ARAC

Aiming at developing tools that perfectly match the need of a researcher, Nanosurf fosters the direct exchange of ideas and novel concepts. Originating from such collaboration between industry and academia, ARAC is a high-end platform for researchers to explore new approaches to measuring at the atomic scale. Designed for maximum flexibility, it provides the perfect toolkit to assemble an individual purpose-built experimental system.

We are eager to work with you on developing new measurement techniques and are happy to hear about any challenging scientific questions you would like to address.

Features

• qPlus Sensors: self-sensing probes with a high spring constant enabling small amplitudes in the range of inter-atomic distances.
• High-resolution 10 µm x 10 µm x 3 µm sample scanner.
• No perturbing light sources thanks to the all-electronic readout.
• High resolution optical access through the optics module (50x, NA=0.55).
• Sample scanner: ideal for experiments such as tip-enhanced optical experiments.
• Lowest-noise electronics with user-definable inputs and outputs (CX Controller).

qPlus Sensor working principle

The heart of the ARAC system is the qPlus Sensor, a self-sensing force sensor based on the piezoelectricity of α-quartz. It features extraordinary stiffness between 1 kN/m and 30 kN/m, allowing to probe high force gradients without the risk of snapping-into-contact. Moreover, the stiffness enables vibration amplitudes smaller than interatomic distances such that the measurements can be carried out close to in the repulsive force regime with a high sensitivity to short-range forces enabling high resolution imaging.

The all-electronic readout of the self-sensing qPlus Sensor ensures that the read-out is tuned to the optimum without the hassle of accurately positioning the laser spot on a beam-deflection system.

Fast and simultaneously low-noise electronics are of paramount importance for high-precision systems like the ARAC. Noise translates directly into poor image quality, either via the scan-piezos or via the sensor excitation and readout.

Furthermore, low-latency evaluation of the measured interaction is required for fast feedback algorithms. The CX Controller meets these demands thanks to its fast and low-noise electronics and its highly performant processor. State of the art signal handling allows for atomic resolution with a lateral scan range as large as 12 µm. The numerous user inputs and outputs allow for recording additional signals from external sources.