A virtual instrument to standardise the calibration of atomic force microscope cantilevers

Date

2016

Authors

Sader, J.
Borgani, R.
Gibson, C.
Haviland, D.
Higgins, M.
Kilpatrick, J.
Lu, J.
Mulvaney, P.
Shearer, C.
Slattery, A.

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Journal article

Citation

Review of Scientific Instruments, 2016; 87(9):093711-1-093711-14

Statement of Responsibility

John E. Sader, Riccardo Borgani, Christopher T. Gibson, David B. Haviland, Michael J. Higgins, Jason I. Kilpatrick, Jianing Lu, Paul Mulvaney, Cameron J. Shearer, Ashley D. Slattery, Per-Anders Thorén, Jim Tran, Heyou Zhang, Hongrui Zhang, and Tian Zheng

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Abstract

Atomic force microscope (AFM) users often calibrate the spring constants of cantilevers using functionality built into individual instruments. This calibration is performed without reference to a global standard, hindering the robust comparison of force measurements reported by different laboratories. Here, we describe a virtual instrument (an internet-based initiative) whereby users from all laboratories can instantly and quantitatively compare their calibration measurements to those of others - standardising AFM force measurements - and simultaneously enabling non-invasive calibration of AFM cantilevers of any geometry. This global calibration initiative requires no additional instrumentation or data processing on the part of the user. It utilises a single website where users upload currently available data. A proof-of-principle demonstration of this initiative is presented using measured data from five independent laboratories across three countries, which also allows for an assessment of current calibration.

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