Agilent Technologies New AFM 6000ILM Seamlessly Integrates Atomic Force and Light Microscopy

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced the availability of the Agilent 6000ILM AFM, a new atomic force microscopy (AFM) platform. The 6000ILM AFM is a state-of-the-art research solution that seamlessly integrates the capabilities of an AFM with those of an inverted light microscope or an inverted confocal microscope. The 6000ILM AFM lets life science researchers go beyond the optical diffraction limit to achieve nanoscale spatial resolution with unprecedented ease of use.

“The new 6000ILM immediately extends the capabilities of optical microscopes by allowing molecular imaging, live-cell imaging, force studies, and mechanical stimulus studies to be conducted with a single-system solution, all while preserving an efficient and natural workflow,” said Jeff Jones, operations manager for Agilent’s nanoinstrumentation facility in Chandler, Ariz. “The 6000ILM is ideal for studying cell membranes, the surface structure of cells, single DNA or RNA strands, individual proteins, single molecules, and biopolymers.”

For ultimate ease of use, the 6000ILM uses a computer-controlled laser with automated photodetector alignment and offers simple point-and-shoot AFM imaging based on the optical image. A high-stability, precision motorised stage directs the movement of the sample beneath the AFM tip for measurement. Researchers can use off-the-shelf 0.55NA condensers to perform fluorescence or DIC imaging, simultaneously with AFM imaging, to quickly create high-precision overlays of the resultant images. The 6000ILM facilitates high-resolution topography and mapping, the ability to collocate points of interest sequentially, and the acquisition of more detailed information about a sample’s structure and material property domains.

The 6000ILM supports a wide variety of scanning probe microscopy imaging modes, including Agilent’s patented magnetic AC mode (MAC Mode) for unrivaled in-liquid imaging. Additional 6000ILM advantages include Agilent’s innovative PicoTREC, for real-time molecular recognition imaging, as well as force spectroscopy, for experiments such as protein unfolding. Furthermore, the unique design of Agilent sample plates provides superior stability and easy sample loading. Heating control is available from ambient to 80 C with 0.1 C precision.

AFM Instrumentation from Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies offers high-precision, modular AFM solutions for research, industry, and education. Exceptional worldwide support is provided by experienced application scientists and technical service personnel. Agilent’s leading-edge R&D laboratories ensure the continued, timely introduction and optimisation of innovative, easy-to-use AFM technologies.

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES
Publié le 11-05-2010