Park – FX200

Innovation of the Year
for a product or service

Moving on, I would like to nominate the Park FX200 from Park Systems. The Park FX200 is developed to meet the needs of both research and industrial applications, offering significant advancements in large-sample AFM technology. Here are several reasons why it deserves to win a 2025 Labmate Award for Excellence:

1. Accurate and Reproducible Measurements for Better Productivity
The benefits and the superiority of non-contact mode atomic force microscopy is well established: no tip wear, no sample damage, maintenance of high-resolution imaging, and high accuracy of AFM measurement. However, only Park has achieved what True Non-Contact™ mode with its flexure-based high force Z-scanner. In True Non-Contact™ mode, the tip-sample distance is successfully maintained at a few nanometers in the net attractive regime of inter-atomic force. The small amplitude of tip oscillation minimizes the tip-sample interaction, resulting in superb tip preservation and negligible sample modification. This level of detail is crucial for researchers working in fields such as materials science, nanotechnology, and biology.

2. Intelligent Automation
It automates essential tasks including probe recognition and exchange, laser alignment, and parameter tuning, thereby boosting efficiency. It features 16 probe slots for repetitive measurements and mode transitions, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.
•    The Probe Identification Camera reads the QR code imprinted on the chip carrier of a new probe, displaying all pertinent information about each tip, including type, model, application, and usage. This allows for quick selection of the best probe tip for each job, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
•    With automated probe exchange, it replaces old probes easily and safely with full automation. Featuring 16 probe slots for repetitive measurements and mode transitions, it reduces downtime and improves efficiency through rapid, autonomous probe switching.
•    Automatic Beam Alignment positions the laser beam onto the proper location of a cantilever and further optimizes the spot’s position on the PSPD both vertically and laterally. It shifts the X, Y, and Z axis for clearer images, with no distortion, all autonomously at the click of a button.

3. Simplified Operation
Advanced Region of Interest (ROI) Zooming uses a large field-of-view sample camera to display the entire 200 mm wafer, simplifying analysis by enabling quick, precise positioning. This reduces the time needed to locate target areas, from broad survey scans to detailed magnifications. Additionally, the refined optical vision delivers exceptional clarity, resolving line widths under 1 µm.
It allows predefined coordinate settings on large samples, such as 200 mm wafers or samples on multi-sample chuck, for automated execution. It supports sequential measurements including topography and advanced modes and streamlining workflows in research and industrial environments.

3. User-Friendly Design
The Park FX200 is designed with the user in mind. It features an intuitive interface that makes it easy for researchers to operate the instrument and analyze data. The software is user-friendly and provides a range of tools for data visualization and analysis, which helps streamline the research process and improve productivity.

4. Versatility and Efficiency
Accommodates wafers up to 200 mm in size, essential for semiconductor manufacturing and materials science research. The vacuum chuck ensures stable positioning for high-resolution imaging and precise measurements, enhancing versatility and efficiency.
The vacuum chuck can hold up to 16 coupon-sized samples simultaneously, boosting productivity by allowing diverse experiments in one setup. This feature reduces downtime and maximizes efficiency, ideal for labs needing to analyze multiple samples quickly.

5. Support and Service
Park Systems, the manufacturer of the Park FX200, is known for its excellent customer support and service. They offer comprehensive training and support to ensure that users can get the most out of their AFM. This commitment to customer satisfaction is another reason why the Park FX200 deserves recognition.

6. Environmental Considerations
The Park FX200 is designed with sustainability in mind. It features energy-efficient components and is built to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact. This focus on sustainability aligns with the growing emphasis on green practices.

Conclusion
In summary, the Park FX200 is a standout AFM that excels in precision, innovation, user-friendliness, versatility, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Its advanced technology and exceptional performance make it a deserving candidate for the 2025 Labmate Award for Excellence. By recognizing the Park FX200, the Labmate Awards would be celebrating a product that truly embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence.