NanoMechanical Mode

AFM Nano-Indentation

Accurate Mechanical Property Measurements at the Nanoscale

Nano Indentation is a cutting-edge Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) mode designed for quantifying mechanical properties such as hardness and elasticity with nanoscale precision. This mode is ideal for studying materials in thin films, polymers, composites, and biological applications, offering unparalleled insights into mechanical behavior.

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AFM Nano-Indentation

Application fields

Materials Science
Polymers
Semiconductors
2D Materials
Biology
Energy Materials

Key Features

Nano-Indentation Mode

  • Quantitative Analysis: Measure hardness, elasticity, and other mechanical properties at the nanoscale.
  • High Precision: Achieve sub-nanometer displacement resolution and picoNewton force sensitivity.
  • Wide Applicability: Suitable for soft and hard materials, including biomaterials, polymers, and metals.
  • Depth Control: Accurately control penetration depth to avoid substrate effects.
  • Real-Time Data: Immediate feedback on material response during indentation.
AAC Sample & Nano Indentation Mode​

Applications of Nano Indentation

Materials Science

  • Measure hardness and elasticity in coatings and thin films.
  • Analyze mechanical properties of advanced composites.

Polymers

  • Study viscoelastic properties and creep behavior.
  • Optimize formulations for enhanced performance.

Biological Samples

  • Characterize cell stiffness and tissue mechanics.
  • Investigate biomaterial elasticity for medical applications.

AAC Sample & Nano Indentation Mode

Advanced Nano Indentation with Nano-Observer Series AFM

The Nano-Observer Series AFM provides unparalleled capabilities for Nano Indentation, including advanced force control, real-time data acquisition, and customizable probe options.

  • High Precision Force Control: Ensures accurate application of forces to avoid sample damage.
  • Customizable Probes: Tailor measurements for specific applications, from soft biomaterials to hard coatings.
  • Real-Time Feedback: Monitor material response during indentation for dynamic studies.

How does Nano Indentation Mode work?

Nano Indentation operates by applying a controlled force to a sample using a sharp AFM probe. The resulting displacement provides valuable data on mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus, hardness, and viscoelastic behavior.

The Nano-Observer Series AFM ensures precise force application and displacement measurements for reliable data.

Specifications

  • Force Range: From picoNewtons to microNewtons.
  • Displacement Resolution: Sub-nanometer scale.
  • Tip Geometry: Standard and custom probe designs for various materials.
  • Sample Types: Thin films, polymers, composites, and biological samples.
  • Environments: Ambient, liquid, or controlled atmospheres.

Questions about Nano Indentation?

Ask the application scientists behind our AFMs and modes — about your samples, probes, set-up or which mode fits your measurement. We answer every message personally.