Molecular Analysis Facilty Tool

AFM – ICON

Make/Model: Bruker
Location: MolES G44G
The ICON is our most user-friendly AFM capable of both contact and tapping mode and is also equipped with our largest sample mounting stage allowing multiple samples to be mounted at once. This AFM also employs a technique developed by Bruker called "ScanAsyst" and this method auto optimizes imaging parameters producing very high-quality publishable images allowing a user to focus on the size and location of the image and sample. This technique also applies a force curve at each pixel to obtain a hardness map of the surface. This AFM can also be coupled with other techniques to measure topography in liquids, force spectroscopy, electrical and other properties of thin films.
  • Instrument Details
  • Example Data

Key Capabilities

  • ScanAsyst mode for automated image acquisition
  • Large sample size up to 10 cm or larger
  • Up to 90 um x 90 um scan size
  • Tapping mode, Peakforce QNM, ScanAsyst, Contact mode


Data Produced

  • High resolution images showing topography, phase and other information


Example Applications

  • The ICON is ideal for imaging samples in air. The large sample size and ease of operation makes it a great choice for AFM measurements.


Compatible Samples

  • Almost any sample can fit on the ICON stage
  • Samples can be mounted on magnetic pucks or if they are flat can be mounted using the vacuum chuck.
  • Samples must be dry


Additional Information