Stylistic image of an AFM probe modified with a glass or polystyrene bead tip available with and without chemical functionalization. Particle tip, bead tip, chemically modified AFM probes.

Novascan AFM Probes: High-Performance Tips & Cantilevers for Diverse AFM Applications

Find the perfect AFM probe for your research! Novascan offers calibrated & non-calibrated probes with various coatings, materials, & spring constants. Explore functionalized, metallic coated, and standard probes for diverse AFM applications.

Navigate: Overview | Probe Types | Benefits | Options | Applications | Custom Probes | In the Field | Request a Quote | FAQ

Novascan Technologies is the leading source of functionalized AFM probes and modified surfaces worldwide. Offering the best and most reliable probes at modest prices, Novascan AFM Probes have been used in Thousands of publications over the last 25 years. The Probe and Surface Laboratory at Novascan Technologies boasts a large catalog of Modified and Functionalized AFM probes to meet your application needs.

Probe Types

  • Functionalized AFM Probes: AFM probes with specific chemistries for Chemical Force Microscopy, Young’s Modulus Measurements, Force Spectroscopy, Force Adhesion Studies, Hydrophobic / Hydrophilic Studies and more.

  • Metallic Coated AFM Probes: For Chemical Modification or Enhanced Conductivity with gold or platinum coatings and more.

  • Standard AFM Probes: Choose from silicon or silicon nitride contact and tapping probes with various spring constants for diverse applications. Pre-calibrated and un-calibrated AFM probes available.

Benefits of Novascan AFM Probes

  • Eliminate the time and effort required to develop effective and reliable modification techniques in-house

  • Proven reliability of modification protocols

  • Large catalog of modifications provides greater opportunity for expanding the breadth of your experiments

  • Excellent technical support and unbeaten customer service

Material & Size Options

Novascan’s Probe Laboratory modifies commercially available AFM probes. Standard probe composition and spring constant information appears below. In most cases, the Probe Lab can also modify cantilevers supplied by clients. Please inquire as to the feasibility of using your probes for a given probe modification.

Probe Type/Spring Constant

  • Silicon (N/m): 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, 0.65, 0.95, 1.75, 4.5, 7.5, 14

  • Silicon Nitride (N/m): 0.06, 0.12, 0.32, 0.58

  • Other probes can be special ordered

Particle Materials/Sizes Metallic Coatings

  • Borosilicate Glass (µm): 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 20 Gold

  • SiO2 (µm): 0.6, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 Platinum

  • Polystyrene (µm): 1, 4.5, 10, 25, 45

  • Polyethylene (µm): Please Inquire

  • Tungsten (µm): 5, 10

Defined Chemistries

  • Alkanethiols: COOH, CH3, NH2, OH, Succinimide

  • PEG Linkers: PEG/COOH, PEG/NH2, PEG/Maleimide, PEG/Biotin

  • Silanes: APTES

  • Biotin/Streptavidin/Neutravidin

Protein and Antibody Conjugation

  • Novascan’s probe technicians have developed several protocols for the conjugation of proteins to unmodified and particle modified AFM probes. The addition of linking molecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) is often required. Please inquire as to the feasibility of using specific proteins.

Applications

Novascan AFM probes are ideal for various applications, including:

  • Force spectroscopy

  • Young's Modulus measurements

  • Chemical force microscopy

  • Friction and adhesion studies

  • Imaging biological samples

Custom Modifications

Novascan Technologies welcomes the opportunity to discuss custom probe and surface modifications. Custom modifications may include unique particle attachment and alternative chemical and protein conjugations. Contact Novascan today to discuss your application.

Novascan AFM Probes in the Field

Contact Novascan today to discuss your specific AFM probe needs and request a quote. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in selecting the right AFM tip for your research requirements.