Three-Dimensional Printing of a Model Atomic Force Microscope to Measure Force–Distance Profiles

We report a simple means to build a model atomic force microscope (AFM) using 3D printing of thermoplastic materials that are commercially available. The model has many of the key parts of an actual AFM including a z-axis stage, an AFM head with a cantilever assembly, and a laser source that reflect...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2020-03, Vol.97 (3), p.845-849
Main Authors: Gruber, Daniel M, Perez, Tynan, Layug, Bege Q, Ohama, Margaret, Tran, Lydia, Rojas, Luis Angel Flores, Garcia, A. Xavier, Liu, Gang-yu, Miller, William J. W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atomic force microscopes
Atomic force microscopy
Cantilevers
Chemistry
College Science
College students
Elastic properties
Force measurement
Laboratory Equipment
Lasers
Measurement Equipment
Microscopy
Printing
Science Laboratories
Scientific apparatus & instruments
Scientific Concepts
Students
Thermoplastics
Three dimensional models
Three dimensional printing
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Study
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Summary:We report a simple means to build a model atomic force microscope (AFM) using 3D printing of thermoplastic materials that are commercially available. The model has many of the key parts of an actual AFM including a z-axis stage, an AFM head with a cantilever assembly, and a laser source that reflects off of the back of the cantilever. Using a magnet attached to the tip of the cantilever and a metal sample, this model AFM enables acquisition of force–distance profiles with characteristic snap-in, pull-off, separate, and contact regions. The model AFM was designed, printed, and used by first- and second-year undergraduate students. Through completion of this project, students learned scientific instrument design and construction via 3D printing and obtained first-hand practice in the measurement of force–distance profiles and the elastic constants of cantilevers. The open design of the model can easily accommodate additional capabilities in which students are interested, e.g., topographical scanning and using cantilevers made from different materials.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b01099