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Taking an extremely close look at science.
A Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) is an advanced type of computerized microscope used in an very specialized branch of advanced research science. In Scanning Probe Microscopy, this highly sophisticated microscope makes the atoms on the surface of a material clearly visible to a researcher for scientific study.
We are talking VERY small.
The particles of matter being examined, the atoms, are so small, they are measured in nanometers (one millionth of a millimeter), and angstroms (one ten millionth of a millimeter). SPM reveal an exotic, hidden world of atomic structures.
What does SPM examine?
What do scanning probe microscopes examine these days? Almost everything that has become part of our daily lives: the surface of the aluminium can for your cool drink; the paint on your bedroom wall; the plastics that you use in the kitchen as packing materials; the microchips that drive your computer; the hip implant that helps grandma walk again; even the DNA that contains the recipe for all living things.
SPM works like an old fashioned record player.
A scanning probe microscope (SPM) basically works like an old fashioned record player, where the up-down movement of the needle sent the recorded impulse through the amplifier and on to the speakers to produce music.
In an SPM, a very sharp "needle", called a probe, scans over the surface of a material. The movement of the needle, due to the forces between the atoms in the needle and the atoms in the surface, are picked up by a computer and sent to produce an image of the surface on a computer screen. Close examination of minute changes occurring with the atoms becomes relatively simple.
We can see clearly now.
This electronic scan of the atom generated onto the computer screen is in color and 3D! It looks like one is plotting the surface of the moon, but this "moon" is so small it cannot be seen by the naked eye. And yet peaks and valleys are seen in clear detail.
SPM is an ever-expanding science.
The areas and opportunities for investigation by SPM are vast, indeed, as they sweep across semiconductor chips, polymers, chemicals, coatings, paper, metals, ceramics, magnetic and recording materials, medicines, biological substances, cells, tissues, films, on and on through the natural and applied sciences. Examining and knowing inner structures ultimately leads scientists to new discoveries, new cures, new ways to improve life and the things of living.
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