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Boise State University has invented a suite of technologies that overcome many of the limitations of currently available microscope devices and techniques.
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Abstract The measurement of intermolecular forces provides valuable information about molecules, ions, and atoms. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been widely used in mapping topographic structures and their mechanical properties. Unfortunately, the accuracy of intermolecular interaction AFM measurements is limited by mechanical instability, and intermediate states of intermolecular interactions (like unbinding) are not detectable using AFM. Electrical detection methods, such as interfacial force microscopy (IFM) can also measure surface phenomena, but have low sensitivity and are technically complex. AFM force-modulation techniques allow for topographic, elastic, and viscous images to be obtained at the same time, yet these can be difficult to interpret. DC-measurement techniques are more easily interpreted, but a “double-spring effect” due to the elastic behavior of both the sample and probe complicates the studies. Boise State University has invented a suite of technologies that overcome many of the limitations of currently available microscope devices and techniques.