FCK3114 Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for Polymer- and Forest-based materials 5.0 credits

The course comprises of approximately 130 full-time study hours, whereof 16 hours obligatory lectures and tutorials, 20 hours laboratory project and 9 hours of seminar in addition to self-studies. The lectures include basic principles atomic force microscopy, and a survey of a number of the most important AFM techniques. In this context specific instrumental aspects, sample preparation, optimization and problem solving will also be discussed.

This course is designed to provide the background, fundamental concepts, and practical knowledge of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in its relation to polymer- and forest-based materials. The course will consist of:

• The working principles and the components of atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• What information and results that can be obtained with AFM in relation to polymer- and forest-based materials
• How AFM can be utilized in applied research and/or industrial settings
• Be able to recognize common artifacts, analyze surface force measurements, interpret results with relation to surface interactions
• Design AFM experiments with relevance to own research

After completion of the course the doctoral student should have the knowledge and ability to

• Describe the working principles and the components of the atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• Explain and differentiate between the various AFM operation modes
• Interpret, process and discuss results obtained by AFM
• Critically interpret AFM data both own and in literature with relation to polymer and forest-based materials
• Prepare samples suitable for AFM experiments

Eligible for studies at the third-cycle level.

Eligible for postgraduate studies.

Hand-outs from the teachers’ presentations and selected research articles.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• LAB1 - Laboratory work, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Project, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• SEM1 - Seminars, 2.0 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 examination will consist of three modules:

SEM1: attending lectures and seminars throughout the course (minimum 90% attendance on the lectures and 100% attendance on the seminars)
LAB1: participation in the laboratory lessons
PRO1: completing a project which consist of a written proposal, peer review, and a short presentation of the own proposal. 

Passed grades on all grading modules are required to recive final grade in the course.

Torbjörn Pettersson

• 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.