Injection-moulded scanning force microscopy probes

This paper presents the first production and demonstration of thermoplastic scanning force microscopy cantilevers with integrated tips fabricated via injection moulding. Their imaging resolution, clarity, and accuracy are equal to conventional silicon-type parts. The tips exhibit acceptable wear and are ready for use upon removal from the injection mould. This work shows the ability to economically mass-produce SFM probes with arbitrary shapes and features, as well as tailorable physical and chemical properties, which until now were limited by the properties of silicon and integrated-circuit processing technology used to make current commercial SFM probes.