Introduction: A DIY AFM Whokshop

By Edwin (En-Te) Hwu Linked In
About: Democratize Nanoimaging for Everyone by Hacking DVD Players to Build up Atomic Force Microscopes. Repurpose Blu-ray Drives for Fighting Zika/Dengue Virus.

Update: here is a company producing this kind of AFM http://www.stromlinet-nano.com/ Enjoy!

There is an DIY AFM workshop with one hobbyist from the States and one professor from India. They assembled their own DIY AFM within 2 hours crafting time.

Here is a link to previous project:

https://www.instructables.com/id/A-Low-Cost-Atomic-Force-Microscope-%E4%BD%8E%E6%88%90%E6%9C%AC%E5%8E%9F%E5%AD%90%E5%8A%9B%E9%A1%AF%E5%BE%AE%E9%8F%A1/

Step 1: Preparing the Parts Before Assembly......

Finish edges of the parts.

Step 2: This Time...we Use Instant Glue....

In stead of solder, all the structures are glued by instant glue, which makes assembly easier and healthier.

Step 3: Wiring the Scanner....

Use solder iron for wiring cables of the scanner.

Step 4: Gluing the Z Axis Transducer of the Scanner

Very important!

Step 5: Assembling the AFM Head

Again....glue everything.....

Step 6: ​The Optical and Mechanical Parts Are Done!

Just put one magnet on top of the Z transducer.

Step 7: Performance Evaluation

The optomechanical part is connected to a AFM controller

Step 8: Low Cost AFM Calibration Sample: DVD Data Tracks

Use the DVD data tracks (pitch= 740 nm) for calibrating scanning range of the scanner.

Step 9: Measuring the AFM Calibration Sample (NT MDT TGQ1)

The DIY AFM with economy AFM controller can successfully measure height of square calibration features 20 nm with contact mode.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_force_microscopy

Step 10: Measuring 1.4 Nm Features on the TGQ1

Surprisingly we found that the DIY AFM can work with non-contact mode (attractive interaction between atoms caused by van-der-Waals forces) which resolves 1.4 nm height feature on the TGQ1.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-contact_atomic_force_microscopy

Step 11: The DIY AFM With Advanced Controller

The DIY AFM with advanced AFM controller can clearly see the DVD data tracks when operated in AC (Tapping) mode.

Step 12: The DIY AFM With Advanced Controller

20 nm Squares and 1.4 nm features are clearly seen.

Step 13: Measuring Nano Particles

Step 14: Resolution Limit Test....

The DIY AFM system with 12bits controller can resolve 0.5 nm which is similar to height of 2 carbon atom layers on HOPG (Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite) surface.