Module 1- Scanning probe microscopy

Question 1

what is the most sensitive form of microscopy

Answer 1

scanning probe

Question 2

how does scanning probe microscopy work

Answer 2

-it uses a very small probe to scan along the surface of the sample specimen
-the probe is designed to move up and down in response to the contours or other properties of the surface
-the tiny movements are amplified and recorded and the info on the surface is processed to create an image if the surface much like a contour map

Question 3

what is a common type of scanning probe microscope

Answer 3

it is called atomic force microscope

Question 4

how small of things can atomic force microscopy scan

Answer 4

it can measure the surface feature of a single protein or even at the atom level

Question 5

why can SPM be beneficial to electron microscopy

Answer 5

scanning probe microscopy does not require dehydration of samples or use a high vacuum environment. this have the advantage of reducing artifacts generated during sample prep