Asylum Research
Asylum Research is the technology leader for atomic force and scanning probe microscopy (AFM/SPM) for both materials and bioscience applications.  Asylum’s product line offers advanced imaging and measurement capabilities for a wide range of samples, including Dual AC™ mode, iDrive, Q-control, electrical characterization (CAFM, KFM, EFM), high voltage piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), magnetic force microscopy (MFM) with our unique variable field module,  nanoindenting for true quantitative measurements, and a wide range of environmental accessories and application-ready modules. The MFP-3D is the first AFM with true independent piezo positioning in all three axes, combined with low noise closed-loop feedback sensor technology. The MFP-3D offers both top and bottom sample viewing for easy integration with most commercially-available inverted optical microscopes. 

Asylum’s new Cypher AFM is the world’s first completely new small sample AFM/SPM in over a decade, and sets the new standard as the world’s highest resolution AFM.  Cypher provides low-drift closed loop atomic resolution for the most accurate images and measurements possible today, rapid AC imaging with small cantilevers, Spot-On™ automated laser alignment for easy setup, integrated thermal, acoustic and vibration control, and broad support for all major AFM/SPM scanning modes and capabilities.   Ask us about our legendary product and applications support and our exclusive 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee. Contact Terry Mehr, Director of Marketing Communications, Asylum Research, 6310 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, 805-696-6466x224, or Monte Heaton, Exec. VP of Marketing and Business Development, www.AsylumResearch.com, for additional information.

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Asylum Research Introduces Cypher™ AFM, the Industry's First New Small Sample AFM/SPM in Over a Decade

Santa Barbara, CA, Oct. 29, 2008 – Asylum Research, the technology leader in Atomic Force/Scanning Probe Microscopy (AFM/SPM), announced today that it is introducing the Cypher AFM, the industry’s first completely new small sample AFM/SPM in over a decade.  Cypher is the world’s highest resolution AFM, providing more capability, more control, and more modularity with unprecedented ease of use.  The Cypher AFM achieves closed loop atomic resolution using sensors in all three axes, combining the accuracy and control of closed loop with the power of atomic resolution for the most accurate images and measurements possible today.  Additional capabilities include SpotOn™ automated laser alignment with a mouse-click, interchangeable light source modules that allow laser spot sizes down to 3um for broad application and scan mode flexibility, and support for high-speed AC imaging with cantilevers smaller than 10um.  The system includes an integrated enclosure which provides acoustic and vibration isolation, as well as excellent thermal control for image and measurement stability.  The Cypher AFM will be introduced at MRS in Boston, December 2-4, and at other events worldwide.

“The new Cypher AFM is the result of years of engineering effort and sets the AFM/SPM bar to a new and much higher level.  The entire system was designed from the ground up to provide superior capabilities and to generate the most accurate images and measurements possible.  We believe the new Cypher system outclasses anything else on the market today and will help our customers generate new discoveries in the nano-scale materials and biological sciences,” stated Mario Viani PhD, Cypher Product Manager. 

Added Asylum President, Roger Proksch, “The AFM/SPM community has been waiting a long time for a next-generation system that goes beyond tweaks and add-ons to old technology.  We’ve listened carefully to our customers and believe that the Cypher AFM meets or exceeds their requirements for today and has the modularity and expandability to support their future needs as well.  Asylum’s legendary support and applications team will continue to listen so that we can maintain our technology leadership into the future.”

Additional information can be found at CypherAFM.com.

Asylum Research Sponsors AFM for Biosciences Events

Santa Barbara, CA, Oct. 13, 2008 –In its continuing efforts to expand the usage and understanding of Atomic Force/Scanning Probe Microscopy (AFM/SPM) in the biological sciences, Asylum Research is sponsoring four events in the coming months. The events include:

• AFM of Biological Interfaces Workshop, Nancy University, Nancy, France, October 23-24, 2008. The workshop is sponsored by the University, LCPME, Asylum Research, and Atomic Force F&E and will bring together all levels of AFM/SPM users in the biosciences, as well as those new to and interested in the field. The Forum will combine talks from leading researchers as well as instructional sessions using Asylum Research’s MFP-3D™ AFM. The event is open to all researchers in the AFM field. Registration is now open at http://www.atomicforce.de/Workshops.php.
  
