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Applications of Atomic Force Microscope:

Microscopes can be referred to as one of the most imperative instruments, when it comes
to a research process, mainly in the biomedical field. Initially, STM (Scanning
Tunneling Microscopes) was initially preferred for microscopic purposes. However, it
had limitation with regards to scanning an element and only imaged conducting or non
-conducting surfaces. AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) was introduced for mastering the
limitation of STMs. These microscopes opened up newer horizons in the field of
biomedical specimen investigations. They have the ability to image almost every
type of surfaces, which include glass, ceramics, composites, polymers and different
biological samples.

Let us check out couple of applications of an Atomic Force Microscope:
In Polymer Science:
Atomic Force Microscope is one of the most powerful applications when it comes to polymer
science. It has the capability of revealing the surface structures having higher spatial
resolution. The instrument is also utilized to study the mechanical features of polymer
materials, which include bulk polymers, block copolymers, polymer composites and thin
film polymers.

In Manufacturing of Contact Lenses:
Atomic Force Microscope also has the ability of analyzing the surface properties of the
product. It can know the non-destructivity of the product at nanometer level resolutions.
Biomaterials, which include the contact lenses and different implants, have been counted
amongst the fastest rising industries in the world of medical devices. There has been a
significant increase in the manufacturing of the Contact Lenses, especially the disposable
ones. This is why there has been a need of a better quality product and innovation in its
design. One of the imperative areas in the quality control of contact lenses is Surface
Characterization. To achieve this task, you require, Electron & Optical Microscopy along
with Optical & stylus profilometry. Atomic Force Microscope can provide the manufacturers
with the capabilities of performing surface characterizations. It has helped in speeding
the development and improving the quality, yield and performance of the product.