Nov 2 2007
Asylum Research, a manufacturer of advanced Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs), introduces the iDrive cantilever holder. This new microscope accessory simplifies AFM fluid imaging and allows auto-tuning of cantilevers in fluid. It is exclusively available for use with Asylum Research MFP-3D™ AFMs.
iDrive uses a patented technique to magnetically actuate the cantilever by driving a small current through the cantilever legs in the presence of a magnetic field. Multiple peaks that are typically associated with piezo driven fluid tunes are eliminated. Unlike other magnetic actuation techniques, iDrive does not require expensive magnetically coated cantilevers. Such coatings can cause unwanted cantilever bending, may expose the sample to potentially harmful metal ions, may corrode in biological solutions, and have a limited shelf life.
The cantilever holder can be operated in either iDrive AC mode or standard piezo-driven AC mode. The iDrive cantilever holder incorporates the magnet within the holder for an unobstructed bottom view of transparent samples.
The iDrive accessory includes a cantilever holder and iDrive compatible probes. It is compatible with other MFP-3D accessories including the Closed Fluid Cell and BioHeater.