LiteScope™

Atomic Force Microscope designed for easy integration into the Scanning Electron Microscopes. The combination of complementary AFM and SEM techniques enables you to use the advantages of both commonly used microscopy techniques.

AFM in SEM LiteScope

LiteScope™: Accessories

LiteScope available accessories

Self-sensing probes and probe holders
- Tuning fork-based probes
- Piezo-resistive probes
- Conductive wire
NenoCase
Load-lock mechanism
Stubs, tools, and sample holders

Self-sensing probes and probe holders

LiteScope supports a variety of self-sensing probes through proprietary probe holders.

LiteScope is not limited by the use of proprietary AFM probes but supports a broad variety of self-sensing probes from other manufacturers through appropriate probe holders. AFM probe can be easily inserted into the appropriate probe holder and then attached to the LiteScope’s universal holder acceptor – no screws or tools required.

Key Features

Utilization of a variety of self-sending probes
Easy and fast probe replacement
Universal acceptor for different probe holders
NenoView SW preset layouts for individual probes
Up to 3 input/output customer signals on probe holder

Tuning fork-based probes

The use of quartz crystal tuning fork for AFM application is based on the effect of high-Q resonance detuning when the tip mounted on the oscillating quartz approaches the surface. Tuning fork-based probes possess many advantageous properties such as high stiffness, stable oscillation, direct electrical actuation, and low-cost.

Piezo-resistive probes

Silicon cantilevers with an integrated piezo‐resistor are available in many different specifications suitable for various applications.

PRSA - with an integrated piezo-resistor bridge and a thermal heater for self-sensing and self-actuating.

PRS - with an integrated piezo-resistor bridge, without a thermal heater

Conductive wire

Basic probe for STM and local voltage/current measurement in nano manipulator mode.

Probes and Techniques
Material mechanical properties	Application	Probe
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)	topography	Akiyama, PRSA
Energy dissipation	local elastic properties (tapping mode)	Akiyama
Force Modulation Microscopy (FMM)	local elastic properties (contact mode)	PRSA
Force-distance curves	local elastic properties (non-topographic)	PRSA
Nanoindentation	depth-dependent material characterization	PRSA
Nanomanipulation	various in-situ operations	Akiyama, PRSA
Conductive AFM (C-AFM)	conductivity map	NenoProbe
Conductive CPEM (C-CPEM)	conductivity map including insulated areas	NenoProbe
Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM)	local surface potential	NenoProbe
Electrical spectroscopy	local electrical properties (non-topographic)	NenoProbe
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy	Sub-nanometer topography	Pt-Ir wire
Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM)	piezoelectric domain imaging	NenoProbe

NenoCase

NenoCase is a new accessory for an Atomic Force Microscope LiteScope.

NenoCase is not only a user-friendly storage case but it also brings new possibilities that allow LiteScope to perform as a stand-alone device. It incorporates a passive anti-vibration system to ensure high-quality imaging outside the SEM chamber.

NenoCase can be purged with different gases used for measurements under different atmospheres.

Key Features

Storage of LiteScope in vacuum or desiccated environment to eliminate unwanted water adsorption during the storage out of SEM.
LiteScope full operation outside of SEM in vacuum or various atmospheres.
Equipped with passive vibration protection.
Possibility of using controlled atmosphere such as N2, Ar, etc.
Adjustable platform level.
The transparent design of the top cover allows the use of an optical or stereomicroscope to find structures or tip navigation.

NenoCase with camera

A digital camera with a custom-made stand is an optional NenoCase accessory that allows precise optical AFM tip navigation on the sample surface. The camera control is integrated directly into the NenoView software which enables long working distance.

Load-lock for AFM-in-SEM LiteScope

LiteScope load-lock mechanism provides the possibility of loading samples and probes into LiteScope using a standard SEM air-lock / load-lock sample transfer system.

Load lock is an optional accessory for LiteScope, which enables quick and easy sample and/or AFM probe exchange without the need for disrupting the high vacuum in the SEM chamber.

The semi-automatic loading system consists of two adaptation arms:

The sample loading adaptor enables to load samples directly into LiteScope scan head by manual SEM transfer arm movement.
The probe loading adaptor enables to conveniently exchange the probe together with the probe holder.

Key Features/ Advantages

Time reduction for sample/probe exchange
No need to open and vent SEM chamber for sample or probe exchange
Simple operation via NenoView SW
Usable with standard manual SEM Air-lock / Load-lock systems
Semi-Automatic loading/unloading of samples and variety of AFM probes

Stubs, tools and sample holders

LiteScope is compatible with many standard SEM stubs; nevertheless, custom stubs, sample holders, or a variety of specialized tools can be tailored for specific AFM-in-SEM applications.

AFM-in-SEM approach gives access to measurements and applications that were not possible with separate AFM and SEM systems. All the way from heated/cooled stage for e.g. life-science applications to a micro tensile tester for e.g. characterization of metals – let us know about your requirements to be able to take full advantage of the AFM-in-SEM concept.