Celebrating 40 Years of AFM: Stanford's Symposium Honoring Professor Calvin Quate

Celebrating 40 Years of Atomic Force Microscopy

The esteemed Stanford University is set to host a two-day scientific program on December 2-3, 2025, to mark the 40th anniversary of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). This event, organized under the banner of nano@stanford, honors the remarkable contributions of Professor Calvin F. Quate, the inventor of AFM.

The symposium serves as a gathering point for researchers, engineers, and industry innovators to celebrate four decades of advancements in AFM technology. Sponsored by Park Systems, a prominent player in the global AFM research community, the event aims to reflect on the journey of AFM while exploring its future directions in nanoscale measurement and characterization.

Part of the broader NANOscientific Symposium Series, this occasion will foster open scientific dialogue among experts in AFM and nanoscale metrology from various regions worldwide. A dynamic lineup of invited speakers will feature prominent figures such as David Goldhaber-Gordon from Stanford University, Eric Y. Ma from UC Berkeley, Thomas Albrecht from Molecular Vista, Georg Fantner from EPFL, John S. Foster from Shiftwave Inc., Oleg Kolosov from Lancaster University, and H. Kumar Wickramasinghe from UC Irvine. Their presentations will encompass the diverse developments in AFM and scanning probe techniques that have emerged over the past 40 years.

Topics ranging from microwave impedance microscopy and nanoscale electronic imaging to early microcantilever developments and the integration of acoustic methods into atomic force microscopy will be thoroughly explored. Participants will also benefit from live demonstrations of AFM technology, as well as Park Systems' newly acquired digital holographic microscopy (DHM) capabilities, which enhance the analysis of nanoscale phenomena.

A highlight of the program will be a keynote address by Dr. Sang-il Park, the founder and CEO of Park Systems. Dr. Park embarked on his AFM journey as a graduate student in Professor Quate's lab and later commercialized the technology, transforming it from a laboratory innovation into a thriving global industry. His keynote will reflect on pivotal moments in AFM's evolution and share personal insights regarding Professor Quate's profound influence on his career.

Throughout the symposium, attendees can participate in comprehensive discussions, keynote sessions, and engaging live demonstrations that delve into both the historical significance of AFM and recent technological advancements. The second day will feature hands-on AFM demonstrations, providing participants with valuable practical experience in this cutting-edge technology.

This celebratory symposium underscores the lasting impact of AFM, which first emerged at Stanford four decades ago, and its continued role in propelling scientific discovery and precision engineering forward.

For further details, including the agenda and registration information, please visit the Stanford University and NANOscientific websites.

- Stanford University: snsf.stanford.edu/events/2025calquate
- NANOscientific: nanoscientific.org/nss_americas

About NANOscientific

NANOscientific is dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration in the realm of nanoscale science and metrology. This initiative connects researchers and industry leaders globally through symposiums held across various regions, reinforcing advancements in AFM and emerging measurement technologies. Additionally, NANOscientific publishes a magazine that showcases research highlights and insights from the global nanoscience community, ensuring continued growth and exchange in this dynamic field.