The SPMs represent the basic instrumentations for Nanotechnologies. The SPMs are particular types of microscopes that exploit physical variables in order to construct an image with very high magnification (resolution up to atomic resolution).

In these microscopy techniques a very sharp probe is positioned close to the sample surface (a few nanometers), and it runs scanning the surface and measuring the interaction between the probe and the sample at each point. The image obtained is the result of signals acquisition in xyz axis: these techniques provide an accurate real three-dimensional image of the sample surface (3D Topography).

It is possible to acquire different physical properties (electric, magnetic, optical, etc.) of the sample, obtaining different images of the sample, using different type of probe.

STM, AFM and SNOM represent different type of SPM Microscopes that are characterized by a different measuring probe.

ST-STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscopy)
STM has proven to be invaluable tool for probing different surfaces and providing both topographic and spectroscopic information with atomic-scale spatial resolution. This technique has been successfully applied to various samples and has widened its field of application from standard metal and semiconductor characterization to the direct visualization of organic molecules deposited on conductive substrate.

We has developed a compact STM able to image the sample surface with sub-angstrom precision vertically and true atomic resolution laterally. Scanning with the pA STM allows easy and fast operation in air for a wide range of materials. Furthermore, with pA STM set-up, it is possible to operate in a controlled environment or perform �in liquid drop� imaging.

Key features:

• Atomic resolution

• Low tunneling currents (up to 500fA)

• High versatility

pA-STM is a very powerful Scanning Tunneling Microscope allowing the mapping with atomic resolution in air even for high resistive materials. The pA-STM can be equipped with different scanners with ranges from 3μm to 25μm.
By tunneling down to 500fA the pA-STM is suitable to measure high resistive materials like the self-assembled molecules (SAM).

Based on specific demands other scanning ranges can be set by the user in different configurations.*

ST-AFM (Atomic Force Microscopes)
AFM series are compact and versatile scanning probe microscope (SPM) platforms capable to meet the perse functional needs of AFM/SPM users. The integrated combination of different characterization systems in one stage system makes our AFM systems the most cost effective ultra-high precision SPM platform.
Our AFM systems can be equipped with different type of nano-positioning systems including flexure scanning stages in order to guarantee high planarity for customers interested in large area AFM measurements.
For example the A100 AFM is equipped with a closed loop sample positioning system. It guarantees absolute positioning with an accuracy of 10 nm (up to ten times better than closed loop AFM in the market). This particular feature, together with the specific A.P.E. Research software tool, makes the instrument suitable for nano-lithography.
APE Research AFM can be inpidually configured to handle wide variety SPM specific measurements modes (EFM, MFM, STM, Phase Imaging, CAFM, KPM etc...). This modular structure allows the user to select and continuously improve the selected set-up, according to the personal specific demands.

ST-A100

A100 AFM is a versatile atomic force microscope suited to a wide variety of applications including bioscience, surface science, semiconductor technology, magnetic media, polymer science, optics, chemistry and medicine. The close loop flexure scanning stage guarantees absolute positioning and high planarity.

Key features:

• Robust and reliable operation high-end research Scanning Probe Microscope

• Mono-atomic step resolution even with 100μm� scanner

• High accuracy in repositioning over all scanning range with no border distortion

• High Sensitivity for low force measurements

• Best for soft materials

• Modular structure capable to provide different scanning probe modes. The system can be upgrade with different new modules.

Working modes:
A100 supports major SPM scanning techniques1: Contact AFM mode, Non-contact mode, Semi-contact mode, Phase Imaging, Force Modulation, Lateral Force Microscopy, Force Curves Analysis, Electric properties, Magnetic Force Microscopy , STM, etc.

A100 SPM scanning system:
Based on specific demands other scanning ranges can be combined by the user in different configurations**. AFM Head with holder for commercial cantilevers. The holder can be removed to easy mount cantilevers. The head also houses laser, photodiode sensor with preamplifier.

ST-TA SPM
TriA SPM is an innovative high resolution imaging and probing system. It is mainly dedicated for the studies of biomaterials (nucleic acids, peptides and proteins, cells and tissues, etc.) as well for thin films samples. The direct observation of the sample using the integrated inverted light microscope widens the range of applications from hard material surfaces to biological sample.

TriA SPM provides simultaneously double optical sample observation (upright and inverted) for common optical microscopy techniques along with SPM techniques for transparent and opaque samples, without sacrificing the SPM (AFM or SNOM) or optical performance.

The optical setup is coupled with high definition video system with real time image capture capabilities, ensuring the sample and probe continuous monitor and documentation.

Key features:

• Double optical sample observation (upright and inverted) for transparent and opaque samples

• Completely decoupled scanners for XY and Z configuration

• Large scanning ranges up to 250μm

• Automatic tip sample approach

• High versatility for SPM and optical techniques

• Compatibility with third party scientific equipment

Working modes:
AFM Mode: supports major SPM scanning techniques: Contact AFM mode, Non-contact mode, Semi-contact mode, Phase Imaging, Lateral Force Microscopy, Force Curves Analysis, Electric properties, Magnetic Force Microscopy, etc.

TriA SPM Scanning system:

ST-SNOM (Scanning Near Field Optical Microsope)
The invention and subsequent development of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) methods have produced the necessary tools for a step forward in optical measurements.
The possibility to go beyond the Abbe diffraction limit has been achieved with the Near-field light optical microscopes (SNOM). This is employing the SPMs precision of piezoelectric raster-scanning together with small sharp optical probe to obtain optical images at sub-wavelength resolution.

ST-TASNOM

TriA SNOM combines the potentials of scanned probe technology with the power of optical microscopy. It brings a small optical probe very close to the sample surface, in the region called "near-field", and it allows the collection of optical signals providing image optical resolution below 100nm.

Key features:

• Integrated Double Optical Vision System for accurate positioning and far field optical investigation

• Compatible with a wide range of light microscope modes

• Separate or simultaneous transmission and reflection measurements

• Large Operation wavelength range

• Allows the light source set-up as top down or inverted

• Independent high-performance photo detectors for multiple optical signals collection.

• Easily expandable

• Compatibility with third party scientific equipment

Applications:
Imaging the optical properties of a sample with resolution below the diffraction limit with applications in nanotechnology, biological studies, polymer investigations study of semiconductor materials

TriA SNOM Scanning system

Based on specific demands other scanning ranges can be combined by the user in different configurations*.

  SLM