  
• Asylum Research AFM in Biology Class and Workshop November 5-7. 2008. This event is specifically designed to teach aspects of AFM as applied to the biosciences and is open to all users of AFM instrumentation. Hands-on training is provided on the Asylum MFP-3D system. Topics include force measurements and imaging of DNA, proteins, lipids, and live cells. A limited number of spaces are still available for the class. Additional information can be found at www.asylumresearch.com.
  
  
• The AFM Forum at University College Dublin November 20-21, 2008 includes lectures and equipment workshop sessions that will focus on life science applications. The Forum is organized for scientists to share and exchange their cutting-edge research being. The instrument workshops are designed so attendees can “ask an expert” and receive tips and tricks while receiving instruction on the AFM. Additional information can be found at www.asylumresearch.com/Forum.
  
  
• Asylum Research Cell Biology Tutorial, December 15, San Francisco CA. This tutorial will be presented at the Cell Biology Conference and Exhibition on December 15 in San Francisco. Current research efforts will be presented on cell morphology, mechanics, and dynamics. This workshop is available to all attendees of the Conference and no registration is required.
  

Asylum Research Presents NanoIndenter Workshop at AVS Show

Santa Barbara, CA, Oct. 12, 2008 –Asylum Research announced that it will present a session on its MFP NanoIndenter System at the AVS Conference and Exhibition in Boston, MA on October 21 at 12:20 in the Exhibitor Workshop area of the main exhibit hall.  Asylum Application Scientist, Keith Jones, will present “Combining AFM and Instrumented Nanoindentation for Mechanical Characterization of Materials at the Nanoscale.”  Unlike other cantilever-based indenting systems, the Asylum NanoIndenter drives the indenting tip perpendicular to the sample under study and provides true quantitative measurements. Because the depth and force are computed based on displacements measured with AFM sensors, the NanoIndenter delivers unprecedented resolution.  The NanoIndenter is also the only commercially-available instrumented system that allows high-voltage piezoresponse microscopy measurements (PFM).  The NanoIndenter can also operate under fluid and at temperatures up to 300C.  Mr. Jones will discuss the NanoIndenter’s technology, capabilities, and operation, including current application examples.

This free 20-minute workshop/presentation is available to all attendees of the Conference and no registration is required.

Asylum Research Appoints Monteith Heaton as Executive Vice-President

Santa Barbara, CA, September 25, 2008 – Small-tech veteran Monteith G. Heaton has recently joined Asylum Research as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Asylum’s line of atomic force and scanning probe microscopes (AFM/SPM). Mr. Heaton joins Asylum with over 25 years of marketing, sales, business, and technical management experience, most recently as VP Sales and Marketing for Innovative Micro Technology (IMT), where he was instrumental in building IMT into one of the world’s leading MEMS foundries. During most of the 1990’s, Mr. Heaton led marketing for Digital Instruments where he built DI into one of the most recognized and respected scientific instrument brands of that era.

“Monte’s long experience in AFM and SPM and his breadth of leadership in business development, strategic marketing, sales and communications for high technology products will be a major asset to Asylum as we navigate this high-growth period for our company” commented Dr. Jason Cleveland, Asylum’s CEO.

Added Mr. Heaton, “I’m excited to join Asylum Research, a stable and growing company in the nanotech field. Asylum’s people and products are widely recognized as the technological leaders in AFM/SPM. And, of course, Asylum’s focus on product and applications support is legendary in an industry where this is often not the case. I look forward to helping to grow Asylum to an even stronger market leadership position.”

