The course gives an introduction to Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), designed for PhD students in Physics, Chemistry or Biology who use the SPM for the research projects. The emphasis is on understanding the theory of operation, and practical hands-on usage of SPMs.
Course memo Spring 2022
Du hittar kurs-PM för nyare kursomgångar på sidan Kurs-PM.
Course presentation
Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Spring 2022
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course is designed for students with different education backgrounds, from Physics, Chemistry and Biology, who would like to learn about the technical details of how SPMs work, and the possibilities and pitfalls in interpreting SPM images. We will focus primarily on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and the particular details of some of its many modes of operation. Including:
- Scanners, sensors and feedback control
- Cantilevers and tips, imaging artifacts
- Fluctuations, noise and the fundamental limits on force sensitivity
- Force-distance curves and quasi-static force measurement
- Nonlinaer cantilever dynamics and dynamic force measurement
- Surface forces and bulk elastic forces in AFM.
- Lateral force and measuring friction with the AFM.
- Electrostatic forces and measuring surface potential.
Intended learning outcomes
- Theoretical understanding of how SPM's work.
- Interpretation of images created by SPM's.
- Hands-on practical experience operating SPM's.
Detailed plan
| Learning activities | Content | Preparations |
|---|---|---|
| 8 lectures two hours each | to be anounced | Material wil be provided |
| 4 laboratory expercies | to be anounced | Pay for access to Nanolab |
| 1 oral presentation | Describe research paper, to be chosen in consultation with the instructor. | Prepare a good talk |
Preparations before course start
Recommended prerequisites
Experience in working with complex laboratory equipment. Good computer skills. Ability to write a clear, correct and concise text in English.
Specific preparations
Remember that you must register for the course by sending an e-mail to kursexp@physics.kth.se.
Literature
Literature will be made availble to registered partcipants
Equipment
Laboratory work uses the Scanning Probe Microscopes in the Albanova Nanolab and participation requires that you pay one quartely fee for access to the Nanolab. If you are not already a fee-paying student, contact Adrian Iovan about payment of the fee.
Support for students with disabilities
Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:
Examination and completion
Grading scale
P, F
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory work, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
- LAB2 - Laboratory work, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
- LAB3 - Laboratory work, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
- LAB4 - Laboratory work, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
- TENA - Oral exam, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
The section below is not retrieved from the course syllabus:
Laboratory work ( LAB1 )
Laboratory work ( LAB2 )
Laboratory work ( LAB3 )
Laboratory work ( LAB4 )
Oral exam ( TENA )
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
No information inserted
Contacts
Round Facts
Start date
21 Mar 2022
Course offering
- Spring 2022-60537
Language Of Instruction
English