Characterization

Atomic force microscopy initially evolved as a valuable method for the evaluation of surface topography. Recently, AFM has been frequently used as a tool for the characterization and manipulation of nanoscale particles. For example, the field of AFM lithography is used to transfer nanoscale patterns onto photoresist, a UV or chemically reactive polymer commonly used with microfabrication. The unparalleled resolution achieved using AFM-based techniques makes it an ideal tool for nanolithography.

Furthermore, AFM has also been applied in studies involving biomolecules, such as membrane and motor proteins. Possessing the capabilities for intimate exploration of these biological systems, atomic force microscopy has been used for protein-folding measurements, as was done by Rief et al.(1997) with titin immunoglobulin domains. Understanding protein-folding mechanisms is important because it underlies the use of protein engineering, protein-based device engineering, and even potential applications in using the characterization of a person's protein-folding properties as a means of health monitoring.

The use of atomic force microscopy is a prime example that demonstrates how existing technologies have been applied to the understanding of a requisite component of future nanotechnological systems.