A
Adhesion Force
The force required to separate the probe from a surface or cell, measured during probe retraction
AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy)
A microscopy technique that uses a cantilever, working like a tiny finger, feeling surfaces at the molecular level. In FluidFM, it provides the precise control needed to work with individual cells.
Aperture
The opening at the tip of the FluidFM cantilever through which fluids can be dispensed or aspirated. Sizes range from 300 nm to 8 µm.
ARYA
The FluidFM control software interface used for system operation and data acquisition.
B
C
Cantilever
A tiny, flexible beam component of the FluidFM probe that bends when in contact with an object. This bending tells us how much force is being applied, similar to how a scale measures weight.
Content Height
The clearance distance between the dish surface and the cantilever, ensuring safe probe movement above samples.
D
Deflection
The bending of the cantilever measured in response to applied forces, initially recorded in mV and converted to nm using sensitivity values.
E
EDNA
The FluidFM results viewer software used for data analysis.
Effective Spring Constant
An experimentally determined value that accounts for the setup and conditions during measurement. Used for more accurate force calculations, it takes into account the specific probe dimensions.
F
FluidFM (Fluidic Force Microscopy)
A patented technology that combines the force sensitivity and precision of AFM with nanofluidics. It enables controlled dispensing, aspiration, and force measurement at the single-cell and sub-cellular level.
FluidFM Head
A sensing device consisting of a cantilever beam with integrated microfluidics and a reflective coating. It consists of a cantilever glued onto a plastic adapter. In FluidFM systems, probes enable simultaneous force measurement and controlled fluid delivery at the micro/nanoscale.
FluidFM Probe
A fine tool used to interact with and measure the properties of a sample. It typically includes a cantilever with a reflective coating for laser detection and an aperture at the tip, as well as a hollow microchannel. Aperture size and stiffness can be different depending on the product type. Also named as Micropipette, Nanopipette or Nanosyringe.
Force Control
A key feature of FluidFM, allowing the user to apply and measure forces with nanonewton precision. It ensures gentle contact with cells and surfaces during sensitive experiments.
Frequency
The natural oscillation frequency of the cantilever, used in tapping mode operations.
G
Gripping
The process of mounting and securing the probe onto the holder. Proper gripping ensures minimal movement and optimal signal quality.
H
I
J
K
L
Laser Alignment
The process of positioning the laser onto the probe’s reflective layer. Proper alignment is crucial for accurate signal detection.
Laser Maximization
The process of optimizing the readout of the laser signal in the photodetectors. Proper maximization is crucial for accurate signal detection.
M
Microchannel
A tiny fluidic channel embedded within the cantilever of the FluidFM probe. It connects the probe’s aperture to the internal fluid reservoir, enabling precise flow of liquids.
Micropipette
See FluidFM Probe. Mostly used for Pick and Place applications.
N
Nanopipette
See FluidFM Probe. Mostly used for Printing and Pick and Place applications.
Nanosyringe
See FluidFM Probe. Mostly used for SC Injection and Live-Seq applications.
O
Observation Mode
Operating mode that maintains the probe at maximum height to prevent unintended contact with samples.
OMNIUM
The FluidFM hardware platform/instrument.
O-ring
Small rubber rings placed in the FluidFM Head that maintain the tightness of the system. They can be place in the interface between sealing screw and the head (O-Ring head side) or between the sealing screw and the FluidFM probe (probe side). Missing or damaged O-rings can cause poor gripping and signal issues.
P
Photodetector / Photodiode
Optical sensors that detect laser position on the cantilever, with top and bottom detectors measuring deflection.
Plate Editor
Software application for defining custom plate formats not included in standard configurations.
Pressure Control
A mechanism that regulates the pressure inside the FluidFM probe’s microfluidic system. Positive or negative pressure enables fluid dispensing or aspiration through the probe aperture.
Prism
A transparent optical component located in the FluidFM Head that directs the laser beam from the source to the probe. It enables side-illumination or bottom-up laser alignment, especially in liquid environments.
Q
Quality Factor
The ratio of energy stored to energy lost during cantilever oscillation. Higher values (QF 100-120) indicate better probe performance and measurement precision.
QR Code (for probe)
Code on probe packaging containing probe specifications for automatic configuration.
R
Reflective Layer
Area on the surface on the cantilever that reflects the laser beam for signal detection.
Reservoir
A chamber within the plastic part of the FluidFM probe adapter that holds the fluid sample. It connects to the microchannel and allows for controlled fluid flow under pressure.
Resonance Frequency
See Frequency.
S
Sader Method
A method for calculating the spring constant of a cantilever based on its dimensions and resonance frequency.
Sealing Screw
Titanium component used to securely close the interface between the FluidFM head and the mounted probe. It ensures a tight, leak-proof connection within the fluidic system, enabling precise pressure control and fluid delivery. It works in combination with two O-rings (probe side and head side) to maintain system integrity.
Sensitivity
Calibration factor (nm/mV) that converts voltage signals from photodetectors into actual cantilever deflection distances, enabling subsequent force calculations.
Setpoint
Target force or deflection value reached or maintained during probe-surface contact.
Signal Threshold
A minimum signal value (e.g., 100 mV) set to distinguish true contact from background noise.
Spring Constant
Measure of cantilever stiffness (nN/nm or N/m) that determines the relationship between applied force and deflection. It is essential for converting displacement into force.
Spectroscopy
Force measurement mode recording deflection versus position data during approach and retraction cycles.
T
Thermal Tuning
Measurement technique using thermal vibrations to determine cantilever mechanical properties and its Spring Constant. Also called Resonance Spectrum.
U
V
Voltage Signal
Raw electrical output (mV) from photodetectors before conversion to force or distance values.
W
Welll Plate
Standard multi-well culture vessels (6, 12, 24, 96-well formats) compatible with FluidFM systems.
Workflow
Predefined sequence of operations in ARYA software (e.g., Preparation Advanced, System Initialization).
X
Y
Z
Z-position
Vertical position of the probe relative to the surface, measured in mm or μm.
