Atomic Force Microscope Model by Brian Mernoff

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A basic model of how an atomic force microscope or scanning-tunneling microscope works to "see" atoms and molecules. Slide the scaffold piece of the frame and the tip will rise and fall to feel out the surface. You can modify the surface with different features such as steps or islands. It simplifies how AFM and STM work but gets the basic idea across of how to map out a surface which is too small to see with visible light. Eventually I would like to cover the surface so my students could map out what the surface looks like my measuring the change in height of the tip as they "scan" the surface, as well as make other surface structures that could be mapped out. The frame and tip files are set so the pieces print upside down. This allows the pieces to be printed without supports and rafts. Depending on your print bed, a little bit of glue from a glue stick applied to the bed before printing will prevent the longer pieces from curling upwards as they cool. This model helps to continue the discussion that is brought about when discussing the history of the atom. Once students understand how we learned about the structure of the atom, it is important to discuss current technologies that teach us about atoms. The atomic force microscope (AFM) is one of these technologies. Objectives: Students will be able to describe how atomic force/ scanning-tunneling microscopy is used to create an image of an atomic surface. Students will be able to translate change in height data from the…