High-Speed AFM

The world's fastest high-speed atomic force microscope (HSAFM) has been constructed and developed within the University of Bristol. With a demonstrable 1,000 fold speed increase, compared to standard AFM techniques, we are capable of mapping the size, shape and material stiffness of billions of nanoparticles (NPs) within a very short length of time.

In this application we seek to procure two assets which will enhance our instruments capability, cementing its position as a world-leading tool for NP sizing and counting. A Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) would replace our current detection system which, through extensive testing, we have proven will significantly improves the quality of data collected; as it facilitates the collection of data at 20 megapixels per second. This allows for the imaging of large sample areas (cm2) with an exceptional resolution (<1 pm). With this upgraded our HSAFM would be capable of generating an impressive 72 gigapixels per hour (and therefore 1 terabyte per day) of data, for analysis.

This significant increase in data throughput represents a challenging need for more powerful data analysis techniques. The second asset we therefore request is professionally developed software (based on our prototype) and a high-performance workstation so data collected can be automatically analysed, condensed and presented live to the user in an efficient and elegant manner.

The HSAFM will also be used generally in Earth Sciences for ultra-high resolution imaging and the mapping of material properties with nanometre resolution across macro sized areas, creating terapixel sized datasets in a short period of time. This is a task only the HSAFM can perform and will be used to look at microfossils and seismology studies, linking with many NERC research projects.

The inclusion of material stiffness data is an exciting and novel advantage of the proposed asset which will provide UK researchers with a new tool for NP characterisation and more broadly, nanoscale surface analysis. It will allow for the identification of man-made NPs against a background of natural material: which DEFRA considers a critical problem facing the environmental risk assessment and impact of NPs. As such, these assets will enable the collection of environmentally-relevant big data that could be used to inform and drive NERC and DEFRA policy and guidelines.

We will involve FENAC in our software design activity to ensure our system is compatible with their existing evaluation processes and to establish a strategy of collaboration to fully utilise and continue to refine the device. Similarly, on the international stage, we will include the Centre for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at the University of California to ensure compatibility with their engineered nanomaterial libraries and thus generate wider dissemination of HSAFM-based datasets.