Displacement sensor provides ultra-high resolution for nano-positioning units

A supplier of nano-positioning systems for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is using non-contact capacitive displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon to measure the travel distance of test items down to nanometre resolution. The sensors also have to operate in extreme conditions, with ambient temperatures of -270 degrees Centigrade and in an ultra-high vacuum.

Based in Munich, attocube systems AG specialises in the development, manufacture and distribution of innovative nano-positioning systems. Founded in 2001, the company is a spin-off from the CeNS Munich (Center for NanoScience) in Germany. The company’s core competence is in ultra-high precision spatial positioning of objects – a prerequisite for most nanotechnology applications. attocube’s unique technology enables the positioning and scanning of objects with atomic resolution, but with travel distances in the centimetre range.

attocube has developed systems for a variety of extreme environments, including UHV applications, low temperatures and high magnetic fields. These systems have enabled pioneering investigations in science and industry, opening up new markets in semiconductors, biotechnology, material science, medicine, chemistry and aerospace.