About AFMHelp.com

 

  • What's this site about?

  This site is designed to offer help with atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM is an amazing and powerful technique for measuring images, and making other measurements of a wide range of samples. However, it can be rather daunting to use, especially for the beginner. On this website, as well as in the accompanying book we've collected a lot of information that explains how AFM works, and howto use AFM, and to process and analyse the images.

 

  • What's AFM?

There's a lot of information about AFM all over this website,  but for an overview, take a look at the AFM: Beginner's Guide page, and for frequently asked questions check out the AFM FAQ.

 

  • Why does this site exist?

 This site was created to accompany a new book - "Atomic Force Microscopy" - written by Peter Eaton (me) and Paul West. It was published in 2010 by Oxford University Press. The website was created to contain information which could not fit in the book, that needs to be constantly updated, or that we've found since the book went to press. Some content is also better suited to presentation on a website (images, animations, movies), and that stuff will go here, too.

 

  • What will I find in the book?

The book has a background section, describing the invention and developement of AFM, and has a comparison of AFM with other microscopy techniques. Then there's a chapter on instrument design, showing how AFMs are built, and how they work. That's followed by a chapter on AFM modes; for each mode, examples are given, the mode is explained, and it's applicability is covered. Following this are two practical chapters, the first describing how to measure AFM images, including optimisation, sample preparation, hints and tips, etc. There are also sections on using different modes, acquiring force curves, etc. The next chapter describes the techniques used for processing and analysing AFM images. The final chapter is split into four sections, and describes applications of AFM in the physical and materials sciences, biology, nanotechnology, and industry. There are lots of images and results in these applications sections, and the examples have been chosen to illustrate the range of modes and experiments that AFM can perform. There are appendices covering AFM software, calibration procedures, and standard samples.

There are more details in the About the book page. Also, you can see the contents listing here. Finally, you can also look at the amazon page and use their "Look Inside" feature to get a good preview.

 

  • Who made this site?  

It was made by me, Peter Eaton.


 

NOTE: All materials, text, and images on this website are copyright 2010-2014 Peter Eaton unless otherwise stated.