When labs ask us
Controller, PC or software no longer usable?
The controller or its electronics
The Galaxy Dual Controller takes the place of the original controller: new 24-bit USB drive electronics with an integrated lock-in and low-noise high voltage, connected to the existing head, scanner and stage.
The PC and the software
The microscope runs on NanoSolution, CSInstruments’ AFM software, with AutoScan: auto tune, auto approach, auto gain and point-and-click navigation — so new users reach good images quickly.
Installation and training
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.
Not sure what is wrong with your system? Tell us the model and what no longer works — we will tell you whether the Galaxy upgrade applies to it.
Model by model
Which old AFMs can be upgraded?
Bruker · Veeco · Digital Instruments
Can I still use my MultiMode AFM?
Yes. The Galaxy Dual Controller drives the MultiMode head and scanner and keeps all standard modes and STM. Kyoto University upgraded its MultiMode this way for graphene nanoribbon research.
Kyoto University case study →
Bruker · Veeco · Digital Instruments
How can I keep my Dimension 3000 or 3100 running?
With full control of the system, including auto approach and the motorized XY stage; the CCD camera is integrated for point, click and measure workflows.
Dimension 3000/3100 upgrade news →
Molecular Imaging · Agilent · Keysight
Is there a new controller for the Agilent 5500?
Yes, including electrochemistry. The Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC) in Brazil modernized its Agilent 5500 instead of replacing it.
UFABC case study →
Molecular Imaging · Agilent · Keysight
Can the 5100 AFM be upgraded?
Yes, including electrochemistry, with the same controller as the 5500.
Molecular Imaging · Agilent · Keysight
Can I still use a 5400 or 5420?
Yes. The Galaxy Dual Controller operates the 5400 and 5420 and keeps their existing modes.
Agilent · Keysight
Is the 5600LS still usable?
Yes. The 5600LS is on the Galaxy compatibility list, with its existing modes preserved.
Molecular Imaging
Can a PicoSPM (STM) be upgraded?
Yes. The Molecular Imaging PicoSPM is supported, STM included.
After the upgrade
Every mode kept, new modes added
Kept
- STM
- Contact mode
- AC (resonant) mode and phase imaging
- MFM and EFM
- PFM
- Lateral force (LFM)
- Electrochemistry (EC)
Added
- HD-KFM™ — single-pass Kelvin probe force microscopy
- ResiScope™ and Soft ResiScope™ — resistance from 10² to 10¹² Ω
- Soft Interaction Control — adhesion, stiffness and Young’s modulus
- NanoSolution software with AutoScan
Later, moving up to the Nano-Observer II needs no new controller: the Galaxy Dual Controller carries forward.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my old Bruker MultiMode AFM?
Yes, if the head and scanner still work. The Galaxy Dual Controller from CSInstruments replaces the MultiMode controller and software, keeps its standard modes and STM, and adds HD-KFM, ResiScope and Soft Interaction Control.
How can I get my Dimension 3000 or 3100 AFM running again?
When the controller, the PC or the software is the problem, the Galaxy Dual Controller replaces them and takes full control of the Dimension 3000/3100, including auto approach, the motorized XY stage and the CCD camera.
Is there a replacement controller for the Agilent / Keysight 5500 or 5100 AFM?
Yes. The Galaxy Dual Controller operates the MI, Agilent and Keysight 5100 and 5500, including electrochemistry, as well as the 5400/5420, 5600LS and PicoSPM.
Who can upgrade or service the controller of an old Agilent, Keysight or Molecular Imaging AFM?
CSInstruments, a French AFM manufacturer, makes the Galaxy Dual Controller for these systems, installs it on site and trains the users. Send the model and what no longer works to check whether the upgrade applies.
Do I lose the modes of my old AFM after a controller upgrade?
No. STM, contact, AC and phase, MFM, EFM, PFM, LFM and electrochemistry are kept; HD-KFM, ResiScope and Soft Interaction Control are added.
Is it better to upgrade an old AFM or buy a new one?
Upgrading keeps the microscope the lab already knows and adds new modes at the cost of a controller. Later, moving to the Nano-Observer II needs no new controller, because the Galaxy Dual Controller carries forward.
Tell us which AFM you have
Send the model (for example MultiMode, Dimension 3100, Agilent 5500) and what you would like it to do. We will confirm compatibility and what the upgrade adds.