AFM
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Physics
| Stands for | Atomic force microscope |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
AFM stands for Atomic force microscope, a physics abbreviation.
Microscope that maps surfaces by dragging or tapping a tiny tip on a flexible cantilever across them and measuring the deflection with a laser, achieving nanometer and even atomic resolution. Unlike the STM, it works on insulators and in liquids, so it can image DNA, proteins and living cells.
Example: AFM measurements showed the coating's surface roughness was below 2 nanometers.
Usage notes
Gerd Binnig, Calvin Quate and Christoph Gerber invented the AFM in 1986. It can also measure forces, such as the strength needed to unfold a single protein molecule. AFM-based nanolithography uses the tip to draw or remove material at the nanoscale.
Related abbreviations
More physics abbreviations
- ALARA – As low as reasonably achievable
- ATLAS – A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS
- BEC – Bose-Einstein condensate
- c – Speed of light
- CCD – Charge-coupled device
- CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research
- CMP – Condensed matter physics
- CMS – Compact Muon Solenoid
- COM – Center of mass
- CP – Charge-parity (symmetry)
- ELF – Extremely low frequency
- EM – Electromagnetic