Scanning force microscopy: new instrumentation and applications

New instrumentation has led to new ways in which to generate image contrast in scanning force microscopy. Friction and adhesion forces can be used to map out local surface chemistry or biological activity. Gradients of electric or magnetic fields can be used to determine the distribution of liquids, surfactants or polymers adsorbed to surfaces. ‘Tapping’ the scanning tip against a surface can reveal local viscosity, surface compliance or shape fluctuations in addition to minimizing surface interactions.