The periodic impact force induced by tip-sample contact in a tapping mode atomic force microscope (AFM) gives rise to the non-harmonic response of a micro-cantilever. These non-harmonic signals contain the full char...The periodic impact force induced by tip-sample contact in a tapping mode atomic force microscope (AFM) gives rise to the non-harmonic response of a micro-cantilever. These non-harmonic signals contain the full characteristics of tip-sample interaction. A complete theoretical model describing the dynamical behaviour of tip-sample system was developed in this paper. An analytic formula was introduced to describe the relationship between time-varying tip-sample impact force and tip motion. The theoretical analysis and numerical results both show that the timevarying tip-sample impact force can be reconstructed by recording tip motion. This allows for the reconstruction of the characteristics of the tip-sample force, like contact time and maximum contact force. It can also explain the ability of AFM higher harmonics imaging in mapping stiffness and surface energy variations.展开更多
By presenting the phase properties of bistability in amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy, we put forward a technique, the constant-phase mode, which may eliminate bistability. Using this approach, we keep the...By presenting the phase properties of bistability in amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy, we put forward a technique, the constant-phase mode, which may eliminate bistability. Using this approach, we keep the phase shift between driving and oscillation constant, slightly above -90°. In addition to the adjustment of the free amplitude, we add to amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy another feedback so that the tip always oscillates in the high-amplitude state. A numerical simulation is carried out to demonstrate that the algorithm prevents bistability effectively.展开更多
Atomic force microscopy is a novel method for imaging and characterization in biomedicine. However, high-resolution imaging of living samples from cells to tissues still remains a challenge. In this paper, two types o...Atomic force microscopy is a novel method for imaging and characterization in biomedicine. However, high-resolution imaging of living samples from cells to tissues still remains a challenge. In this paper, two types of AFM working mode (contact mode and tapping mode) which are utilized for the imaging of living cells and tissues are discussed. A new magnetic tapping mode (MAC mode), which is more suitable for living samples, and a novel data collecting system named TREC, are also introduced.展开更多
The history, characteristic, operation modes and coupling techniques of atomic force microscopy (AFM) are introduced. Then the application in cell biology is re- viewed in four aspects: cell immobilization methods, ce...The history, characteristic, operation modes and coupling techniques of atomic force microscopy (AFM) are introduced. Then the application in cell biology is re- viewed in four aspects: cell immobilization methods, cell im- aging, force spectrum study and cell manipulation. And the prospect of AFM application in cell biology is discussed.展开更多
Investigation on the folding mode of a single polymer chain in its crystal is significant to the understanding of the mechanism of the fundamental crystallization as well as the engineering of new polymer crystal-base...Investigation on the folding mode of a single polymer chain in its crystal is significant to the understanding of the mechanism of the fundamental crystallization as well as the engineering of new polymer crystal-based materials. Herein, we use the combined techniques of atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and force spectroscopy to pull a single polyethylene oxide (PEO) chain out of its spiral crystal in amyl acetate. From these data, the folding mode of polymer chains in the spiral crystal has been reconstructed. We find that the stems tilt in the typical flat area, leading to the decrease in the apparent lamellar height. While in the area of screw dislocation, the lamellar height gradually increases in the range of several nanometers. These results indicate that the combined techniques present a novel tool to directly unravel the chain folding mode of spiral crystals at single-molecule level.展开更多
基金Project supported by the National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2007AA12Z128)
文摘The periodic impact force induced by tip-sample contact in a tapping mode atomic force microscope (AFM) gives rise to the non-harmonic response of a micro-cantilever. These non-harmonic signals contain the full characteristics of tip-sample interaction. A complete theoretical model describing the dynamical behaviour of tip-sample system was developed in this paper. An analytic formula was introduced to describe the relationship between time-varying tip-sample impact force and tip motion. The theoretical analysis and numerical results both show that the timevarying tip-sample impact force can be reconstructed by recording tip motion. This allows for the reconstruction of the characteristics of the tip-sample force, like contact time and maximum contact force. It can also explain the ability of AFM higher harmonics imaging in mapping stiffness and surface energy variations.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11074019)the National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China (2007AA12Z128)
文摘By presenting the phase properties of bistability in amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy, we put forward a technique, the constant-phase mode, which may eliminate bistability. Using this approach, we keep the phase shift between driving and oscillation constant, slightly above -90°. In addition to the adjustment of the free amplitude, we add to amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy another feedback so that the tip always oscillates in the high-amplitude state. A numerical simulation is carried out to demonstrate that the algorithm prevents bistability effectively.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 90709054)National Basic Research Program of China (Grant Nos. 2005CB724700, 2006CB705600)
文摘Atomic force microscopy is a novel method for imaging and characterization in biomedicine. However, high-resolution imaging of living samples from cells to tissues still remains a challenge. In this paper, two types of AFM working mode (contact mode and tapping mode) which are utilized for the imaging of living cells and tissues are discussed. A new magnetic tapping mode (MAC mode), which is more suitable for living samples, and a novel data collecting system named TREC, are also introduced.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.20305011)the Nationa1 Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(Grant No.20025311).
文摘The history, characteristic, operation modes and coupling techniques of atomic force microscopy (AFM) are introduced. Then the application in cell biology is re- viewed in four aspects: cell immobilization methods, cell im- aging, force spectrum study and cell manipulation. And the prospect of AFM application in cell biology is discussed.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.20974039,21221063 and 91127031)the National Basic Research Program(2013CB834503)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in Universities(NCET-11-0205)
文摘Investigation on the folding mode of a single polymer chain in its crystal is significant to the understanding of the mechanism of the fundamental crystallization as well as the engineering of new polymer crystal-based materials. Herein, we use the combined techniques of atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and force spectroscopy to pull a single polyethylene oxide (PEO) chain out of its spiral crystal in amyl acetate. From these data, the folding mode of polymer chains in the spiral crystal has been reconstructed. We find that the stems tilt in the typical flat area, leading to the decrease in the apparent lamellar height. While in the area of screw dislocation, the lamellar height gradually increases in the range of several nanometers. These results indicate that the combined techniques present a novel tool to directly unravel the chain folding mode of spiral crystals at single-molecule level.