In conjunction with the Microscopy and Microanalysis 2000 in Philadelphia, PA a two day pre-meeting workshop will be held to provide a forum for the discussion of new technologies and applications of scanned probe microscopy (SPM) of soft materials. This workshop will cover SPM methods for characterizing soft materials such as polymers, biomaterials / biomolecules, and ultrathin organic films. Presentations will include academic and industrial research. Subject matter not only includes structural imaging methods but also property-sensitive probes like friction (lateral force), vertical/lateral force modulation, intermittent contact with phase imaging, and pulsed force mode. Other topics include in-fluid imaging and sub-nanonewton force-distance measurements, as performed in DLVO force profiling and single-molecule force spectroscopy. Tip modification for chemical or biological sensitization also will be discussed.

In addition to the symposium speakers, Dr. Haugstad is arranging for SPM vendors to be available for participants to visit during the workshop.