = {2024},
Number = {7 November 2024},
Year = {2007}
}
Refer Export Format
%T Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics %D 2007 %I Imaging Technology Group %C Urbana %U http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu/training/AFM_tutorial/ %O application/flash
EndNote Export Format
%0 Electronic Source %D 2007 %T Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics %I Imaging Technology Group %V 2024 %N 7 November 2024 %9 application/flash %U http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu/training/AFM_tutorial/ Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. Virtual Microscope: Scanning Probe Microscopy Basics:
Is Part Of
Virtual Microscope
Link to the main website of Virtual Microscope, which includes instructions for downloading the software for sharing datasets produced by the group's scanning and probing microscopes. relation by Caroline Hall
Accompanies
Virtual Microscope: Scanning Electron Microscopy Basics
A link to an animated tutorial on the structure and function of a Scanning Electron Microscope. Appropriate for high school and undergraduate education. relation by Caroline Hall
Accompanies
Virtual Microscope: Light Microscopy Basics
A highly detailed animated tutorial on light microscopy, including simple and compound microscope anatomy, polarized microscopy, darkfield, and fluorescent microscopy. Appropriate for AP physics or for a course in electricity and magnetism. relation by Caroline Hall
Supplements
TryEngineering: Be A Scanning Probe Microscope
This lesson suggests a physical model to help secondary students comprehend how a scanning probe microscope works to "read" the surface of nano-scale samples. relation by Caroline HallKnow of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it. |
SupplementsContributeRelated Materials
Is Part Of
Accompanies
Virtual Microscope: Scanning Electron Microscopy Basics AccompaniesSimilar MaterialsFeatured By
Physics Front |