FSK3740 Introduction to Scanning Probe Microscopy 6.0 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Last planned examination: Autumn 2023
Decision to discontinue this course:
No information insertedContent and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course is designed for students from a wide variety of educational 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 the images that SPM's produce. We will look in detail at some of the many different modes of SPM usage, with particular emphasis on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and its many variations.
- SPM overview
- Scanners, Sensors, Feedback and Control
- Cantilevers and Tips, Force Measurements
- Fluctuations, Noise and Fundamental Limits
- Surface Forces, Adhesion and Friction
- AFM Colloidal Probe Technique
- SPM Applications in Microelectronics
- Nonlinear Cantilever Dynamics
Intended learning outcomes
- To provide the theoretical background and physical intuitation necessary to understand how SPM's operate and how to interpret the images they produce.
- To provide an practical, hands-on introduction to the operation of SPMs in a laboratory setting.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Solid background in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Language of instruction: English
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Various articles, lecture notes, and training manuals, made available to participating students.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory work, 6.0 credits, grading scale: G
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.
LAB1 - Laboratory work, 6 hp
Two Written lab reports, and either one literature project or one simulation project.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
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.