Mr. Heaton has also held senior management positions with Interstate Electronics, Dynamic Solutions, Millipore, Waters Chromatography and Veeco. Mr. Heaton holds a BS in Chemistry and an MS in Marine Chemistry and Environmental Science at the State University of New York/Stony Brook University.

Asylum Research Settles Patent Dispute with Veeco

August 11, 2008 (Santa Barbara, CA) Asylum Research Corporation, an employee-owned, premier manufacturer of atomic force microscopes, announced today that the patent litigation between it and Veeco Instruments Inc. (Nasdaq: VECO) which started in September 2003 has been settled.

Under the terms of the settlement, Asylum and Veeco have agreed to drop all pending claims against each other and agreed to a five year, worldwide cross license of each other's patents and a mutual covenant not to sue on patents either party has a right to assert. Asylum will pay an initial license fee to Veeco plus an ongoing royalty for the five-year term of the cross license. As part of the settlement, Asylum acknowledged the validity of the Veeco patents asserted in the case. Other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Jason Cleveland, CEO of Asylum, said "We are pleased that this litigation is in our past and that we can now move forward. Asylum spends a significant percentage of our revenues on research and development and that is reflected in our fast growing patent portfolio. The cross-licensing of portfolios will allow both us and Veeco to bring better products to market which is good news for customers."

Roger Proksch, President of Asylum added "The nanotechnology market values innovation. Everyone in the field will welcome the end to this struggle because it allows us to return to doing what we do best-making great AFMS and supporting our loyal customers."

Asylum Research was represented in the litigation by John Thornburgh, Seth Sproul, John M. Farrell, John Gartman, Linda Gunderson and Justin Barnes of the international law firm of Fish & Richardson PC.

Asylum Research manufactures AFMs for nanoscale science and technology. For additional information, please contact Terry Mehr, Director of Marketing, Asylum Research, 6310 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, 805-696-6466, terry@AsylumResearch.com, www.AsylumResearch.com.

AFM Workshop Oct. 23-24 at Nancy Université
Focuses on Current Research in Biological Interfaces

Aug. 13, 2008 (Santa Barbara, CA) Asylum Research, Nancy-Université/CNRS, and Atomic Force F&E, announce the AFM Workshop “Biological Interfaces: From the Model Membrane to Microbial Cells” to be held at the Nancy-Université, France, Oct. 23-24, 2008. World-renowned AFM scientists will be speaking about their current work and trends in biological applications using AFM. The workshop will consist of invited and submitted talks, a poster session, and instrument education sessions. The workshop is open to all AFM researchers in the field.

“This conference will bring together many of the top AFM scientists that are doing research in life sciences,” said Dr. Fabien Gaboriaud, CNRS researcher at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Microbiology for the Environment (LCPME). “The instrument education sessions conducted by Asylum Research and Atomic Force F&E will also give scientists a tremendous opportunity to learn about important new techniques that they can use in their research.”

“LCPME is doing cutting-edge research in the field of probing the physico-chemical determinants of microbial interactions in biofilms and we are pleased to be teaming with them for the workshop. The meeting will also be useful for biological scientists looking to use AFM for a new research tool,” said Dr. Irène Revenko, applications scientist at Asylum Research.

The event is co-sponsored by Nancy-Université and the CNRS, Atomic Force F&E, and Asylum Research. Instrument sessions will be conducted on the Asylum Research MFP-3D™AFM. Registration is limited. Conference details and registration can be found on the official conference site at www.atomicforce.de/Workshops.php.

About Asylum Research
Asylum Research manufactures advanced scientific instrumentation, including AFMs/ Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPMs), for nanoscale science and technology. An AFM/SPM is one of the premier instruments used for imaging surfaces and assessing surface properties at the nanometer level. For additional information, please contact Terry Mehr, Director of Marketing, Asylum Research, 6310 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93117, 805-696-6466, terry@AsylumResearch.com, www.AsylumResearch.com.

