FlexAFM
The Flexible Research AFM
Biologists, physicists, and material scientists around the globe regard the Nanosurf FlexAFM as the perfect tool for their research needs. This atomic force microscope is designed to be versatile, configurable and user-friendly, making it the preferred choice for hundreds of researchers across various disciplines. Easily integrate it with an inverted optical microscope for biological applications, or set it up in a glovebox for 2D materials research. The FlexAFM offers a wide range of operating modes and accessories designed to enhance and adapt to the particular demands of your research experiments. And as your research evolves, you can upgrade your system without breaking the bank.
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Versatility and configurability
The FlexAFM is not just a scanning probe microscope. It is a versatile system that can be configured to fit different requirements. Whether you need a stand-alone setup, a glovebox integration or inverted optical microscope compatibility, the FlexAFM can handle it all. With a wide range of options, accessories and operating modes, this AFM is the ideal choice for researchers from various fields of study. The FlexAFM is a trusted, reliable and affordable mid-range AFM system with unmatched flexibility.
Future-proof investment
The FlexAFM is the smart choice for researchers who already have plans for the future. This versatile and highly adaptable platform will grow in tandem with your research needs. You can easily add new modules and features to the FlexAFM as you explore new applications and techniques. FlexAFM accessories are compatible with the DriveAFM, Nanosurf's most advanced research instrument: when you upgrade your scan head, you will already have your accessories and sample holders ready to go.
FlexAFM for Materials Research
FlexAFM shines in materials science applications thanks to its design and powerful suite of modes. Especially when it comes to electrical characterization of sensitive samples, glovebox compatibility and the simple handling make FlexAFM the go-to option for hundreds of materials scientists worldwide.
Precision and versatility made cost-effective
Precision and versatility made cost-effective
The FlexAFM is a tip-scanning atomic force microscope that can handle large samples without compromising on versatility, robustness, or compact system size. Its 24-bit C3000i controller enables high-resolution imaging of even single atomic layers, as well as exploring sample topography spanning several micrometers. The FlexAFM also offers a wide range of accessories and operating modes that enhance its functionality and versatility. With the CX controller upgrade, the FlexAFM can be integrated with external hardware for advanced applications. This is also the first step on the upgrade path to the DriveAFM.
Image: Stack of graphene sheets.
Glovebox-ready
Glovebox-ready
If you want to protect your samples from environmental contamination but still perform high-quality AFM measurements, the FlexAFM is the ideal choice. The light weight, compact design and magnetic cantilever holder make it easy to operate inside any glovebox. A broad range of nano-electrical modes allow you to explore the properties of new and sensitive materials. The FlexAFM is not only a cost-effective solution, but in many cases it is the best tool for you to achieve your research goals.
Nano-Electrical Characterization
Nano-Electrical Characterization
The FlexAFM provides a comprehensive collection of nano-electrical modes that provide critical insights into the electrical behavior of materials at scales not visible to conventional microscopy techniques. From C-AFM to SMM, the full set of modes is available to analyze your samples – from 2D materials and semiconductors to metals and piezo-active materials. Quick and easy switching of setups for different types of measurements streamlines your measurement work and allows you to focus on what matters: achieving meaningful results.
Image: Conductivity image mapped to the 3D topography of a polished chip with transistor contacts.
FlexAFM for Electronics and Energy Materials
When dealing with environmentally sensitive samples, the FlexAFM's glovebox compatibility proves invaluable. Its comprehensive suite of electrical modes, combined with robust imaging capabilities and user-friendly operation, equips researchers in the fields of energy and electronics with an essential toolbox. The FlexAFM is the most economical gateway to high-quality SMM research. This combination of cost-efficiency and enhanced functionality makes it an unparalleled choice for researchers seeking to conduct advanced SMM studies without incurring excessive costs.
Glovebox-ready
Glovebox-ready
If you want to protect your samples from environmental contamination but still perform high-quality AFM measurements, the FlexAFM is the ideal choice. The light weight, compact design and magnetic cantilever holder make it easy to operate inside any glovebox. A broad range of nano-electrical modes allow you to explore the properties of new and sensitive materials. The FlexAFM is not only a cost-effective solution, but in many cases it is the best tool for you to achieve your research goals.
