NT-MDT started to deliver automated scanning probe microscope for samples up to 200 mm

NT-MDT, a manufacturer of scientific equipment for nanotechnology research, has developed and already started delivering a scanning probe microscope for samples up to 200 mm and VEGA sample arrays in 2019.

About the device

The ultimate display quality of the VEGA device is ensured by the use of built-in acoustic and vibration isolation, thermal stabilization, industry-leading sensitivity of the optical registration system, and a unique probe scanning system design that enables atomic resolution to be achieved in routine measurements.

50+ AFM techniques, including HybriD, are available in the basic configuration of the instrument, enabling all state-of-the-art nanomechanical, electrical, and magnetic studies.

VEGA has a built-in ScanTronic algorithm for one-click optimization of scanning parameters, allowing for sophisticated elevation measurements using an amplitude-modulation technique, independent of operator experience.

It provides for automated inspection of multiple samples by using a simple user interface to create a point-to-point scanning script and a database for the storage of the acquired images. VEGA also controls samples up to 200×200 mm in size and 40 mm in thickness at any point on the surface with 1 µm accuracy.

The device provides for wide customization possibilities: installation of additional optical equipment, development of specialized sample holders, combination with transport system, automation of measurements and data analysis in compliance with customer requirements.

In 2019 on the scanning probe microscope VEGA produced by NT-MDT Ltd. the verification procedure № 203-46-2019 approved by FGUP VNIIMS was developed, as well as the certificate of approval of measuring instrument type № 75862, issued by the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology.

About company

NT-MDT Limited Liability Company (NT-MDT LLC), founded in 2013, is engaged in development, production and commercialization of such complex scientific equipment as scanning probe microscopes (SPM) and combined systems that integrate the capabilities of SPM methods, optical microscopy and spectroscopy methods.

NT-MDT employs 53 highly qualified specialists, including two doctors of sciences and eight candidates of sciences. Many of the company's employees are graduates of MIPT, MIET, MAI, Bauman Moscow State Technical University and other famous institutes. The company employs specialists, who have been successfully developing new models of sophisticated scientific equipment for over 30 years.

Over the past period NT-MDT received seven patents for invention (2695517, 2695027, 2616854, 2628673, 2629538, 2664783, 2698953) and developed, registered and certified the newest generation software for control of scanning probe microscopes, data processing and analysis (NOVA PX), expert system for optimization of SPM "ScanTronic" as well as the service programs: "NTEGRA Base Firmware", "PX ULTRA Firmware", "PX ULTRA Loader" (certificate numbers: 201910977, 2019614250, 2019661211, 2019661212, 2019661284).

Products:

"NT-MDT" products are well known both in Russia and worldwide under the registered trademarks "NT-MDT" and "NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments".

"Using the intelligent ScanTronic software module, all our probe microscopes running NOVA PX software acquire a new quality that significantly facilitates the use of the most common AFM technique - amplitude-modulation (semicontact). The ScanTronic module enables artifact-free images with noise reduction to a minimum in automatic mode," the company explained.

At the same time, automatic adjustment of scanning parameters and image processing is made by applying neural network ideology. Requiring minimal knowledge of sample properties, ScanTronic is useful for beginners and experienced users alike, providing high-quality reliable results

"Scanning probe microscopes and combined systems based on them developed and produced by the company are unique scientific instruments for research with nanometer resolution in micro- and nanoelectronics, in development of new polymers and composite materials, in investigation of metal properties, as well as in bionanotechnology and nanomedicine, including new methods of disease diagnostics," emphasized the company representative.

NT-MDT's main products are:

• NTEGRA universal scanning probe microscopes;
• Automated scanning probe microscopes NEXT II;
• SPM for scientific and educational tasks SOLVER NANO and NANOEDUCATOR II;
• SPM for samples up to 200 mm or VEGA arrays;
• combined SPM and Raman spectroscopy methods NTEGRA SPECTRA II;
• The combined SPM and nanoIR spectroscopy methods NTEGRA nanoIR;
• The NTEGRA MARLIN combined system for SPM, Raman spectroscopy and ionic conductive microscopy methods.

Export

NT-MDT products are in demand in more than 50 countries on all continents. Most of the supplied devices are working in Russia, USA, China as well as in Western Europe, Asia, including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, and also in Canada, Mexico, South America and Africa. Several scanning probe microscope instruments have also been installed in Australia.