About the LCPME at Nancy Université
The LCPME gathers specialists from different fields (physical chemistry, electrochemistry, microbiology) which aim to study stability of chemical and biological particles in the environment under three different research areas: i) structure and reactivity at the water-material interfaces, ii) adhesion-aggregation of micro-organisms, iii) process monitoring. For additional information, please contact Fabien Gaboriaud, LCPME, Nancy University, CNRS, 405 rue de Vandoeuvre-54600, Villers-lès-Nancy, FRANCE, phn-33 3 83 68 52 39, gaboriaud@lcpme.cnrs-nancy.fr, http://lcpe.cnrs-nancy.fr/Gabo.htm.

About Atomic Force F&E
Atomic Force F&E GmbH was founded in 1998 to distribute highly sophisticated surface investigation techniques and instruments. Atomic Force currently distributes a variety of metrology tools as well as AFM cantilevers from their two locations in Mannheim and Munich, Germany. For additional information, contact Ludger Weisser, Atomic Force F&E, Hauptstrasse 161, DE-68259 Mannheim, 49-621-762117-0, weisser@atomicforce.de, www.atomicforce.info

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Asylum Research Receive R&D 100 Award for New Band Excitation SPM Technology

July 9, 2008 (Santa Barbara, CA) Often referred to as the “Oscars of Invention,” Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Asylum Research have just received the prestigious 2008 R&D 100 award for the development of Band Excitation (BE), a new breakthrough scanning probe microscopy (SPM) technology. Band excitation allows more rapid probing of energy dissipation at the nanoscale than previously possible, enabling scientists to characterize a sample’s electrical, magnetic, and mechanical energy conversion and dissipation properties at standard imaging rates.

“We’re extremely excited to have won this prestigious award,” said Roger Proksch, president of Asylum Research. "Our collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has put forth many new cutting-edge developments in the field of SPM within the past year, including the Piezo Force Module (PFM) and Switching Spectroscopy PFM. Band excitation method presents a fundamentally new method for data acquisition and processing in SPM. Asylum Research and our collaborators continue to lead the industry with technical innovation as confirmed by this award.”

“We believe Band Excitation will be the harbinger of a new family of SPMs,” said Dr. Sergei Kalinin, co-inventor and researcher at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at ORNL.  “This method provides an alternative to well-known lock-in-based detection methods, and can revolutionize this field by providing the potential for quantitative and artifact-free dissipation imaging. We are looking forward to developing new applications for BE through our partnership with Asylum Research.”

"This award acknowledges the important step forward that this technique represents and signals where the field of microscopy can and will go in the near future," noted Dr. Stephen Jesse, another co-inventor from the CNMS. "The speed and flexibility of the latest generation of Asylum SPM controllers permit the fine tuning and fast acquisition of data streams needed to take us from mere imaging to an arena of information-rich insight into cantilever-surface interactions and material functionality."

BE technology has been licensed to Asylum Research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  Using a BE controller and software, BE extends the capabilities of the MFP-3D™ Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to map local energy dissipation through the determination of the Q-factor and the full transfer function of the cantilever-sample system.

The applicability of SPM for mapping energy transformations and dissipation has previously been limited by the fundamental operation mechanism employed in nearly all conventional SPMs based on excitation and detection by a cantilever to the sample at one or two excitation frequencies. At the same time, energy dissipation detection requires measuring the width of the resonant peak of the cantilever, or Q-factor. The continuous sweep of excitation frequencies results in extremely large data acquisition times which are incompatible with imaging.  BE overcomes this limitation by exciting and detecting the response at all frequencies simultaneously. In BE, a conventional sine wave is substituted by a synthesized digital signal that spans a continuous band of frequencies and monitors the response within the same frequency band. This allows ~100x improvement in data acquisition speed compared to currently available commercial technologies without decreasing the signal to noise ratio. A full response spectrum can then be collected in the amount of time required for obtaining a single pixel in standard SPM.

