AFM

Atomic Force Microscopy is an extremely custom-tunable technique that allows to measure several surface properties. Developed in the late 80’s, it is becoming increasingly of capital relevance in the study of surfaces of biological relevance.
Although it was developed as an imaging tool (for seeing surface topography) its power lies in the ability to characterize different surface properties, as well as in the possibility to modify the surfaces itself, in both cases with nanometer resolution. Furthermore, the possibility to operate with the probe and probed surface dipped in a liquid environment, opens to the life science world.

The AFM activity of LGM is carried on in a truly interdisciplinary environment in close cooperation with biologists, chemists, engineers.

These are the main research topics of the AFM group of LGM:

1. Characterization of phisico-chemical and mechanical properties of nanostructured thin films and interfaces.
2. Study of the interactions of biological objects (DNA, proteins,...) with similar objects and surfaces.
3. Surface modification and patterning of surfaces by means of AFM-based nano-lithographic techniques.
4. Development and implementation of advanced AFM characterization techniques.