Nuno C. Santos – författare

This book aims to provide examples of applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM) using biological samples, showing different methods for AFM sample preparation, data acquisition and processing, and avoiding technical problems. Divided into two sections, chapters guide readers through image artifacts, process and quantitatively analyze AFM images, lipid bilayers, image DNA-protein complexes, AFM cell topography, single-molecule force spectroscopy, single-molecule dynamic force spectroscopy, fluorescence methodologies, molecular recognition force spectroscopy, biomechanical characterization, AFM-based biosensor setup, and detail how to implement such an in vitro system, which can monitor cardiac electrophysiology, intracellular calcium dynamics, and single cell mechanics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials andreagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and cutting-edge, Atomic Force Microscopy: Methods and Protocols is useful for researchers at different stages, from newcomers to experienced users, interested in new AFM applications.

High-accuracy Doppler shift measurements and high-precision spectroscopy are primary techniques in the search for exo-planets.

Further extremely interesting applications include the analysis of QSO absorption lines to determine the variability of physical constants and the analysis of the isotopic ratios of absorption lines both in stars and in QSOs, and the determination of stellar oscillations through radial velocity measurements. Since the use of high-precision/resolution spectroscopy is closely connected to the ability to collect a large number of photons, the scientific domains using this technique benefit tremendously from the use of 8-meter class telescopes and will fully exploit the tremendous gain provided by future Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). IR high-resolution spectroscopy should soon approach the same accuracy regime achieved in the optical range.

This volume comprehensively covers the astrophysical and technical aspects of high-precision spectroscopy with an outlook to future developments, and represents a useful reference work for researchers in those fields.