ACCESSORIES

Options and Accessories for
Asylum Research MFP-3D AFMs

Empower your research with powerful, innovative new capabilities

Go beyond topography with advanced modes and environmental control

Powerful / Versatile / Simple / Unique

ASYLUM RESEARCHQUANTIFY
Nanomechanics and Thermal Properties
Powerful, accurate tools from the NanomechPro™ Toolkit

AM-FM Viscoelastic Mapping Mode
AM-FM mode combines the features and benefits of normal tapping mode withnanomechanical property mapping. Normal tapping mode provides non-invasive,high-resolution topographical imaging while the resonance of the second modeis analyzed to quantitatively estimate both the elastic and loss moduli of thematerial and the tip-sample dissipation.
Contact Resonance Viscoelastic Mapping Mode
Asylum’s exclusive Dual AC™ Resonance Tracking (DART) technology
improves the sensitivity and accuracy of the contact resonance techniqueto enable quantitative mapping of both elasticity and viscoelastic damping
for materials in the ~1GPa to 100’s GPa modulus range. Asylum offers two
configurations, driving either the sample or the probe, for wide-band,frequency-independent actuation.
Scanning Thermal Microscopy (SThM)
Novel microfabricated silicon probes and the SThM probe holder enable both
single point and mapping measurements of temperature and thermal conductivity
with higher resolution than conventional Wollaston-wire probes.

2 MFP-3D Options and Accessories

PROBE

Electronic Response of Materials

Leading tools for characterizing nanoscale electrical responses

ORCA Conductive AFM
ORCA™ provides conductive AFM imaging and I-V measurement capabilities.
The standard module is capable of measuring currents from ~1pA to 20nA.
Other current ranges and Dual Gain versions are available.
High Voltage Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM)
The Piezo Force Module enables operation at high tip biases up to ±220V forvery high sensitivity and crosstalk-free measurements on piezoelectrics, including
ferroelectrics and multiferroics.
Electrochemical Strain Microscopy (ESM)
ESM is a novel scanning probe microscopy technique that is capable of probing
electrochemical reactivity and ionic flows in solids with unprecedented resolution.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM)
STM can be useful for high resolution imaging of conductive samples in airand provides complimentary information to AFM images.
Electrochemistry Cell
The Electrochemistry Cell enables in situ studies of deposition, oxidation,corrosion, and mass transfer of metals and other materials. The cell can be
operated in a fully sealed configuration and may be equipped for heating
up to 60°C.
Nanoscale Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown (NanoTDDB)
NanoTDDB™ enables characterization of dielectric breakdown with nanoscaleprecision. Constant or ramped biases up to ±220V can be applied while
monitoring current through a conductive AFM probe.
Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (sMIM)
sMIM enables nanoscale permittivity and conductivity mapping on metals,semiconductors and insulators.

MFP-3D Options and Accessories 3

HOT. COLD. DRY.
Controlling Temperature and Environment
Comprehensive solutions for controlling the measurement environment

Environmental Controller
The Environmental Controller interfaces with the BioHeater™, PolyHeater™,CoolerHeater, Petri Dish Heater, and Humidity Sensing Cell to provide
unprecedented precision and accuracy. The Environmental Controller issold separately but works with multiple accessories using the SmartStart™
interface to auto-configure each for easy plug and play operation.
PolyHeater
The PolyHeater is a modular heating stage designed for high temperaturepolymer studies from ambient to 300°C in air or a controlled gas environment.
It supports samples up to 20mm in diameter. It is also available as thePolyHeater+ for temperatures up to 400°C. A special version is available for
the MFP-3D Origin that heats from ambient to 275°C and includes a standalone
programmable controller.
CoolerHeater
The CoolerHeater uses a Peltier element to heat and cool samples. Temperature
can be continuously controlled from -30°C to +120°C. The system includes
a coolant pump for work below 0°C. It supports samples up to 15mm indiameter. The kit includes various sample accessories, as well as a membraneand clamp for sealed operation.
Humidity Sensing Cell
The Humidity Sensing Cell measures humidity conditions with a sensor locatedwithin a sealed sample cell. The cell supports samples up to 30mm in diameter.
In addition, a moat that surrounds the sample with a salt solution allows
for humidity control. The kit includes various sample accessories, as well asa membrane and clamp for sealed operation.
Turnkey Glovebox
Operate your MFP-3D in a turnkey glovebox for the most demanding environmental
control under low oxygen and low water (sub-ppm) conditions. Our fully
integrated glovebox solutions are engineered to deliver maximum usability andperformance. Contact us regarding configurations and availability

