In this review, advances in scanning probe microscopy (SPM) from the last two decades are presented. Progress analyzing C60 molecules is described as an example of molecular imaging quality improvement for each decade. Innovations and progress SPM techniques then outlined, especially atomic force operating ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) or aqueous environments, widely spread low-temperature and/or high...

The spontaneous formation of domains of commensurate vortex patterns near rational fractional matching fields of a periodic pinning array has been investigated with high resolution scanning Hall probe microscopy. We show that domain formation is promoted due to the efficient incorporation of mismatched excess vortices and vacancies at the corners of domain walls, which outweighs the energetic c...

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is emerging as an important alternative to electron microscopy as a technique for analyzing submicron details on biological surfaces. Microbiological specimens such as viruses, bacteriophages, and ordered bacterial surface layers and membranes have played an important role in the development of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM...

Today’s research laboratory is required to solve difficult problems that span multiple disciplines. Advanced techniques are required to answer pressing questions related to adhesion, bonding, contamination and surface cleanliness, corrosion, surface morphology, surface roughness, surface topography, failure analysis, process monitoring, surface chemistry, biological characterization, local surf...