Measuring Boltzmann’s constant with a low-cost atomic force microscope: An 
undergraduate experiment.

Shusteff, M.; Burg, T. P.; Manalis, S. R.

doi:10.1119/1.2335475

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Measuring Boltzmann’s constant with a low-cost atomic force microscope: An undergraduate experiment.

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Burg, T. P.
Research Group of Biological Micro- and Nanotechnology, MPI for biophysical chemistry, Max Planck Society;

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Citation

Shusteff, M., Burg, T. P., & Manalis, S. R. (2006). Measuring Boltzmann’s constant with a low-cost atomic force microscope: An undergraduate experiment. American Journal of Physics, 74(10), 873-879. doi:10.1119/1.2335475.

Cite as: https://hdl.handle.net/11858/00-001M-0000-0014-9C9A-A

Abstract

We discuss a low-cost atomic force microscope that we have designed and built for use in an undergraduate teaching laboratory. This microscope gives students hands-on access to nano-Newton force measurements and subangstrom position measurements. The apparatus relies mainly on off-the-shelf components and utilizes an interferometric position sensor known as the interdigitated (ID) cantilever to obtain high resolution. The mechanical properties of the ID readout enable a robust and open design that makes it possible for students to directly control it. Its pedagogical advantage is that students interact with a complete instrument system and learn measurement principles in context. One undergraduate experiment enabled by this apparatus is a measurement of Boltzmann’s constant, which is done by recording the thermal noise power spectrum of a microfabricated cantilever beam. In addition to gaining an appreciation of the lower limits of position and force measurements, students learn to apply numerous concepts such as digital sampling, Fourier-domain analysis, noise sources, and error propagation.