A type of very high-resolution microscope that builds up an image of a surface at the atomic level by scanning it with a cantilevered stylus and measuring the varying force on the stylus from its deflection.
Origin
1980s.
Definition of atomic force microscope in US English:
atomic force microscope
noun
A type of very high-resolution microscope that builds up an image of a surface at the atomic level by scanning it with a cantilevered stylus and measuring the varying force on the stylus from its deflection.