SPM Software
Introduction
This article contains a list of all the software freely available to manipulate data from Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), that is, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM). It does not include software designed only to load one particular format, i.e. the software provided by the instrument manufacturers, unless they are able to open other formats. It is intended to summarise the third party software available. It does not compare the quality of the software, and the order is entirely arbitrary. If you know of other software available, let me know. I do know there are two other lists of SPM software[This one and This one], although neither seem to be updated.
This list is an updated version of that which appears in my forthcoming book:"Atomic Force Microscopy", OUP, 2010, with Paul West.
List of Third Party SPM Software
Gwyddion
Freely available, open source software for manipulation of SPM files; supports very many formats, contains many analysis tools. Available for Linux, Windows and MAC OS. Frequently updated. Available here. (http://www.gwyddion.net)
SPIP (Scanning Probe Image Processor)
Commercial software for manipulation of SPM files; supports very many formats, contains many analysis tools. Also allows analysis of force curves in several formats. Has a purchase price, a limited-function demonstration version is available. Frequently updated. Probably the most comprehensive 3rd party AFM analysis package around. Details, purchase, and demo version here. (http://www.imagemet.com)
WSxM
Freely available software that supports many SPM file formats; and has many analysis tools. It was developed by an AFM manufacturer for use with their instrument, but also supports very many other file formats. Unlike many third party programs, has good support for force curves as well. Frequently updated. Available here. (http://www.nanotec.es)
FemtoScan Online
Commercial software from a manufacturer, but loads lots of (about 20) other formats. 30-days trial has no functional limitations. English and Russian user interface. It seems to be quite capable software, but my experience with it is limited. Available here. (http://www.nanoscopy.net/en/Femtoscan-D.php)
PUNIAS (Protein Unfolding and Nanoindenation Analysis Software)
Commercial software, dedicated to analysis of force curves, supports several formats. Implements several of the common analysis techniques used for force spectroscopy, and nanoindentation data. Also supports force volume images. A licence must now be purchased to use it. Available here. (http://site.voila.fr/punias)
Carpick Lab’s Software Toolbox
Some Matlab scripts to help with nanotribology research - i.e. friction measurements with the AFM. They are for Nanoscope files only. Available here. (http://nanoprobenetwork.org/welcome-to-the-carpick-labs-software-toolbox)
Image SXM
A version of NIH Image that has been extended to handle the loading, display and analysis of scanning microscope images. Seems to be able to open lots of file formats, but only works on MAC, so I've never tried it. Available here. (http://www.liv.ac.uk/~sdb/ImageSXM/)
ImageJ
Cross-platform image analysis program, not specifically designed for SPM images, but there are plugins to load MI or Nanoscope files here. I don't find it's often very useful, but some people use it, and it does have some useful functions, for e.g. particle counting. Available here. (http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/)
MountainsMap SPM Image
This package seems to be a version of a package designed for optical profilometers. Also loads many of the major formats of SPM files. I have recently tried this software, and it has most of the functions required, including an unusual "report" format of data analysis. Commercial software, but a downloadable demo version is available.
More details here. (http://www.digitalsurf.fr/en/spm.html)
TrueMap and TrueSurf
True Map is an analysis and display program. TrueSurf is a surface roughness analysis program. These are extensions of profiler software packages, now offering some AFM format support. Commercial software, a licencse must be bought for extended use. More details here. (http://www.truegage.com)
Software that's no longer maintained
