Overview
Agilent’s 5500/5100 inverted light micro-
scope (ILM) system combines the power
of a high-resolution atomic force micro-
scope (AFM) with the direct optical view-
ing capability of an inverted optical micro-
scope .(Figure 1) The Agilent ILM offers
unparalleled performance and ease of use
for imaging in ? uids. It extends AFM utility
in order to encompass studies of single
molecules, polymers, cell membranes,
whole cells, and much more. Atomic force
and optical (or ? uorescence) microscopy
data can be obtained simultaneously with
the Agilent ILM (Figure 2).
The ILM’s patented mounting design in-
corporates a rigid structure that provides
the low noise ? oor needed to obtain sub-
nanometer resolution. Furthermore, the
advanced design allows the AFM to sit on
top of an inverted microscope and under
the illumination pillar, resulting in better
optical contrast for the images (Figure 3).
Agilent’s QuickSlide sample-loading
mechanism and a ? exible sample-han-
dling plate make sample preparation
easy. The microscope is positioned on the
QuickSlide assembly, allowing the user to
change samples and/or solutions without
affecting the alignment of the AFM or the
optical microscope (Figure 4).