- Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications
- Mechanical and Optical Resonators
- Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior
- Near-Field Optical Microscopy
- Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
- Veterinary Practice and Education Studies
- Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Integrated Circuits and Semiconductor Failure Analysis
- Electrochemical Analysis and Applications
- Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare
- Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies
- Polymer Surface Interaction Studies
- Adhesion, Friction, and Surface Interactions
- Livestock and Poultry Management
- Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials
- Nursing education and management
- Alzheimer's disease research and treatments
- Protein Structure and Dynamics
- Interprofessional Education and Collaboration
- Advanced Electron Microscopy Techniques and Applications
- Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans research
- Surface and Thin Film Phenomena
- Elasticity and Material Modeling
- Nanofabrication and Lithography Techniques
University College Dublin
2013-2024
Trinity College Dublin
2003-2017
Kanazawa University
2009
Conway School of Landscape Design
2009
University of Tsukuba
2006
Science Foundation Ireland
2005
Dublin City University
2005
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
2001-2004
MicroVision (United States)
2004
University College London
2004
Frequency modulation atomic force microscopy utilizes the change in resonant frequency of a cantilever to detect variations interaction between tip and sample. While simple relation exists enabling shift be determined for given law, required complementary inverse does not exist arbitrary oscillation amplitudes cantilever. In this letter we address problem present yet accurate formulas that enable energy directly from measured shift. These are valid any amplitude force, therefore widespread...
Atomic force microscopes typically require knowledge of the cantilever spring constant and optical lever sensitivity in order to accurately determine from deflection. In this study, we investigate a technique calibrate rectangular cantilevers that does not contact be made with surface. This noncontact approach utilizes method Sader et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 70, 3967 (1999)] combination equipartition theorem [J. L. Hutter J. Bechhoefer, Rev. 64, 1868 (1993)] sensitivity. A comparison is...
We have developed a liquid-environment frequency modulation atomic force microscope (FM-AFM) with low noise deflection sensor for wide range of cantilevers different dimensions. A simple yet accurate equation describing the theoretical limit optical beam method in air and liquid is presented. Based on equation, we designed sensor. Replaceable objective lenses are utilized providing high magnification view (resolution: <3μm) as well focusing laser (laser spot size: ∼10μm). Even broad...
Various metal cations in physiological solutions interact with lipid headgroups biological membranes, having an impact on their structure and stability, yet little is known about the molecular-scale dynamics of lipid-ion interactions. Here we directly investigate extensive interaction networks transient formation between a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer under conditions. The spatial distribution ion occupancy imaged real space by frequency modulation atomic force microscopy...
Understanding the influence of water layers adjacent to interfaces is fundamental in order fully comprehend interactions both biological and nonbiological materials aqueous environments. In this study, we have investigated hydration forces at mica–electrolyte interface as a function ion valency concentration using subnanometer oscillation amplitude frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM). Our results reveal new insights into nature due our ability measure high gradients without...
Combining a carbon nanotube probe and highly sensitive dynamic measurement scheme has enabled us to use atomic force microscopy measure oscillatory forces in water on approaching surface that been laterally characterized nanometer scale. This opens up the possibility of investigating layers under variety experimental conditions as function precise lateral position any including biological membranes macromolecules. Among many varied roles are effects biomolecular adhesion, colloid dispersion,...
Use of the atomic force microscope (AFM) in quantitative measurements inherently requires a theoretical framework enabling conversion observed deflection properties cantilever to an interaction force. In this paper, foundations using frequency modulation microscopy (FM-AFM) are examined and rigorously elucidated, with consideration being given both 'conservative' 'dissipative' interactions. This includes detailed discussion underlying assumptions involved such measurements, presentation...
The mechanical properties of very small volumes material can vary greatly from bulk properties. These modified are interest in many areas including the operation atomic force microscopy (AFM), study adhesion and fracture, evaluation electrical contact response. Despite importance these properties, AFM has not yet been successfully utilized for their investigation. Most existing AFMs still rely on control monitoring displacements, with forces being inferred spring constants. This would be...
