Japan AFM roadmap 2006

摘要

This article reviews recent progress in Japan in the techniques and applications of dynamic mode atomic force microscopy (AFM), specifically focusing on three topics: (1) mechanical discrimination of intermixed two-atom species and their manipulation by frequency modulation (FM) AFM under ultrahigh vacuum; (2) sub-molecular and atomic-resolution imaging in liquids by FM-AFM; and (3) high-speed imaging of biological macromolecules in solution by amplitude modulation (AM) AFM. After reviewing the state of the art of these high-performance AFMs and various techniques that have enabled them, we present future prospects for these AFMs and for technological innovations that will be led by them. These prospects are given from the viewpoint of Japanese groups that have been involved in these three topics.