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An novel approach to the
combination of AFM with optical spectroscopy
Berlin (May 18, 2005) - During recent years a
novel trend in optical spectroscopy techniques has emerged that makes use of the
particular properties of nanometer scale objects. Of particular interest is the
interaction of an AFM tip with a sample within an external optical field.
Special attention has been devoted to surface (tip) enhanced Raman spectroscopy
and to the manipulation of single molecules and particles with simultaneous
single molecule fluorescence. JPK Instruments addresses this matter introducing
the Tip Assisted Optics (TAO) module as an add-on to the NanoWizard® AFM. The NanoWizard® AFM is especially designed for the combination with optical techniques on the basis of inverted optical microscopes. As a three-axis closed loop system it allows the sample to stay fixed within the optical focus at all times. Furthermore, the use of an infrared light source (850nm) and special filters eliminates cross talk between optical experiment and AFM. The TAO system consists of an additional 100x100µm X-Y-scanner for the sample, which can be used independently and simultaneously to the AFM. This allows the precise compensation of the inevitable offset between confocal optical image obtained with the sample scanner and the simultaneous AFM topography. The tip can be positioned exactly into the optical focus while the user can still navigate within the AFM image. Thus, the tip-enhancement effect can be maximized or it becomes possible to do single molecule manipulation experiments within the focus of a confocal optical image. First applications are in the area of Raman spectroscopy of biological materials with highest spatial resolution and the manipulation of quantum dots and dye molecules with single molecule fluorescence. About JPK Instruments AG: The innovative Berlin-based company JPK Instruments, which was founded in 1999, is among the first companies worldwide to have implemented and optimised the principle of Atomic Force Microscopy - AFM - in areas of application like soft matter and the Life Science sector. By now more than 30 highly skilled members of staff develop and manufacture Atomic Force microscopes and other instruments for nano-biotechnological applications. Numerous patents have already been filed. Around the globe there are many renowned scientific research institutes that apply this instruments in their research programmes. The Company is also one of the first in the nano-biotechnology sector to receive venture capital, e.g. from IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, tbg, "Innovationsfonds des Landes Berlin" and from participation in the programme "Futour" hosted by the Ministry of Economics and Technology. Future rounds of financing are envisaged to aid the entry into further markets and the in-house product development. The company's know-how derives from the accumulated knowledge of its founders and board membersTorsten Jähnke (physicist), Frank Pelzer (businessman) and Jörn Kamps (physicist) and the supporting supervisory board comprising of other experienced venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. Downloads: Text (RTF file) and Image are available in the "Presse Pool" section at www.biocommunications.net Contact: JPK Instruments AG Dr. Gabriela Bagordo, Communication Manager Bouchéstr. 12, D-12435 Berlin/Germany Tel.: +49-30-5331-12541 Fax.: +49-30-5331-22555 eMail: bagordo@jpk.com web: www.jpk.com © BIOCOMMUNICATIONS.net GmbH, Berlin - Reprint free of charge. Please supply copy. |
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