Overview
A Second Life For Your Existing AFM System
Upgrade your AFM capabilities with the Galaxy Dual Controller:
A breakthrough solution compatible with Multimode, Dimension D3000 & D3100, 5100, 5500, 5600LS, and 54xx AFM/STM platforms. This advanced controller system not only modernizes your existing microscope but also introduces enhanced functionality for expanded research applications.
Seamless Compatibility
- Technical expertise operating diverse AFM/SPM systems including Multimode AFM, Pico SPM (STM), Dimension 3000/3100 and Agilent/Keysight scanning probe microscopes (5100, 5500, 5600LS, and 54xx models)
- Maintains existing modes: STM, Contact, AC, Phase, MFM, EFM, PFM, LFM, EC modes
Advanced New Modes for your old AFM
- HD-KFM: No lift, higher sensitivity & resolution
- ResiScope & Soft ResiScope: Resistance & current measurements from 10² to 10¹² ohms and 50 fA to mA range, even on soft samples
- Soft Interaction Control Mode: Measure adhesion, stiffness, Young's modulus with quantitative accuracy
High-Performance Hardware
- Real integrated lock-in for enhanced measurement capabilities
- Low-noise electronics and power supply
- USB 24-bit drive architecture for high resolution and smart integration
AutoScan Features & NanoSolution Software
- Auto tune
- Auto approach
- Auto gain
- Predefined setpoint conditions
- Point and Click to automatically navigate and start measurements
- Automated positioning, mapping, and measurement routines
- Full motorized XY stage control (when available)
- Active gain optimization for improved stability
User-Friendly Software
- Intuitive NanoSolution interface
- One-click mode selection and automatic electronics configuration
- Guided workflow for efficient image acquisition
- Auto-settings for quick results and expert controls for in-depth analysis
AFM controller upgrade
Upgrade the controller of an existing AFM
The Galaxy Dual Controller is the AFM controller upgrade made by CSInstruments, a French manufacturer of atomic force microscopes. It replaces the controller and software of an existing microscope and drives its own head, scanner and stage: every mode the AFM already had is kept, and HD-KFM™, ResiScope™ and Soft Interaction Control are added.
Compatible AFMs
| Original manufacturer | AFM model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bruker (Veeco / Digital Instruments) | MultiMode | all standard modes and STM |
| Bruker (Veeco / Digital Instruments) | Dimension 3000 and 3100 | full control, including auto approach and the motorized XY stage |
| Molecular Imaging / Agilent / Keysight | 5100 and 5500 | including electrochemistry |
| Molecular Imaging / Agilent / Keysight | 5400 and 5420 | |
| Molecular Imaging / Agilent / Keysight | 5600LS | |
| Molecular Imaging | PicoSPM (STM) |
Kept from the original AFM
- STM
- Contact mode
- AC (resonant) mode
- Phase imaging
- MFM and EFM
- PFM
- Lateral force (LFM)
- Electrochemistry (EC)
Added by the upgrade
- HD-KFM™ — single-pass Kelvin probe force microscopy, no lift, higher sensitivity and resolution
- ResiScope™ and Soft ResiScope™ — resistance from 10² to 10¹² Ω and current from 50 fA to mA, also on soft samples
- Soft Interaction Control — adhesion, stiffness and Young’s modulus
- NanoSolution software with AutoScan — auto tune, auto approach, auto gain, point-and-click navigation
- 24-bit USB drive electronics with an integrated lock-in and low-noise high voltage
How the upgrade is done
CSInstruments installs the controller on site and trains the users, as at the Universidade Federal do ABC in Brazil on an Agilent 5500. The microscope stays the one the lab knows; the electronics, software and modes are new.
Can I still use my old AFM?Upgrade programCase study: Agilent 5500 at UFABCKyoto University upgrade
Videos
The Galaxy Dual Controller in action
Give a second life to the AFM you already own
One controller upgrades a wide range of legacy systems: Bruker MultiMode and Dimension D3100, plus the MI, Agilent, and Keysight series. Keep every existing mode and add HD-KFM, ResiScope™, and Soft Interaction Control.
Contact us →
The upgrade in action
Real systems, real labs: a full overview across every supported platform, plus the new dedicated Dimension upgrade. Every existing mode stays intact.
MultiMode and Dimension D3000 / D3100
Drive the MultiMode and Dimension D3000 / D3100 platforms, originally built by Digital Instruments, Veeco, and Bruker. Existing modes stay intact, while CCD camera and motorized stage control are integrated for point, click, and measure automated workflows.
MI, Agilent and Keysight series
The Galaxy Dual Controller also operates the MI, Agilent, and Keysight platforms: 5500/5100, 5400/5420, 5600LS, and PicoSPM. One controller brings HD-KFM, ResiScope™, and Soft Interaction Control to each of them, with your existing modes preserved.
