Development and characterization of an improved wireless centrifuge force microscope using acrylate microspheres and silicon nitride membranes*

Centrifuge force microscopy allows for multiple concurrent single molecule measurements which cannot be achieved using more traditional experimental platforms. By altering the design of a wireless centrifuge force microscope (CFM) created at the University of Albany [1], we have developed an improved model. By upgrading the integrated single board computer to a Rock64 (Pine Microsystems Inc.) with a USB 3 connector we can achieve higher image transfer rate. Additionally, we describe a novel technique for CFM calibration. By adhering acrylate microspheres of multiple sizes to a silicon nitride membrane (Norcada) [2], we are able to quantify membrane displacement as a function of centripetal force. This technique could be extended to other CFMs as a method for calibration of the centrifuge and optics. Upon completion of the experimental use of the CFM, it will be integrated into a senior undergraduate physics lab course at the University of Alberta.

[1] Hoang, T., Patel, D. S., & Halvorsen, K. Review of Scientific Instruments, 87(8), 083705, 2016.

[2] www.norcada.com