Correlative atomic force,

Raman and light microscope

At the research centre for microtechnology at the FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, the existing Raman microscope is being upgraded to a correlative atomic force (AFM), Raman and light microscope. This will provide a significant improvement in the field of materials analysis at the FHV: The AFM module will allow us to determine surface topologies and roughnesses in a range of 100 µm with an accuracy of 1 nm.

The extension of the Raman modality allows us to bypass autofluorescence, among other things, and thus significantly expand the range of applications. Combining these modalities into one system allows us to perform correlative analyses of the topographic, chemical, and optical properties of laser-structured surfaces, biomedical samples, biosensors, and aged materials. 

In addition, the correlative microscope provides further opportunities for cross-border collaborations between the research centres of the FHV as well as collaborations with external partners. The existing Raman microscope at the Microtechnology Research Centre is also used by the Research Centre Energy. How correlative microscopy data can be analyzed using artificial intelligence and how it can best be communicated are highly topical issues that also enable collaboration with the Research Centre for Human-Centred Technologies (HCT) and the Department of Computer Science and Digital Factory Vorarlberg.

In the field of teaching, Raman and atomic force microscopy will be introduced to students in work placements and will enable interesting bachelor and master thesis topics. In doing so, the device allows addressing further highly topical issues in the fields of digitalization, environmental and life sciences, among others.