Compatible with High Voltage Option

4 MFP-3D Options and Accessories

WET

Operating in Liquid Environments

Safe, simple, effective accessories for measuring samples in liquid

Closed Fluid Cell
The Closed Fluid Cell is designed to hold gases or liquids either statically or withperfusion through configurable inlet/outlet ports. The unique design enables
the cell, sample, and cantilever holder to be fully assembled and sealed in acontrolled environment (e.g. glovebox or hood) and then transferred to the AFM
for use. Two related versions are available: 1) the “Fluid Cell Lite” that has no
inlet/outlet ports and minimizes evaporation but is not completely sealed, and 2)
the “Electrical Closed Cell,” which enables electrical connections to the sample.
BioHeater
The BioHeater adds temperature control to the fluid exchange capabilitiesof the Closed Fluid Cell, allowing imaging in fluid between ambient and 80°C.
It supports samples up to 25mm in diameter. The kit includes various sample
accessories and spare parts, as well as a membrane and clamp for sealed
operation.
Petri Dish Heater and Petri Dish Holder
The Petri Dish Heater enables heating temperature-sensitive biological samples,
specifically living cells, at physiologically-relevant temperatures ranging fromambient to 45°C. The kit includes an assortment of Petri dishes, a membrane thatminimizes evaporation, and a magnetic clamp to secure the dish to the sample
plate. The Petri Dish Holder is a basic, non-heating version.
MicroFlow Cell
The MicroFlow Cell is similar to the standard MFP-3D cantilever holder butincludes fluid exchange ports which can be used to exchange the liquid ina small volume around the probe.

MFP-3D Options and Accessories 5

EXTREME
Subjecting Samples to Other Driving Forces
The most innovative tools for exerting a wide range of conditions

Variable Field Module 4
The Variable Field Module 4 (VFM4) is ideal for magnetic force microscopy andother applications where the sample has a dependence on the applied magnetic
field. The VFM3 can apply adjustable in-plane magnetic fields of more than 8,000
G for in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic fields of more than 1,200 G. Unlike
competing designs, it uses permanent magnets to avoid heating and associateddrift.
NanoRack Sample Stretching Stage
Extract new information from your samples with the NanoRack™. This uniquemanual sample stage applies symmetric tensile or compressive loading to samples
about a central area that can be simultaneously observed with the AFM. The
stage features a large range to achieve high strains and an integrated load cell tomeasure high stresses with forces up to 80N.
High Voltage Option and Kits
These optional packages allow high voltage (±220V) to be applied between thetip and sample. Each package includes a high voltage amplifier and additional
accessories for your specific application. Compatible with the Closed Fluid Cell,
Variable Field Module 3, PolyHeater, Humidity Sensing Cell, and CoolerHeater
Probe Station
The Probe Station attaches to the MFP-3D scanner and allows easy electricalprobing of samples, electrical biasing, and other measurements while thesample is being scanned with the AFM. A variety of electrical connections
can be made and combined with various imaging modes.

