The QPlus Machine
An ultrahigh-vacuum low-temperature STM/AFM uses the so-called qPlus sensor for nc-AFM (non-contact atomic force microscopy). It consists of a tiny quartz tuning fork with an even tinier tip glued to the end of one of its prongs.
The machine is situated on the 5th floor in a noisy city environment, thus it needs an excellent vibration isolation system: We have suspended the one-metric-ton machine from the ceiling on 36 bungee cords! This design also features accurate leveling and has been patented. For more information, see the Youtube video.
We have also added an improved preamplifier (design by Giessibl's group). Now the machine delivers excellent results.