The imaging resolution of an atomic force microscope operating in contact with a Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) film is predicted as function applied force, tip radius, adhesive and properties. elastic modulus the hardness LB were measured using nanoindenter both simple Hertzian analysis one that includes forces between sample. For small (<1 nN) improves sharply radius decrease. onset inelastic deformation, however, limits sharpest tips.
Using the atomic force microscope, we have investigated nanoscale mechanical response of attachment adhesive terrestrial alga Prasiola linearis (Prasiolales, Chlorophyta). We were able to locate and extend highly ordered structures directly from natural matrix living plant. The in vivo structured biopolymer often displayed repetitive sawtooth force-extension characteristics a material exhibiting high strength at molecular level. Mechanical histological evidence leads us propose mechanism for...
Local ionic environments within nanometer proximity of a surface play major role in the interactions which occur there and can be critical importance in, for example, colloid suspensions, as well biological function. Such often vary significantly from bulk properties, we show here by direct imaging range monovalent (Li(+), Na(+)) divalent (Ca(2+), Mg(2+)) cations distributed at liquid-solid interface mica. We image local charge distributions relative to atomic lattice mica adjacent...
Immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) storytelling is a concept that merges ground-breaking virtual reality technology with the traditional art of storytelling. offers rare opportunity to present abstract experiences challenge boundaries, heighten emotions, and convey previously intangible concepts. Scientific research into immersive still in its infancy, particularly regarding field education Nursing Midwifery. Therefore, this study set out investigate subjective experience using an as active...
Having psychological safety embedded in preceptorship relationships facilitates positive interpersonal and educational experiences for students. Psychological refers to a student's belief as whether or not it is safe them take risks, such asking questions, sharing an idea improvement speaking up maintain patient safety. leads collaboration, student learning effective care. This article presents key guidelines preceptors provide psychologically environment their Guidelines fall under four...
Globally, society faces significant problems, from climate crisis to persistent poverty. Education for Sustainable Development offers an approach achieving a sustainable society. The challenge is creating changemakers with the knowledge, mindset, and competencies innovate. Teaching sustainability tends be discipline-specific, taught content-heavy via “spoon-feeding” neglecting student agency changes. To overcome these challenges, we developed programme “teach” innovation that combines...
The oscillatory force profile, observed in liquids due to molecular ordering at interfaces, has been extensively investigated by means of atomic microscopy, but it remains unclear whether is present the tip apex. Using a displacement-sensitive, low-noise microscope (AFM) operated dynamic mode, with radius < 1 nm, we have profile between two approaching surfaces same or different hydrophilic and hydrophobic character. By directly comparing surface chemistry interactions, able elucidate an...
The nanoscale specificity of interaction measurements and additional imaging capability the atomic force microscope make it an ideal technique for measuring solvation shells in a variety liquids next to range materials. Unfortunately, widespread use microscopy measurement has been limited by uncertainties over dimensions, composition durability tip during measurements, problems associated with quantitative calibration most sensitive dynamic techniques. We address both these issues combined...
We have developed a dynamic force microscope (DFM) working in novel operation mode which is referred to as phase modulation atomic microscopy (PM-AFM). PM-AFM utilizes fixed-frequency excitation signal drive cantilever, ensures stable imaging even with occasional tip crash and adhesion the surface. The tip-sample interaction detected change of difference between cantilever deflection signals hence time response not influenced by Q factor cantilever. These features make more suitable for...
The composition and nanoscale mechanical characteristics of the adhesive from two species subaerial green unicellular microalgae (Chlorophyta), Coccomyxa sp. Glaphyrella trebouxiodes, have been studied using Raman spectroscopy, chemical staining, atomic force microscopy (AFM). spectroscopy confirmed proteins both to be predominantly in ß-sheet conformations composed a number hydrophobic amino acid residues. Chemical staining with Congo red thioflavin-T dyes further presence amyloid-like...