“AR’s MFP-3D works great for us, not just its superior quality and capabilities on PFM, but theMFP-3D also has unique capabilities on CAFM, KPFM, MFM, as well as numerous accessories
such as for controlling temperature, sample environment and high voltage. I have found themachine is easy to learn, to operate and maintain. The Asylum Research technicalsupport is also great; we always can get our problems solved very quickly.”- Kaiyang Zeng, National University of Singapore

6 MFP-3D Options and Accessories

INTERFACE

Adapting to Your Experimental Needs
Additional options to make the MFP-3D work for you

Sample Mounts
A variety of sample mounts are available in addition to the standard magnetic
mount and clip mount. These include mounts for SEM stubs and coverslips.
See our Sample Mounts datasheet for a complete list.
Vacuum Chuck
The Vacuum Chuck allows flat samples to be held without any mechanicalcontacts to the top surface and with no adhesives on the bottom surface.
The Vacuum Chuck has three rings to which vacuum can be routed toaccommodate 3” or 4” wafers, or sample sizes between 0.8” and 3.”
Note: Some regions of the wafers are not accessible.
Digital Access Module and Extended Digital Interface Module
The Digital Access Module provides digital I/O to the controller for applications
such as photon counting and synchronization to the AFM scan. The Extended
Digital Interface Module also provides additional programmable TTL outputs.
Extended Z Head
The Extended Z Head provides 40μm of Z range for imaging tall samples andlong-range force measurements, with very minimal degradation of imaging
performance (atomic resolution is still achievable).
High Bandwidth Photodiode Option
The High Bandwidth Photodiode Option upgrades vertical and horizontal signal
detection bandwidth to >5MHz. The high bandwidth signal is available on two
coaxial connectors for external measurement.
MFP-3D Leg Extenders
The MFP-3D Leg Extenders raise the scan head to allow imaging of thicker
samples up to 30mm in height (inquire about thicker samples).

MFP-3D Options and Accessories 7

SUMMARY
Availability of Options and Accessories
The MFP-3D AFM family includes the MFP-3D Originand Origin+ and the MFP-3D BIO

Nanomechanical and Thermal Modes
AM-FM Viscoelastic Mapping Mode
Contact Resonance Mode
Scanning Thermal Microscopy (SThM)•••

Temperature and Environmental Control
PolyHeater
CoolerHeater
Humidity Sensing CellTurnkey Glovebox (inquire for details)••••

External Driving Forces
Variable Field Module 4
NanoRack Sample Stretching Stage
High Voltage Option and Kits
Probe Station••••

Electrical Modes, Electrochemistry, STM
ORCA Conductive AFM (CAFM)High Voltage Piezoresponse Microscopy (HV PFM)
Electrochemistry Cell (with heating)Electrochemistry Cell (without heating)Electrochemical Strain Microscopy (ESM)
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM)
Nanoscale Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown•••••••

Samples in Liquid Environments
Closed Fluid Cell
Fluid Cell Lite
Electrical Closed Cell
BioHeater
Petri Dish Holder
Petri Dish Heater
MicroFlow Cell•••••••

Miscellaneous
Sample Mounts
Vacuum Chuck
Digital Access Module
Extended Digital Interface Module
Extended Z Range HeadHigh Bandwidth Photodiode Option
MFP-3D Leg Extenders

•••
•
•
•
•

• Compatible with all MFP-3D family AFMs
ompatible with all MFP-3D family AFMs
• Cexcept
the MFP-3D Origin• Compatible with all MFP-3D family AFMs

except the MFP-3D Origin (Also requires theEnvironmental Controller)

Need Probes?
Asylum Research sells a full range of AFM probes for every
application including its own exclusive probes and supplies
along with Olympus, SmartTip, NANOSENSORS,™
NanoTool, NanoWorld, Adama Innovations, and Rocky
Mountain probes. Order at: AFM.oxinst.com/probes

Visit AFM.oxinst.com for more information
The foregoing brochure is copyrighted by Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. does
not intend the brochure or any part thereof to form part of any order or contract or regarded as a representation relating to theproducts or service concerned, but it may, with acknowledgement to Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc., be used, applied orreproduced for any purpose. Oxford Instruments Asylum Research, Inc. reserves the right to alter, without notice the specification,
design or conditions of supply of any product or service. 04/2022

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