Bruker Introduces NanoMechanics Lab for Dimension AFMs

SANTA BARBARA, California – October 17, 2017 – Bruker has released the NanoMechanics Lab™, a suite of force-mapping modes that enable Dimension FastScan^® and Icon^® AFM systems to perform quantitative nanoscale characterization, extending from soft hydrogels and polymers to stiff metals and ceramics. The NanoMechanics Lab encompasses a broad range of nanoscale AFM measurement techniques, including the well-established Force Volume mode, as well as the new high-accuracy PeakForce QNM, FASTForce Volume and FASTForce Volume Contact Resonance modes. Utilizing advanced algorithms and exclusive AFM probe manufacturing methods, these modes deliver the most repeatable and accurate high-volume quantitative measurements, adding in data cubes for multi-dimensional nanoscale analysis of materials. 

“In particular, Bruker’s new implementation of contact resonance offers a significantly improved capability in both accessibility and performance,” said Dalia Yablon, Ph.D., Founder at SurfaceChar LLC. “Coupled with the advances in well-controlled and pre-calibrated probes, I anticipate this new, user-friendly implementation will broaden the use of contact resonance into a wider variety of application areas, such as polymers.” 

“With thousands of peer-reviewed scientific publications in academia and thousands of QC AFM measurements per day in factories around the world, Bruker’s unsurpassed track record of quantitative, nanomechanical characterization has been leading since our initial AFM innovations in contact and tapping modes 30 years ago,” added David V. Rossi, General Manager of Bruker's AFM Business. “We are extremely satisfied with how the new products enable the easiest and most accurate nanomechanics characterization for advanced materials development.” 

About NanoMechanics Lab 

NanoMechanics Lab combines and correlates data from several nanomechanical AFM modes to provide a comprehensive solution. High-accuracy PeakForce QNM enables routine quantifiable mechanical investigation of materials in the 1 kPa to 100 GPa range. FASTForce Volume improves the acquisition time of Force Volume mapping by >20x to measure mechanical properties of materials in the range of 1 kPa to 100 GPa. FASTForce Volume CR utilizes both resonant and non-resonant modes to obtain the most accurate mechanical data for stiff materials in the range of <1 GPa to >300 GPa. Offering the most flexible force spectroscopy available, these modes can be combined to deliver huge data cubes, easily rendering a full array of elastic and viscoelastic data with great precision and repeatability. 

About Bruker Corporation 

For more than 55 years, Bruker has enabled scientists to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker’s high-performance scientific instruments and high-value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular and microscopic levels. In close cooperation with our customers, Bruker is enabling innovation, productivity and customer success in life science molecular research, in applied and pharma applications, in microscopy, nanoanalysis and industrial applications, as well as in cell biology, preclinical imaging, clinical phenomics and proteomics research, clinical microbiology and molecular pathology research.