The main aim of this preliminary project is to produce prototypes at relatively low cost that demonstrate the SMM measurement capability and simultaneously to show the way to more cost-effective electronics that can replace the VNA.
The work consists of two parts:
1. development of an electromechanical adaptation for an existing Nanosurf AFM in order to transmit the high-frequency signal to the measuring tip as loss- and reflection-free as possible. In combination with a commercially available VNA, this already represents a fully-fledged SMM. However, the adapter cannot yet be commercialized in this form (tip not interchangeable, etc.).
2. development of specific electronics tailored to the needs of the SMM to replace the VNA. This should significantly reduce the acquisition costs for the SMM and appeal to a larger customer base. This step also involves a test setup.
If this preliminary project is successful, further concrete steps towards commercialization will be negotiated with Nanosurf