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