Video AFM

Hobbs JK, Vasilev C, Humphris ADL. Video AFM - A new tool for high speed surface analysis. Analyst 2006 131 251-256. 

AFM is now utilized to relate microscopic measurement of step velocity to macroscopic face growth rates (Malkin et al. 1996). Such data can be collected at a very rapid rate but does require some familiarity with the technique and access to a research caliber AFM. Likewise, microcalorimetry may be utilized to extract crystal growth rates at a very rapid rate, provided the protein s heat of crystallization is sufficient to yield a measurable signal (Darcy and Wiencek, 1998). Both of these techniques can provide growth rates over a wide range of conditions within days, as opposed to months by more traditional video microscopy techniques. 

The recent development of video rate AFM has also been discussed and its first application to crystal melting has been shown. The possibility of obtaining images 1000 times faster than conventional AFM, with time resolution of milliseconds, should provide exciting new information in many areas of polymer crystal growth in the future. 

Atomic Force Microscopy www.doitpomps.ac.uk/tlplib/afm/index.php. The AFM site offers visual models of molecules and atoms on surfaces of substances at nano level. Students can simultaneously observe both the scanning of a substance s surface (as recorded by a video optic zoom) and the surface image being recorded at nano level. 

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