Enabling Atomic-Resolution AFM in Ambient Conditions
Advancing Reliable Atomic-Scale Imaging with Park NX1
- Customer: University of Regensburg, Germany — Chair of Experimental & Applied Physics
- Research Focus: Atomic-resolution AFM development in ambient conditions; qPlus sensor-based non-contact force microscopy
- Solution: Park NX1
- Key Value: Reliable, commercially accessible atomic-resolution imaging under ambient conditions; qPlus sensor compatibility
The Challenge
Atomic-resolution AFM had long been demonstrated under ultra-high vacuum and low-temperature conditions, but achieving the same level of reliability in ambient environments remained difficult. Researchers faced persistent challenges including thermal drift, vibration, mechanical instability, limited optical access, and cumbersome positioning systems, making routine atomic-scale imaging impractical outside expert-built laboratories.
Prof. Giessibl's team sought a stable, accessible platform capable of delivering true atomic resolution in ambient conditions while maintaining ease of operation and compatibility with advanced sensing approaches such as qPlus.
“Achieving atomic resolution outside ultra-high vacuum required overcoming noise, drift, instability, and the limitations of custom-built systems. We needed stability, reliability, and ease of use.”
— Prof. Franz J. Giessibl, Experimental & Applied Physics, University of Regensburg
The Solution
Prof. Giessibl and his research team collaborated with Park Systems based on a clear vision: decades of atomic-resolution AFM research and know-how could be transformed into a practical and commercially accessible platform for the broader scientific community.
- Compact & Ultra-Stable Design: Minimizes noise and vibration for reliable atomic resolution imaging under ambient conditions.
- User-Friendly & Reliable Operation: Combines long-term stability with practical operation in a commercial AFM platform.
- qPlus® Sensor Compatibility: Supports ultra-sensitive force detection using small oscillation amplitudes for atomic-scale measurements.
- From Research to Product: Transforms advanced AFM research into a robust and reproducible commercial system.
The Results
Park NX1 delivered what the team had sought: reliable atomic-resolution imaging in ambient conditions through a stable and commercially accessible platform.
By combining high mechanical stability, low thermal drift, optimized optical access, and qPlus sensor compatibility, the system enabled routine atomic-scale measurements while simplifying instrument operation. The NX1 also expanded access to atomic-resolution AFM beyond specialized laboratories, improving both experimental efficiency and practical usability.
“Park Systems' expertise was instrumental in transforming an expert-only research concept into a reliable platform accessible to the broader scientific community, ultimately realizing the technology's full potential in the NX1.”
— Prof. Franz J. Giessibl
Key Outcomes
- Atomic Resolution in Ambient Conditions — enabled stable atomic-scale imaging outside ultra-high vacuum
- Low Noise & High Stability — improved measurement reliability through optimized mechanical design
- Expanded Research Capabilities — enabled studies of corrosion, electrochemistry, 2D materials, and nanoscale surface interactions
- Sub-Ångström Resolution — achieved ultra-high lateral and vertical measurement precision
Scientific Impact
This work expands atomic-resolution AFM beyond ultra-high vacuum and low-temperature environments, enabling reliable nanoscale studies under ambient conditions. By making atomic-resolution imaging more stable, practical, and accessible, the NX1 supports advanced research in chemical bonding, electrochemistry, corrosion, 2D materials, and nanoscale surface interactions.
About Park NX1
The Park NX1 is a compact, ultra-stable atomic force microscope purpose-built for atomic-resolution imaging in ambient conditions. Capabilities include qPlus® sensor compatibility, low-noise mechanical design, and sub-Ångström lateral and vertical measurement precision — transforming decades of atomic-resolution AFM research into a reliable, commercially accessible platform.
Learn more: www.parksystems.com/nx1
This case study is based on an interview with Prof. Franz Giessibl at University of Regensburg, discussing the development of atomic-resolution AFM and the Park NX1 platform.