Calcite defects imaged with FM tapping mode

Repeated single point atomic defect on calcite imaged with blueDrive photothermal excitation and FM tapping mode 

Calcite imaged in solution using blueDrive on a Cypher ES AFM using a NanoWorld Arrow UHF-AuD cantilever. The ability to resolve point defects isolated from step edges in successive upward scan frames is a powerful demonstration of AFM imaging resolution. Here blueDrive photothermal excitation was used with frequency-modulated (FM) tapping mode, where clean cantilever excitation is essential for stable operation. Image size 10 x 20 nm.