atomic force microscope

An atomic force microscope (AFM) is a high-precision tool used to image and study surfaces at the nanoscale, which is much smaller than what optical microscopes can see. It works by using a tiny probe that scans the surface, feeling the forces between the probe and the atoms on the surface. This interaction helps create detailed 3D images of the surface topography, revealing structures and features at the atomic level. AFMs are widely used in fields like materials science, biology, and nanotechnology, allowing scientists to explore and manipulate matter at an incredibly small scale.