Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
M. Labardi, S. Capaccioli
Summary: Surface displacements of picometers in piezoelectric materials after applying an electric potential can be detected and mapped with nanometer-scale lateral resolution using scanning probe methods, mainly piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). However, absolute determination of these displacements is hindered by mechanical and electrostatic side-effects, requiring complex experimental or post-processing procedures for reliable results. Using quartz tuning-fork force sensors in intermittent contact mode PFM can provide measurements of electrically-induced surface displacements unaffected by electrostatic side-effects typical in conventional cantilever-based PFM.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rui Lin, Jianqiang Qian, Yingzi Li, Peng Cheng, Cheng Wang, Lei Li, Xiaodong Gao, Wendong Sun
Summary: Quartz tuning forks (QTFs) are used as probes for atomic force microscopes (AFMs) and can provide nano-scale resolution of sample images. This paper presents a model that combines the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the first two symmetric eigenmodes of a QTF. The model is validated through theoretical derivation, finite element analysis, and experimental tests, and it accurately describes the dynamic properties of a QTF in the first two symmetric eigenmodes.
Article
Spectroscopy
Linguang Xu, Jingsong Li, Ningwu Liu, Sheng Zhou
Summary: A compact gas sensing system based on QCTF and 2f/1f-WMS technique was developed, showing better immunity and real-time monitoring capability for ambient water vapor. The technique demonstrated improved long-term stability and strong anti-interference ability, making it suitable for practical field applications, especially in harsh environments.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junsuke Yamanishi, Yan Jun Li, Yoshitaka Naitoh, Yasuhiro Sugawara
Summary: This review introduces the operating principle and applications of photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM), including the gradient force, scattering force, and methods to eliminate photothermal effects. Two PiFM operating modes, in air based on the tapping mode and in vacuum based on the frequency modulation (FM) mode, are discussed along with the measurement results of SiNc clusters and semiconductor quantum dots.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C-PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Chen, Seong H. Kim
Summary: It has been discovered that nanoscale super-lubricity between amorphous silica tip and graphite basal plane can be tuned by physisorbing various molecules. This finding enables on-demand control of friction.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yongzhen Luo, Xidong Ding, Tianci Chen, Tao Su, Dihu Chen
Summary: This paper introduces a low-cost, expansible, and compatible measurement and control system for atomic force microscopes (AFM) based on a quartz tuning fork (QTF) self-sensing probe and frequency modulation. It consists of an embedded control system and a probe system. The system hardware includes a high-precision and low-noise digital-analog hybrid lock-in amplifier (LIA) to detect and track the frequency and phase of the QTF probe response signal. The system software implements a software difference frequency detection method based on a digital signal processor (DSP) to detect frequency change with a relative measurement error of less than 3%. A self-sensing probe controller is designed for a homemade balanced QTF self-sensing probe to achieve high-quality AFM topography imaging in an atmospheric environment.
Article
Acoustics
Yufei Ma, Yinqiu Hu, Shunda Qiao, Ziting Lang, Xiaonan Liu, Ying He, Vincenzo Spagnolo
Summary: This paper reports on the performance of quartz tuning fork (QTF) based laser spectroscopy sensing using multiple QTFs. Two resonance frequency matching methods are proposed to avoid degradation of sensor performance. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Roman Rousseau, Diba Ayache, Wioletta Trzpil, Michael Bahriz, Aurore Vicet
Summary: The RT-QEPAS technique corrects signal drift by continuously measuring QTF resonance, providing stable performance for gas sensors. This article presents an improvement of RT-QEPAS by adding a passive electronic circuit to speed up QTF characterization time, optimizing the damping circuit for a 70 times improvement in relaxation times. These results pave the way for a fast and drift-free QEPAS sensor.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qibin Zeng, Qicheng Huang, Hongli Wang, Caiwen Li, Zhen Fan, Deyang Chen, Yuan Cheng, Kaiyang Zeng
Summary: The study introduces a high-resolution non-contact measurement technique, NC-HEsFM, for nanoscale ferroelectric characterization, offering better performance compared to traditional PFM. By utilizing a QTF sensor, multi-frequency operation, and heterodyne detection schemes, NC-HEsFM achieves true non-contact yet non-destructive ferroelectric characterization, while providing ideal conditions for investigating ferroelectric phenomena.
Article
Cell Biology
Eleni Priglinger, Juergen Strasser, Boris Buchroithner, Florian Weber, Susanne Wolbank, Daniela Auer, Eva Grasmann, Claudia Arzt, Dmitry Sivun, Johannes Grillari, Jaroslaw Jacak, Johannes Preiner, Mario Gimona
Summary: Interest in using mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) as therapeutic agents has grown in the past decade. This study established and verified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as a highly sensitive label-free immunosensing technique for characterizing clinically approved umbilical cord MSC-EVs. By using QCM along with common characterization methods, specific detection of EVs via EV and MSC markers was achieved, allowing for quantitative determination of the ratio of marker-specific EVs versus non-vesicular particles.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Devin T. Edwards, Marc-Andre Leblanc, Thomas T. Perkins
Summary: Single-molecule force spectroscopy was used to study protein folding dynamics, revealing intrinsic changes in protein folding dynamics and transition state height under different pH conditions. Despite differences in destabilization mechanisms, constant-force landscapes showed minimal differences in transition state height, while force-dependent rates increased as pH decreased. This study provides insights for future AFM-based studies of mechanoresponsive proteins.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Cunguang Lou, Xu Yang, Xitong Li, Hongjia Chen, Chao Chang, Xiuling Liu
Summary: A novel, highly sensitive gas sensing system utilizing a graphene-coated quartz tuning fork (QTF) and light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy (LITES) has been developed. When CO2 is selected as the target analyte, the optimized coating thickness on the commercially available QTF shows improved performance in gas detection compared to traditional bare QTF methods.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jenny Fjodorova, Robin Held, Gerd Hublik, Jorge M. Esteban Vazquez, Volker Walhorn, Thomas Hellweg, Dario Anselmetti
Summary: Xanthan gum''s thickening properties are correlated with the formation of secondary structures and the coordination of ions on the polymer side chain. Modifying the secondary structures can alter its thickening properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Umit Celik, Kuebra Celik, Ihsan Kehribar, Suleyman Celik, Mehmet Z. Baykara
Summary: Forming a fundamental understanding of tribological processes on the atomic scale has the potential to revolutionize the control of friction and wear in macroscopic mechanical systems. However, current methods for studying tribology at the nanoscale, such as atomic force microscopy, are limited in scanning speed compared to macroscopic mechanical processes. In this study, a new method combining atomic force microscopy with quartz crystal microbalance measurements is proposed for high-speed nanoscale tribology.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Telmo O. Paiva, Albertus Viljoen, Yves F. Dufrene
Summary: Advancements in atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques and methodologies in microbiology have enhanced our understanding of microbial cell surfaces. Recent studies have shown that AFM imaging of cells and membranes at or near molecular resolution enables detailed visualization of membrane-drug interactions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