SMM
SMM
Nanosurf's SMM Option is the fastest, most user-friendly solution for performing electrical characterization of dielectrics, semiconductors, and metals with high sensitivity. Taking only 3 clicks in the software to set it up, it is easy to operate and requires only minimal sample preparation. An added benefit is that both the AFM and SMM technology were developed at Nanosurf - resulting in better compatibility and streamlined customer support compared to other solutions.
Nano-Electrical Characterization
Nano-Electrical Characterization
The FlexAFM provides a comprehensive collection of nano-electrical modes that provide critical insights into the electrical behavior of materials at scales not visible to conventional microscopy techniques. From C-AFM to SMM, the full set of modes is available to analyze your samples. Quick and easy switching of setups for different types of measurements streamlines your measurement work and allows you to focus on what matters: achieving meaningful results.
Image: Contact potential difference image of graphene surrounded by copper oxide.
FlexAFM for Life Science & Biotech
FlexAFM is the reliable instrument for your bio-AFM applications. The lightweight compact build make it easy and safe to handle with one hand, inverted microscope integration gives you full flexibility to use correlative techniques, and a large selection of sample holders, accessories and add-ons allow you to tailor your FlexAFM research system to fit any avenue of research you are pursuing. A deliberately designed upgrade path to DriveAFM allows you to add benefits at each step of the way.
Flexible Design for Life Sciences
Flexible Design for Life Sciences
Whether you want to study nanomaterials, biomolecules or cells, the FlexAFM can provide you with measurements in liquid environments, where your specimen is in near-physiological condition. You can easily integrate the FlexAFM with most inverted optical microscope from leading manufacturers (Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus, Leica), and benefit from simultaneous optical and AFM data acquisition, in particular when using FluidFM to manipulate cells. Alternatively, you can use the FlexAFM as a stand-alone system for experiments that do not require optical guidance, such as probing the forces interacting within or between single biomolecules or characterizing the structure and properties of biomolecular assemblies or fibrils.
FluidFM
FluidFM
The FlexAFM is ready for research that goes beyond conventional atomic force microscopy. FluidFM® combines microfluidics with the force sensitivity and positional accuracy of a Nanosurf AFM, unlocking exciting applications in single-cell biology and nanoscience. Conduct original research at the frontiers of science from bacterial adhesion to cell-cell interaction and from spotting to injection and extraction. Benefit from optical, force, and fluidic control, with full FluidFM integration in the Nanosurf control software.
DIMO
DIMO
The Digital Inverted Microscope Option (DIMO) combines the best of two worlds: the compact footprint of a stand-alone AFM system and the capability to observe samples from below. The DIMO lets you view your samples with transmitted light or by fluorescence imaging. It also unlocks FluidFM applications on small systems, giving you more flexibility and versatility in your research. Enjoy the high-resolution optics with interchangeable objectives that allow you to adjust the magnification and resolution to suit your experiment.
Prof. Nitya Nand Gosvami, IIT Delhi
We have been using the FlexAFM system for the last couple of years. The ease of use and its robustness helped us publish a number of articles in high impact journals. I'm very pleased with the performance of your AFM system and would highly recommend your systems for other customers in India and abroad. The technical support from Switzerland as well as local support in India is found to be very satisfactory.
Nanosurf C3000 Software
- Established software solution for all Nanosurf AFM systems
- Automatic, parameter-free frequency tuning based on cantilever characteristics
- Distance and surface roughness measurement tools
- Automated deflection sensitivity calibration and Force Spectroscopy wizard
- Easy to learn for novice users, all the flexibility for the expert user
- Instrument control is fully scriptable
- Free lifetime updates
Download the FlexAFM Brochure
The PDF brochure includes details on the FlexAFM's technology, application examples for different areas of interest and system specifications.
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FlexAFM Example Measurements
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Get to know the FlexAFM! Reach out to us to discuss your application with one of our AFM experts, discuss your needs for a budgetary quote or schedule a product demonstration or exploratory meeting.