Atomic force microscope
= Atomic force microscope
An atomic force microscope measures interactions through the deflection or dynamics of a calibrated compliant cantilever. In a static force curve, calibrated deflection $d$ and spring constant $k_c$ give $F=k_cd$; converting stage position to a surface gap also requires the bending correction and a contact reference. The <colloidal probe technique> replaces a sharp probe with a sphere of controlled radius.