Combination of AFM and Inverted Optical Microscope
The combined imaging of an inverted optical microscope and AFM offers a unique opportunity to correlate optical data (such as contrast or fluorescence data) with high-resolution topography and mechanical data that only AFM can acquire.
Benefiting from the open optical path design of FlexAFM, light can pass through FlexAFM with little obstruction. In addition, the proprietary SureAlign™ optical design of the cantilever holder SA simplifies FlexAFM operation in liquid environments and eliminates the need for laser alignment. When coupled with the inverted optical microscope option, FlexAFM becomes an ideal tool for cellular imaging and characterization under physiological conditions. In this example, live Rat‑2 fibroblasts are imaged.
Applications of the integrated FlexAFM and inverted optical microscope system are not limited to life sciences. The following sample demonstrates analysis of a coated glass specimen using both optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. AFM delivers higher-resolution data over the region of interest and reveals the nature of structures observed under the optical microscope. It can also be applied to coating thickness measurement.
Cell images in a Petri dish: (Left) Contrast image acquired by the inverted optical microscope. With the FlexAFM unit and inverted optical microscope accessory, live Rat‑2 fibroblasts and the AFM cantilever are visualized in cell culture medium. (Right) AFM image of the cells captured on the same setup, showing fine details of the Rat‑2 cytoskeleton and clearly distinguishable cell membranes spanning these cells. AFM image size: 70 μm × 60 μm.
