Park NX10 SICM Module
The new standard for nanoscale imaging in aqueous environments
Park NX10 SICM provides
nanoscale imaging for a wide range of applications:
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Cell Biology
Cell morphology imaging, nano biopsy and injection
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Analytical Chemistry
Electrochemical reaction imaging by integration of scanning electrochemical microscopy
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Electrophysiology
Ion channel detection together with patch clamping
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Neuroscience
High resolution imaging of single neuron integrated with patch clamping
Brochures
Park SICM Technology
Incredibly Non-invasive and Easy-to-use In-liquid Imaging
Truly non-invasive in-liquid imaging with SICM
Park SICM uses nanopipettes
In Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy developed by Park Systems (Park SICM), a glass nanopipette filled with an electrolyte acts as an ion sensor that provides feedback on its location relative to a sample completely immersed in liquid. The pipette tip maintains its distance from the sample by keeping the ionic current constant. In comparison, AFM typically relies on interaction of forces between its probe tip and the sample. The pipette has an inner diameter about 100 nanometers, made of glass.
No Force, Non-Contact imaging in Liquid
Similar to Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) operating in ambient air, the Park SICM operates in liquid without making physical contact with the sample. Electrodes on either side of the sample and pipette produce ionic current that flows through the surrounding solution. A sensor measures the current flow, which decreases as the distance between the pipette and sample becomes smaller, and monitors the distance between the pipette and the sample to obtain the topology.
Our dedicated auto-imaging software makes scanning easier and more accurate
Automation for easier scanning
Streamline research and increase productivity with ARS (approach- retractscan) free from parameter controls, so you have less to worry about while scanning.
Steady pipette probe-sample distance control in nanoscale
By automatically refreshing its reference value before approaching each pixel, the stopping height of the pipette near the sample surface is not influenced by set-point drift.
Current-Distance(I-D) Spectroscopy
Acquiring Current-Distance Curve of SICM on the way of pipette approach (vertical direction movement) toward sample surface is beneficial to elucidate various biological and chemical phenomena in aqueous environment.
This beneficial application can be applied to a specific and interesting object of sample, identified with SICM’s non-invasive topography. Furthermore, utilizing ‘current-distance curve mapping’ function enables researcher examine and acquire the current-distance curve at multiple positions so that they can reach to deeper level understanding for biological and chemical reaction research.
Simple setup and operation
The SICM head can be easily added to Park NX10 platform by sliding it into a dovetail rail. This auto-engages a head connection that allows users to fully control device electronics, making setup and operation fast and simple. With the addition of two electrodes connecting to the pipette and sample buffer, researchers can generate and acquire ionic current signal through the pipette’s openings. Furthermore, a vertically aligned motorized z stage allows users to easily adjust the pipette’s height positioning.
Park NX10 SICM Module
The integration of the SICM and Park NX10 AFM system from Park Systems allows researchers to expand the depth of their research and easily perform nanoscale imaging in aqueous environments.
High speed Z-scanner with 15 μm scan range
Driven by a high-force piezoelectric stack and guided by a flexure structure, the standard Z-scanner has a high resonant frequency of more than 9 kHz.
Low noise Z position sensors
The industry leading low noise Z detector enables Park SICM to capture nanometer size feature of sample providing nano-scale precision of sample topography recording. This produces highly accurate sample topography, no edge overshoot and no need for calibration.
Low ionic current noise level of Park internal current amplifier
The internal current amplifier of the Park SICM provides the optimized current signal processing environment for accurately recording pico-ampere current signal of SICM feedback.
Intuitive Pipette Holder of SICM head with Exchange Kit
With our user interface viewpoint, Park NX10 SICM head has user-friendly and intuitive holder design. It is easy and simple to install and exchange pipette on Park SICM head without additional pipette holder. By inserting ‘exchange supporter’ to SICM head, it lifts up ‘spring-sheet pipette holder’ so that nano/micro-pipette can be inserted to holer in easy without pipette damage. This new design of pipette holding also led more clear in optical view and faster SICM imaging speed.
Faraday cage for stable SICM operation
Designed exclusively for Park NX10 SICM platform, the faraday cage effectively protects the pipette, head, and XY scanner from interference, providing a more stable scan environment. The transparent conductive mesh blocks electric fields and shields external static or non-static electromagnetic field of 50/60 Hz, while still allowing researchers to maintain a clear view of the pipette and sample.
Specifications
SICM Head with
pipette probe holder
- Includes a low-noise, high-precision ionic current amplifier
- Includes a high-force Z-scanner
- Flexure-guided structure driven by multiply-stacked piezoelectric stacks
- Z-scanner range: 15 µm
- 20-bit Z position control and 24-bit Z position sensor
- Dovetail lock head mount for easy mount/removal of the SICM head
- Automatically connects to the electronics upon mounting
Supported Modes
- SICM Standard Imaging
- DC (direct current) mode, ARS (apporach-retract-scan) mode
- SICM Ionic Current Measurement
