New AFM tip reopens hydrogen bond imaging debate

An image depicting intermolecular interactions by atomic force index

Source: © Macmillan Publishers Ltd

Putting rigid copper oxide on probe prevents artefacts – but what is it actually measuring?

Researchers have developed a new atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique, which they claim has measured hydrogen bonds, echoing a previous controversial finding. They replace carbon monoxide AFM probe tips used in earlier hydrogen bond images, which can tilt and potentially create false features, with a rigid copper oxide tip.