BE will be an important technology in understanding energy dissipation in a diverse range of technologies such as electronics, information technology, and energy storage and transport, and more.  Band Excitation is currently available for use with the Asylum Research Piezo Force Module for the MFP-3D AFM that allows high voltage, cross-talk free piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), and is planned to be incorporated as an integral part of next-generation Asylum Research controllers for topographic, magnetic, electrical, and other SPM imaging modalities.

About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a multi-program science and technology laboratory managed for the U.S. Department of Energy by UT-Battelle, LLC, and is located in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a collaborative nanoscience user research facility for the synthesis, characterization, theory/ modeling/ simulation, and design of nanoscale materials. Access to the user program is described at www.cnms.ornl.gov.

Procter and Gamble Select Asylum Research AFM for Consumer Product Research

June 18, 2008 (Santa Barbara, CA) Asylum Research, a manufacturer of advanced atomic force microscopes (AFMs), has announced that Procter and Gamble (NYSE: PG) has recently purchased the MFP-3D™ AFM for use in their Surface Science Laboratory in Cincinnati, OH. The MFP-3D will be used for R&D on a wide variety of materials used in its consumer products.

“We are extremely excited that the MFP-3D will be advancing research on consumer products that all of us use on an every day basis,” said John Green, Vice President of Asylum Research. “The Procter and Gamble name is synonymous with so many household products, from dish detergent to hair care items. There is a tremendous amount of science behind product development and we’re pleased to be part of that team that will advance these products.”

The MFP-3D, outfitted with instrumented nanoindenting capabilities, will be used for a variety of applications to understand product characteristics consumers find relevant at the macro scale, but measurable at the micro-scale. “The MFP-3D offers the most advanced and comprehensive system for our numerous applications,” said Michael Mootz, AFM Leader and Principal Researcher within the P&G Surface Science Laboratory. “We simply could not perform all the experiments we are doing with any other instrument. And with the excellent support team at Asylum, we have a partner that we know will answer questions at a moment’s notice.”

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Folgers®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Actonel®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, and Braun®. The P&G community consists of 138,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide.

Asylum Research Atomic Force Microscope Featured in CSI: Miami Episode

May 1, 2008 (Santa Barbara, CA) Aside from performing cutting edge research in nanotechnology, the Asylum Research MFP-3D AFM will be in the spotlight on the CBS hit television show CSI: Miami. The AFM will be featured in the episode 619 “Rock and a Hard Place” scheduled to air May 5, 2008.

“I was really surprised when CSI: Miami producers called me to use our MFP-3D AFM,” said Terry Mehr, Director of Marketing. “Only days earlier, I had received an email from our VP of Asia Pacific telling me about a customer that was interested in doing forensics on our AFM and how great it would be to have our AFM on CSI. Then lo and behold, I get a call from the producers asking to use the equipment. It’s exciting to have our AFM featured in the episode.”

While details of the CSI: Miami episode cannot be revealed, the MFP-3D AFM will be used as the forensic instrument of choice to procure information about a sample.

Watch the episode.

New ARgyle Light ™ Software Application for Advanced 3D Rendering of Asylum Research AFM Images

March 31, 2008 (Santa Barbara, CA) Asylum Research, a manufacturer of advanced atomic force microscopes (AFMs), announces ARgyle Light, a stand alone software application that allows advanced 3D rendering and data channel overlay in an easy-to-use interface. The application also allows users to easily share their image files outside the instrument’s IGOR Pro native operating environment. The application is exclusively for use with the MFP-3D™ AFM.

“This stand alone application is an ideal tool for three dimensional rendering outside our normal instrument software,” said Bruce Wallace, developer of ARgyle Light. “ARgyle Light has all the advanced rendering capabilities found in the MFP-3D instrument software in an easy-to-use application. This tool allows images in our native file format to be shared amongst the scientific community for those that do not have access to the full installation of the instrument software. ”

ARgyle Light is an OpenGL® application that easily installs on any Windows® 2000/XP/Vista-based computer. Once installed, users can open any Asylum Research data file that was created within the MFP-3D IGOR Pro environment. ARgyle Light will import all the channel data and parameters for offline image rendering and exporting. It has the same powerful rendering tools found in the native software for creating stunning AFM images with controls for scaling, viewing and lighting.

