Multi-sensorial interaction with a nano-scale phenomenon : the force curve

Using Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) to manipulate nanoobjects is an actual challenge for surface scientists. Basic haptic interfaces between the AFM and experimentalists have already been implemented. The multi-sensory renderings (seeing, hearing and feeling) studied from a cognitive point of view increase the efficiency of the actual interfaces. To allow the experimentalist to feel and touch the nano-world, we add mixed realities between an AFM and a force feedback device, enriching thus the direct connection by a modeling engine. We present in this paper the first results from a real-time remote-control handling of an AFM by our Force Feedback Gestural Device through the example of the approach-retract curve.