Difference between revisions of "Lab Manual: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)"
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| − | | [[Image: | + | | [[Image:AFMphoto.jpg|thumb|center|top|500px|DNA Melting Apparatus]] |
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| − | ==Objectives and | + | ==Objectives and learning goals== |
* Learn function of the 20.309 AFM and the relationships between its components. | * Learn function of the 20.309 AFM and the relationships between its components. | ||
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* Analyze sources of uncertainty and noise in the system that limit the accuracy of measurements. | * Analyze sources of uncertainty and noise in the system that limit the accuracy of measurements. | ||
| − | ==Roadmap | + | ==Roadmap scenarios and milestones== |
| + | The AFM can be used both for A basic "mini-lab" homework problem, and also for more involved projects. This section will outline the mini-lab and provide one possible outline for a more involved project. You are encouraged to devise much more creative uses for the AFM in final projects and beyond. | ||
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| + | ===AFM mini-lab=== | ||
| + | #Work with a TA or Instructor. | ||
| + | #Learn the signal paths and connections of the system. | ||
| + | #Practice aligning the AFM optics. | ||
| + | #Learn how to calibrate the AFM to extract useful physical data. | ||
| + | #Measure the vibrational noise floor in the AFM system. | ||
| + | #Use the AFM to record the vibrational noise spectrum of a cantilever probe (Experiment ##) | ||
Revision as of 21:32, 4 June 2010
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Objectives and learning goals
- Learn function of the 20.309 AFM and the relationships between its components.
- Understand how to extract quantitative information from this tool.
- Use the AFM to estimate the value of a fundamental physical constant.
- Possibly to take images, probe sample stiffness, and/or perform protein pulling.
- Analyze sources of uncertainty and noise in the system that limit the accuracy of measurements.
Roadmap scenarios and milestones
The AFM can be used both for A basic "mini-lab" homework problem, and also for more involved projects. This section will outline the mini-lab and provide one possible outline for a more involved project. You are encouraged to devise much more creative uses for the AFM in final projects and beyond.
AFM mini-lab
- Work with a TA or Instructor.
- Learn the signal paths and connections of the system.
- Practice aligning the AFM optics.
- Learn how to calibrate the AFM to extract useful physical data.
- Measure the vibrational noise floor in the AFM system.
- Use the AFM to record the vibrational noise spectrum of a cantilever probe (Experiment ##)
