Atomic Force Microscope Proxy Kit with Arduino Mega
Atomic Force Microscope Proxy Kit: Arduino Mega-Powered Surface Topography Scanner
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
What if you could map the invisible peaks and valleys of a coin, a semiconductor wafer, or a biological sample using components you assemble yourself? This kit turns an Arduino Mega, a piezo buzzer, and a laser into a sensitive scanning probe microscope that resolves surface features just a few microns across. It’s a full instrument-building experience that bridges optics, analog electronics, and precision control — all while delivering live topographic maps on a color TFT screen.
What You'll Build
You’ll construct a fully operational atomic force microscope proxy that uses a cantilevered piezo tube to raster-scan a sample while a laser deflection system captures height variations. The result is a live, color-mapped topography display on a 2.4-inch TFT, capable of detecting steps, scratches, and grain boundaries on reflective surfaces. The entire assembly is your own hand-built scientific instrument, ready for research or demonstration.
What You'll Learn
- Interfacing high-resolution ADCs (ADS1115) with an Arduino Mega for sub-millivolt signal detection
- Building a quadrant photodiode position sensor with LM358 op-amps and precision current-to-voltage conversion
- Controlling piezo actuators for nanoscale positioning using resonant scanning patterns
- Implementing I2C multiplexing with the TCA9548A to manage multiple sensor channels
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| Piezo Buzzer 35mm | 1 |
| ADS1115 ADC | 2 |
| TCA9548A I2C Mux | 1 |
| 5mW Laser Module | 1 |
| BPW34 Photodiode | 4 |
| LM358 Op-Amp | 4 |
| 2.4in TFT ILI9341 | 1 |
| 100MΩ Resistors | 2 |
| 100nF Caps | 15 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 5 |
| 12V 2A PSU | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is designed for final-year B.Tech (ECE/EEE/Instrumentation) students, M.Tech researchers, and PhD candidates exploring surface metrology. It is also ideal for Smart India Hackathon teams developing low-cost scientific instrumentation and for advanced hobbyists at IITs, NITs, and IISc who need an affordable AFM training tool. If you’re comfortable soldering precision analog circuits and want to understand scanning probe microscopy from the ground up, this is your project.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Our AI companion walks you through each wiring step and signal check, and if something isn’t clear you can drop a WhatsApp message to our support team — they know this kit inside out.
Can this kit actually measure surface roughness in microns?
Yes, with proper calibration the laser deflection sensitivity can detect height changes as small as 1–2 microns. It won’t achieve atomic resolution but demonstrates every principle of a real AFM in a hands-on way.
What kind of samples can I scan?
Reflective surfaces work best — think polished metals, silicon wafers, coins, and microscope slides. You can also image soft materials like polymer films if you raster gently.
Do I need an additional microscope or optical setup?
No, the kit is self-contained. The built-in laser, photodiode array, and TFT display form a complete stand-alone scanning system right on your workbench.
Piezo tube with laser pointer and position-sensitive detector measures surface topography at micron scale.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Mega 2560
- Piezo Buzzer 35mm
- ADS1115 ADC x2
- TCA9548A I2C Mux
- 5mW Laser Module
- BPW34 Photodiode x4
- LM358 Op-Amp x4
- 2.4in TFT ILI9341
- 100MΩ Resistors x2
- 100nF Caps x15
- PCB Prototype Board x5
- 12V 2A PSU
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items