The unique data channel overlay feature allows image data such as phase, amplitude or other channels to be overlaid on a second channel, such as the height, for data correlation. Viewing features include zoom capabilities, rotation, pitch and panning. Scaling of data for the Z axis includes range, offset and aspect ratio adjustment. Lighting and color capabilities provide spot lights, specular lighting controls, and all the color palettes that are available in the native version.

In addition, image acquisition information can be viewed in a dialog box that lists all relevant scanning parameters. Stereo anaglyph support is provided to give the image depth projection for viewing with red/cyan 3D glasses. Images can be saved and exported in a variety of common graphic file formats such as TIFF, JPEG, PNG, or BMP. Specific channel data can also be exported in raw ASCII text for analysis in other third party software packages.

ARgyle Light and MFP-3D are trademarks of Asylum Research. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. OpenGL is a registered trademark of SGI.

Asylum Research Offers AFM in Biology Class April 30 to May 2, 2008

March 12, 2008 (Santa Barbara, CA) Asylum Research, a manufacturer of advanced atomic force microscopes (AFMs), announces its AFM in Biology Class which will be held April 30 to May 2, 2008 in Santa Barbara, California. The class is open to all Atomic Force Microscopy users that want to increase their knowledge of AFM in biology and life sciences.

“We cover all the essential AFM topics that biologists need and want to learn about – from sample preparation to advanced imaging and force measurements,” said Dr. Irène Revenko, Applications Scientist and class director. “With our extensive hands-on sessions, biologists get a better understanding of operating the AFM. The class is fun, with a good mix of lecture and equipment time.”

“This is one of the best AFM classes of its genre,” commented Dr. Bernard Lim, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic. “There is almost a one to one ratio of instructor to student and one of the best features is the ample hands-on experience. Real experiments based on the problems participants brought to the course were conducted – very well organized.”

The three day course, now in its eighth session, is held twice a year. Topics include force measurements, and imaging DNA, proteins, lipids and live cells. The Asylum Research MFP-3D AFM is used exclusively for the hands-on sessions. Class size is limited. A PDF of the registration form can be downloaded from the Asylum Research web site.

Asylum Research Appoints New Managing Director for UK Office

February 5, 2008 (Santa Barbara, CA) Asylum Research, a manufacturer of advanced atomic force microscopes (AFMs), has appointed Dr. Chris Mulcahy as Managing Director for Asylum Research UK.

“We are very excited about adding Chris to our UK team”, said John Green, Vice President of Sales. “His extensive background in materials research and analysis will be a great asset to Asylum.”

Dr. Mulcahy commented, “I am looking forward to working with some of the leading researchers in the AFM field. Asylum Research’s reputation as the technical leader in AFM innovation is unsurpassed and I’m very excited about joining the Asylum team.”

Dr. Mulcahy received his PhD in surface physical chemistry from Imperial College London. He carried out post doctoral research in the field of organic molecular thin film growth. Prior to joining Asylum Research,

Dr. Mulcahy held the position of Director of Sales and Marketing for Quantum Focus Instruments. Asylum Research UK distributes and supports AFMs and accessories manufactured by Asylum Research. Asylum Research UK is located in the Oxford Center for Innovation, Oxford.

Asylum Research manufactures AFMs/ Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPM), for nanoscale science and technology. For additional information, please contact Terry Mehr, Director of Marketing, Asylum Research, 6310 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93117, 805-696-6466, terry@AsylumResearch.com, www.AsylumResearch.com. In the UK, contact Dr. Chris Mulcahy, Asylum Research UK, Oxford Center for Innovation, Mill Street, Oxford, OX2 0JX UK, phone 44 01865 812075, chris@asylumresearch.co.uk.