A scanning probe microscope combined with a device for acting on a probe and a specimen relates to measurement technology, more specifically to devices for measuring objects by probe methods after nano-sectioning. Same can be used for studying the structures of biological and polymeric specimens under low-temperature conditions. The aim of the invention is to raise the operating efficiency of elements of the measurement unit of a scanning probe microscope which is combined with a device for acting on a probe and a specimen. The technical result of the invention consists in raising the resolution of the device and the quality of the image, as well as expanding the functional capabilities of the device by examining a broader range of specimens.

A scanning probe microscope combined with a device for acting on a probe and a specimen relates to measurement technology, more specifically to devices for measuring objects by probe methods after nano-sectioning. Same can be used for studying the structures of biological and polymeric specimens under low-temperature conditions. The aim of the invention is to raise the operating efficiency of elements of the measurement unit of a scanning probe microscope which is combined with a device for acting on a probe and a specimen. The technical result of the invention consists in raising the resolution of the device and the quality of the image, as well as expanding the functional capabilities of the device by examining a broader range of specimens.

A testing device for testing adhesion force includes a thermal insulated glove box, an atomic force microscope, a cryogenic sample stage, a high pressure gas source and a circulating chiller. The atomic force microscope includes a probe for adhering mineral particles. The cryogenic sample stage is configured for preparing gas hydrate sample. The cryogenic sample stage is arranged below the probe. The atomic force microscope and the cryogenic sample stage are placed in the thermal insulated glove box. The high pressure gas source provides pressure required for synthesis of gas hydrates, the high pressure gas source comprises a high pressure chamber covered on the cryogenic sample stage and a high pressure gas cylinder connected with the high pressure chamber. The circulating chiller, an outlet of the circulating chiller is connected with the thermal insulated glove box to control humidity and temperature inside the thermal insulated glove box.

The present inventors have recognized that more accurate measurements can be taken with less drift due to thermal expansion by precisely controlling insulated heating and cooling modules abutting one another in substantial alignment to rapidly heat a sample to be scanned by a Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) with minimal temperature variation. The heating and cooling modules can be flat-packed, with parallel surfaces of each module in contact with one another, to more efficiently heat a sample that is positioned in axial alignment with the heating and cooling modules. This can allow heating the sample to at least 250 degrees Celsius in less than 5 seconds, continuously maintaining a temperature of the sample to within 0.001 degree Celsius, and maintaining a drift of less than 0.1 nanometers per minute in the z direction.

The present inventors have recognized that more accurate measurements can be taken with less drift due to thermal expansion by precisely controlling insulated heating and cooling modules abutting one another in substantial alignment to rapidly heat a sample to be scanned by a Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) with minimal temperature variation. The heating and cooling modules can be flat-packed, with parallel surfaces of each module in contact with one another, to more efficiently heat a sample that is positioned in axial alignment with the heating and cooling modules. This can allow heating the sample to at least 250 degrees Celsius in less than 5 seconds, continuously maintaining a temperature of the sample to within 0.001 degree Celsius, and maintaining a drift of less than 0.1 nanometers per minute in the z direction.

A cryogenic cooling system can include a cooling device and a sample holder. The system can also include a first optical member having a first aperture and a first collimator, where the first collimator is positioned to collimate the light. The system can further include a second optical member having a second aperture and a second collimator where the second collimator is positioned to collimate the light, the first optical member being mounted to the cooling device and the second optical member being mounted to the sample holder. When the sample holder is mounted to the cooling device, a relative position of the first optical member and the second optical member allows the light to pass between the first and second apertures via the first collimator and second collimator separated by a physical gap to allow optical communication between the first optical member and the second optical member.

A cryogenic cooling system can include a cooling device and a sample holder. The system can also include a first optical member having a first aperture and a first collimator, where the first collimator is positioned to collimate the light. The system can further include a second optical member having a second aperture and a second collimator where the second collimator is positioned to collimate the light, the first optical member being mounted to the cooling device and the second optical member being mounted to the sample holder. When the sample holder is mounted to the cooling device, a relative position of the first optical member and the second optical member allows the light to pass between the first and second apertures via the first collimator and second collimator separated by a physical gap to allow optical communication between the first optical member and the second optical member.

An atomic-force-microscope-based apparatus and method including hardware and software, configured to collect, in a dynamic fashion, and analyze data representing mechanical properties of soft materials on a nanoscale, to map viscoelastic properties of a soft-material sample. The use of the apparatus as an addition to the existing atomic-force microscope device.

An atomic-force-microscope-based apparatus and method including hardware and software, configured to collect, in a dynamic fashion, and analyze data representing mechanical properties of soft materials on a nanoscale, to map viscoelastic properties of a soft-material sample. The use of the apparatus as an addition to the existing atomic-force microscope device.

A microscopy sample stage includes a microscope carrier platform, a heating conductor mounting on the microscope carrier platform, and a pressure cover covering the sample groove for providing high pressure for the sample groove. The heating conductor includes a sample groove. The microscopy sample stage further includes a temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the sample groove, a heating resistance for heating the sample groove and a pipeline for transmitting refrigeration medium, the temperature sensor and the heating resistance are mounted on a bottom surface of the sample groove, and the pipeline is arranged inside the heat conductor surrounding the sample groove.