For many outsiders, the nano world is fascinating but often difficult to understand. How can such sophisticated research be made accessible to interested parties, school pupils, or students?
We have found a creative answer to this question: a functional atomic force microscope (AFM) built from standard building blocks! In research, atomic force microscopy allows us to “touch” surfaces down to the atomic scale. With our hands-on AFM, we make this method tangible in the truest sense of the word. Combined with just some electronics, you can scan the block-world and “microscope” samples you have built yourself. This makes the model ideal for demonstrations in teaching, as an eye-catcher at exhibitions, or simply for amazement and experimentation at public events.