Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) Manufacturers
One of the most important acronyms in nanotechnology is AFM – Atomic Force Microscopy. This instrument has become the most widely used tool for imaging, measuring and manipulating matter at the nanoscale and in turn has inspired a variety of other scanning probe techniques.
Originally the AFM was used to image the topography of surfaces, but by modifying the tip it is possible to measure other quantities (for example, electric and magnetic properties, chemical potentials, friction and so on), and also to perform various types of spectroscopy and analysis.
The AFM (center) has inspired a variety of other scanning probe techniques. Originally the AFM was used to image the topography of surfaces, but by modifying the tip it is possible to measure other quantities (for example, electric and magnetic properties, chemical potentials, friction and so on), and also to perform various types of spectroscopy and analysis. (Image: Christoph Gerber; © Nature Publishing Group)
Well over 20,000 AFM-related papers have been published; over 500 patents were issued related to various forms of scanning probe microscopes (SPM); several dozen companies are involved in manufacturing SPM and related instruments, with an annual worldwide turnover of $250-300 million, and approx. 10,000 commercial systems sold. Read more on AFM here in our Nanowerk Spotlight: A key tool for nanotechnology: Atomic Force Microscopy.
Here is an overview of the most important and largest manufacturers of atomic force microscopes (in alphabetical order):
The company develops and markets innovative AFM products and components for research, development, OEMs and education.
The company provides innovative SPM and AFM combined with confocal Raman spectroscopy instrumentation for nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Asylum Research is a technology leader for atomic force and scanning probe microscopy (AFM/SPM) for a wide range of applications including, polymers, energy storage, semiconductors, 2D materials, piezo and ferroelectrics, and biomaterials.
Bruker is one of the world's leading analytical instrumentation companies. Bruker systems cover a broad spectrum of applications in all fields of research and development and are used in all industrial production processes for the purpose of ensuring quality and process reliability.
CSInstruments is a French scientific equipment manufacturer specialized in the conception of Atomic Force Microscope and options designed for existing AFM. Its activities are focused on research, development and design of simple solution, innovative and quality around the AFM to allow researchers and industry to improve their research project.
For over 20 years, DME has successfully dealt with the development and manufacturing of atomic force microscopes.
The company develops TEM, SEM, FIB and nanomechanical probing systems.
ICSPI makes the nGauge: the world's smallest, simplest and most affordable atomic force microscope.
Scanning probe technology for soft matter, life sciences and nanobiotechnology.
Keysight Technologies offers a wide range of high-precision atomic force microscopes (AFM) to meet your unique research needs.
Molecular Vista designs, develops, and provides tools that allow its customers to probe and understand matter at the molecular level through quantitative visualization.
A manufacturer of Scanning Probe Microscopes and measurement systems.
Nanonics is a nanoscale characterization company that manufactures scanning probe microscopes (SPM) and atomic force microscopes (AFM), with an emphasis on integrating them with other tools such as optical, spectroscopic, and electron microscopes. Among the more popular of these class if tools emerged the scanning optical microscope (NSOM/SNOM) and AFM-Raman microscope.
NanoScan Ltd develops high-resolution scanning probe microscopes fulfilling present and future analytical needs on nanometer-sized surface structures.
A supplier for a variety of AFM systems, probes, accessories, and related nanoscience tools.
Nanosurf is a leading manufacturer of atomic force microscopes and scanning tunneling microscopes. Their full range of AFM and STM products is trusted by professionals worldwide to help them visualize, analyze, and manipulate objects and surfaces at the nanoscale. Nanosurf microscopes excel through their smart design, innovative technology, and intuitive operation.
The company designs and manufactures an ultrafast High-Throughput Atomic Force Microscopy (HT-AFM) system for metrology of advanced ICs.
The company designs and manufactures high precision optical metrology systems for 3D non-contact inspection and imaging.
Develops and produces innnovative and state of the art devices that facilitate nanotechnology projects. These improvements range from specialized AFM instruments to the probes and sensors used to characterize samples.
Develops and manufactures a complete line of scanning probe microscopes.
Unisoku creates optical instruments and surface analysis systems such as scanning probe microscope systems.
A manufacturer of high performance instrumentation for scientific and industrial applications focused on new solutions for Optical and Scanning Probe Microscopy: SNOM (NSOM), Confocal Raman Microscopy, AFM, SPM, PFM.