On 7 March 2025, the Cambridge Graphene Centre (CGC) celebrated the successful sign-off of the Park NX20 Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), a major milestone for the Layered Materials Research Foundry (LMRF). This state-of-the-art system will significantly enhance CGC’s capabilities in nanoscale material characterization, reinforcing its position at the forefront of graphene and layered materials research.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Advanced Research
The NX20 AFM system is designed to handle large samples (up to 8 inches) with high precision, making it an essential tool for studying layered materials, optoelectronics, and quantum technologies. Equipped with a flexure-guided XY scanner, a decoupled flexure-guided Z scanner, and a vacuum sample chuck, the system enables ultra-high-resolution imaging and advanced multi-parameter material analysis.
Expanding the Frontiers of Nanoscale Science
Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) is a cornerstone of nanotechnology research, allowing scientists to manipulate and measure atomic structures with remarkable accuracy. The NX20 AFM extends these capabilities by facilitating the measurement of physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties of various materials. Notably, it can even analyze live cells in solution, broadening its impact across both materials science and biomedical research.
Smart Software for Precision & Efficiency
The NX20 AFM is powered by SmartScan and XEI software, providing researchers with an intuitive and highly efficient platform for AFM operation and data analysis. SmartScan ensures optimized scanning performance, while XEI enables advanced image processing and interpretation, streamlining research workflows.
Strengthening LMRF’s Mission
The Layered Materials Research Foundry (LMRF), a collaboration between CGC at the University of Cambridgeand the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton, is dedicated to advancing layered materials and optoelectronic applications. The addition of the Park NX20 AFM strengthens LMRF’s ability to explore next-generation materials, supporting groundbreaking research in quantum technologies, photonics, and high-performance electronics.
This successful deployment of the NX20 AFM at CGC marks a significant step forward in LMRF’s commitment to cutting-edge material research, empowering scientists to explore new frontiers in nanoscience with unprecedented precision and efficiency.