Spectroscopy System aids in biology and materials research.

Press Release Summary:




MultiMode(TM) PicoForce(TM) Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) Control System, combined with software developed for force spectroscopy, enables force measurements and manipulation of biological or material samples at pico-Newton level. System utilizes atomic force microscope, scanner with closed-loop control of Z-axis that controls tip-sample separation, software GUI, and handheld tool with sensitivity to tip-sample interaction force.



Original Press Release:



MultiMode PicoForce Revolutionizes Force Spectroscopy



Santa Barbara, CA, February 1, 2002 * Veeco Metrology Group (NASDAQ:VECO), announces the release of the Digital Instruments MultiMode(TM) PicoForce(TM) Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) Control System for demanding biology and materials research. The PicoForce system, combined with powerful software developed specifically for force spectroscopy, enables accurate force measurements and manipulation of biological or material samples at the pico-Newton level, including inter- and intra-molecular forces, for applications ranging from drug discovery to basic molecular-scale research.

"Most force spectroscopy experiments demand precise, accurate control of tip-sample separation and low-noise detection of cantilever deflection," explains Bob Tench, product manager at Veeco Metrology Group. "The new PicoForce incorporates several innovations in nanotechnology that allow unprecedented control of these aspects, making this a particularly interesting product in the study of protein unfolding, antibody-antigen interactions, molecular motors, and nanoscale mechanical properties."

The MultiMode PicoForce utilizes the world's best-selling atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanner with closed-loop control of the Z-axis that accurately controls tip-sample separation, and new software GUI developed specifically for force spectroscopy (see di.com/picoforce). It also includes an innovative handheld tool that features unparalleled sensitivity to tip-sample interaction force. Another cost-saving feature is the PicoForce system's modular design, which allows existing MultiMode AFM users to upgrade individual components rather than start over with entirely new equipment.

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