At the 2D Materials Conference 2026 in Munich, c-sense, together with partners from attocube systems, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the Weizmann Institute of Science, presented a new experimental platform for Rotational AFM/CFM for Quantum Optical Twisting Microscopy (QOTM). The collaborative work demonstrates how advanced self-sensing AFM technology can enable entirely new experiments on quantum materials under cryogenic conditions.
Exploring Twistronics at the Nanoscale
The remarkable electronic properties of many two-dimensional materials strongly depend on the relative rotational angle between individual layers—a rapidly growing research field known as twistronics. Studying these materials requires precise positioning, stable operation at cryogenic temperatures, and the ability to combine multiple characterization techniques within a single experimental platform.
The presented system integrates Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy (CFM) while enabling controlled rotation of either the sample or the probe. The platform allows researchers to investigate twist-angle dependent phenomena with exceptional positional stability inside an attoDRY2200 cryostat.
Self-Sensing Cantilevers Enable the Platform
A key enabling component of the system is the c-sense self-sensing piezoresistive Trilayer cantilever. Unlike conventional optical AFM detection, the integrated sensor eliminates the need for laser beam deflection, making it ideally suited for highly compact cryogenic instrumentation.
The poster also introduced novel inverted cantilever concepts and demonstrated the performance of the self-sensing AFM module, including low-noise operation and reliable functionality under demanding experimental conditions.
Towards Quantum Optical Twisting Microscopy
The presented setup enables a variety of new experimental capabilities, including:
- precise repositioning of the rotation axis at cryogenic temperatures,
- rotation of either the sample or the AFM probe,
- simultaneous AFM and confocal microscopy,
- electrical characterization through conductance measurements,
- approach-retract force measurements,
- imaging using tunneling current.
Together, these capabilities establish a versatile platform for investigating twist-angle dependent quantum phenomena with nanometer precision.
Strong Collaboration Driving Innovation
The project represents a successful collaboration between researchers from attocube systems, ETH Zurich, EPFL, Weizmann Institute of Science, and c-sense, combining expertise in cryogenic instrumentation, quantum optics, AFM technology, and self-sensing cantilever development.
Looking Ahead
As quantum materials continue to push the boundaries of condensed matter physics, new instrumentation concepts become essential for unlocking their full potential.
At c-sense, we are proud that our self-sensing cantilever technology forms a key building block of this innovative measurement platform. We thank all conference participants for the inspiring discussions and look forward to further collaborations that advance the next generation of nanoscale characterization tools.
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