Atomic
force microscopes refer to the scanning probe microscopes that
are designed to measure several properties such as height, magnetism
and friction with the help of a probe. This type of microscope
measures the local property simultaneously by scanning the probe over
a small area of the sample. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shares its
key components with the scanning microscopy except for the probe tip.
Typically atomic force microscopes operate in three basic modes
namely contact, noncontact and tapping mode. Contact mode monitors
the interaction forces in the sample as the cantilever tip is in
contact with the sample. When there is a need for measurement of
attributes such as magnetic or electric or atomic forces of the
sample then noncontact mode is adopted that involves the slight
movement of cantilever over the sample surface and oscillating
cantilever near its natural resonance frequency. However, tapping
mode of operation represents the combination of both contact and
noncontact modes.
Atomic
force microscopy represents improved resolution microscopy technique
that enables the production of precise topographic images of the
sample with the help of a nanometer scale probe that facilitates the
scanning of the sample surface. One of the unique advantages of AFM
is that it permits imaging with minimal sample preparation in two
environments such as air and water. AFM facilitates the visualization
of single biomolecules, tissues and live cells at a high (nanoscale)
resolution without drying or coating them. Unlike conventional
microscopes these do not use lenses and hence the size of the probe
generally limits their resolution.
Owing
to the ability of high resolution imaging of the biological samples
without disrupting their structures and its versatility, AFM has
several application areas such as advanced biological research,
materials and surface science, nanomanipulation and nanolithography
and others. There has been continuous evolution of these devices and
resulting in improved performance of these devices along with
expansion of the application areas. For instance, technological
advances include the introduction of atomic force microscopy with the
capacity of high speed imaging, optically guided spectroscopy also it
enables the mapping of individual microbial cell wall structures at a
nanomechanical level. This represents the increasing applications of
these devices in microbiological research i.e. it enables the study
of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Also, there
are several technical and procedural upgradations that render
improved application of these devices in analysis of DNA molecules.
Hence, these illustrations promise impressive growth and acceptance
of atomic force microscopes.
The
market for atomic force microscopes can be estimated on the number of
the instruments sold, application areas and geography. The
application areas include the use of these devices in biomedical
research, life sciences research nanotechnology projects,
semiconductors and other areas. The market for atomic force
microscopes can be analyzed by four major geographies namely Europe,
North America, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. Continuous
evolution of these instruments, increasing application areas of these
devices and improved performance of these devices are some of the
factors that impact the growth and acceptance of these devices across
the globe. Furthermore, regulatory policies required for design
approval will govern the market growth.
Some
of the major factors influencing the growth of atomic force
microscopes are consistent product modifications and technological
advancements resulting in improved performance of the devices and
expansion of various application areas. This leads to development of
efficient and excellent imaging systems. On the other hand
limitations such as less efficient noncontact mode of operation and
high cost of these instruments might hamper the market growth. Bruker
Biosciences Corporation, Nanoscience Instruments, Inc., Agilent
Technologies, Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation and Park Systems
are some of the key market players operating in this market.
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