NanoSolution Software & AutoScan
Automate the routine so you can focus on the measurement. New users reach quality images quickly, while experts keep full access to every parameter.
AutoScan features
- Auto tune
- Auto approach
- Auto gain
- Predefined setpoint conditions
- Point and Click to automatically navigate and start measurements
- Automated positioning, mapping, and measurement routines
- Full motorized XY stage control (when available)
- Active gain optimization for improved stability
From the field: UFABC, Brazil
A first-hand account from the lab. An Agilent 5500 system upgraded with the Galaxy Dual Controller, shown in everyday use.
A user's experience after the upgrade
Researchers at the Federal University of ABC (UFABC) share their experience after upgrading an Agilent 5500 system with the Galaxy Dual Controller. A first-hand look at how the upgrade comes together in the lab and the new measurement capabilities it brings to everyday work.
Watch on YouTube →From the lab: Kyoto University
A MultiMode AFM upgraded with the Galaxy Dual Controller, supporting published research on carbon-based functional materials.
New capabilities for graphene nanoribbon research
Lead Researcher, Kyoto University Nanomaterials Lab
Upgrade path to Nano-Observer II
Already upgraded with the Galaxy Dual Controller? Moving up to the Nano-Observer II needs no new controller. Your existing investment carries forward: keep every current mode and step into CSI's most advanced AFM.
Give your AFM a second life
Add advanced modes to the system you already own. See full compatibility, modes, and specifications on the Galaxy Dual Controller page.
Contact us →New modes
Upgrade your research capabilities
HD-KFM Mode
- Achieve higher sensitivity and resolution in Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
- Perfect for advanced materials research, including 2D materials like graphene
ResiScope Mode
- Wide-range resistance and current mapping
- Ideal for semiconductor research, dopant profiling, and nanoelectronics
Soft Intermittent Contact Mode
- Non-destructive analysis of soft and delicate samples
- Quantitative measurements of mechanical properties
Why upgrade with the Galaxy Dual Controller?
Cost-Effective
Significantly enhance your AFM capabilities without the expense of a new system
Expand Research Horizons
Access new modes and measurements previously unavailable on your AFM
Improve Efficiency
User-friendly software streamlines your workflow and reduces learning curve
Future-Proof Your Lab
Stay competitive with cutting-edge AFM technology
Specifications
Galaxy Dual Controller specifications
- XY Drive Resolution: 24-bit control - 0.06 Å
- Z Drive Resolution: 24-bit control – 0.006 Å
- Ultra-Low Noise HV: Typ: <0.01 mV RMS
- 6 DAC Outputs: 6 D/A Converters – 24 bit (XYZ drive, bias, aux…)
- 8 ADC Inputs: 8 A/D Converters – 16 bit
- Data Points: Up to 8192
- Integrated Lock-in: Up to 6 MHz (software limited), 2nd lock-in (6 MHz-optional)
- Interface: USB 2.0
- Power: AC 100 – 240 V - 47-63 Hz
- OS Compatibility: Windows 10, 11
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies offer controller upgrades for existing AFMs?
CSInstruments, a French manufacturer of atomic force microscopes, makes the Galaxy Dual Controller: a controller upgrade for Bruker MultiMode and Dimension 3000/3100 AFMs and for Molecular Imaging, Agilent and Keysight 5100, 5400/5420, 5500, 5600LS and PicoSPM systems.
Can an old Bruker MultiMode AFM be upgraded with a new controller?
Yes. The Galaxy Dual Controller drives the MultiMode head and scanner, keeps its existing modes (STM, contact, AC, phase, MFM, EFM, PFM, LFM) and adds HD-KFM, ResiScope and Soft Interaction Control.
Can an Agilent or Keysight 5500 AFM be upgraded?
Yes. The Galaxy Dual Controller operates the MI, Agilent and Keysight 5100, 5400/5420, 5500 and 5600LS AFMs. The Universidade Federal do ABC in Brazil upgraded its Agilent 5500 with on-site installation and hands-on training.
Is the Dimension 3100 fully controlled after the upgrade?
Yes. The Galaxy Dual Controller controls the Dimension 3000 and 3100 completely, including automated tip engagement (auto approach) and the motorized XY stage, from the new software.
Does a controller upgrade keep the modes the AFM already has?
Yes. STM, contact, AC, phase, MFM, EFM, PFM, LFM and electrochemistry are kept; HD-KFM, ResiScope, Soft ResiScope and Soft Interaction Control are added.
Can the Galaxy Dual Controller run STM (scanning tunneling microscopy)?
Yes. STM is among the modes kept when an existing system is upgraded, and the Molecular Imaging PicoSPM (STM) is on the compatibility list, together with the MultiMode, Dimension 3000/3100 and Agilent / Keysight 5100, 5500, 5400/5420 and 5600LS.