Peering into the Nanoscale: AFM Images Bacteria, Nanoprisms, and More

An atomic force microscope images surfaces by a tiny probe rather than light, achieving sub-nanometer detail; Ben Krasnow’s video shows the probe in action, then uses AFM to image nattō bacteria on a gelatin-coated silicon substrate to immobilize and orient them, and also captures silver nanoprisms, track-etched membranes, and laser-etched diffraction gratings, while noting ongoing work on etching methods and the existence of DIY AFMs.