
CYPHER Family AFM

Cypher L AFM
The Cypher L is the lowest cost member of the Cypher AFM family, setting new expectations for performance and ease-of-use for AFMs in its price range. New Ergo software provides the core capabilities commonly used in research fields including 2D materials, polymer science, thin film deposition and etch processing, and quantum technology. As part of the award-winning Cypher product family, the Cypher L is readily upgraded to the Cypher S, ES, or VRS1250, allowing you to invest in a quality AFM platform now and add new capabilities as you need them.
See more with higher resolution imaging
- Easily obtain molecular and atomic resolution on samples including 2D materials and polymers
- Routinely see details unobtainable on most other AFMs in this price range
Get the information you need quickly and easily
- Asylum’s new Ergo software platform is designed with a streamlined workflow for quick, simple setup and intuitive image acquisition
- Exclusive AutoPilot™ algorithms automatically optimize scan parameters for high quality images
- Easily analyze and export images for presentation and publication directly from Ergo
Expand your research while saving lab space and budget
- Compact size fits easily in existing labs without special facility requirements
- Priced within reach of typical lab startup funds, many research grants, and most industrial R&D budgets
Future-proof your research by investing in a fully upgradable AFM
- Cypher L is fully upgradable, allowing you to add new capabilities as you need them
- Can be upgraded to the more powerful Cypher S, Cypher ES, and Cypher VRS1250 models to enable advanced characterization modes, environmental control accessories, and even video-rate imaging speeds

Cypher S AFM
The Asylum Research Cypher S is the base model of the Cypher AFM microscope family. The Cypher S was the first commercially available fast-scanning AFM, and the Cypher family AFMs remain the only full-featured fast-scanning AFMs that are compatible with a complete range of modes and accessories. Cypher AFMs have also earned a reputation for easily achieving higher resolution than other AFMs. The Cypher S is a great AFM for both materials science and life science research for ambient measurements in both air and liquids. The Cypher S is fully upgradable later for environmental control options or even video-rate scanning.
Routinely achieve higher resolution than other AFM microscopes
- Unmatched mechanical stability—noise floor half that of any other AFM
- Exceptionally low drift—higher resolution and straight lattice lines
- Low noise electronics—no artifacts from electronic noise sources
Fast scanning with results in seconds instead of minutes
- Scans 10-100× faster than typical AFMs
- Supports the fastest, smallest probes (3×9 µm spot size—optional)
- Fast scanning that goes beyond topography—also nanomechanics, CAFM, PFM
Every step of operation is simpler for remarkable productivity
- ModeMaster™ automatically configures software for selected mode
- SpotOn™ makes the fully motorized laser and detector alignment one-click
- GetReal™ automatically calibrates the cantilever spring constant and sensitivity
- GetStarted™ automatically sets optimal parameters for tapping mode imaging
- blueDrive™ makes tapping mode simpler, more stable, and more quantitative
Small footprint in the lab, huge potential to grow in capability
- Full suite of nanomechanical characterization modes available for measuring viscoelastic properties (storage/elastic modulus and loss modulus)
- Unmatched range of nanoelectrical and electromechanical characterization modes
- Upgradeable to the Cypher ES for environmental control accessories and to Cypher VRS for video-rate imaging
- Many standard operating modes and even more optional modes
Support that goes above and beyond your expectations
- Includes a standard one-year comprehensive warranty
- No-charge technical support and basic applications support for life
- Affordable support agreements that offer extended warranties and advanced training
- Easy upgrade path to the Cypher ES or Cypher VRS

Cypher ES Environmental AFM
The Asylum Research Cypher ES builds on the exceptional performance of the Cypher S and adds full environmental control features. The same high resolution, speed and stability are maintained while easily operating in controlled gas or liquid environments, at temperatures from 0-250°C, and in some of the harshest chemical environments. The Cypher ES is the ultimate AFM for the most demanding experimental requirements.
Routinely achieve higher resolution than other AFMs
- Unmatched mechanical stability—noise floor half that of any other AFM
- Exceptionally low drift—higher resolution and straight lattice lines
- Low noise electronics—no artifacts from electronic noise sources
Fast scanning with results in seconds instead of minutes
- Scans 10-100× faster than typical AFMs
- Supports the fastest, smallest probes (3×9 µm spot size—optional)
- Fast scanning that goes beyond topography—also nanomechanics, CAFM, PFM
Every step of operation is simpler for remarkable productivity
- ModeMaster™ automatically configures software for selected mode
- SpotOn™ makes the fully motorized laser and detector alignment one-click
- GetReal™ automatically calibrates the cantilever spring constant and sensitivity
- GetStarted™ automatically sets optimal parameters for tapping mode imaging
- blueDrive™ makes tapping mode simpler, more stable, and more quantitative
Small footprint in the lab, huge potential to grow in capability
- Full suite of nanomechanical characterization modes available for measuring viscoelastic properties (storage/elastic modulus and loss modulus)
- Unmatched range of nanoelectrical and electromechanical characterization modes
- Upgradeable to the Cypher VRS for video-rate imaging
- Many standard operating modes and even more optional modes
Support that goes above and beyond your expectations
- Includes a standard one-year comprehensive warranty
- No-charge technical support and basic applications support for life
- Affordable support agreements that offer extended warranties and advanced training
- Easy upgrade path to the Cypher VRS
Enables gas and liquid perfusion through a sealed cell
- Fully sealed sample cells maintain a controlled environment and eliminate the risk of leaks
- Compatible with fast scanning and all environmental control accessories
Controls sample temperature over a wide 0–250°C range
- Two options are available: Heating to 250°C or Heating and Cooling 0–120°C
- Low-drift design lets you keep imaging while ramping the temperature
- Quick and easy to setup and use, no external controllers, tubing, wires, etc.
Broadest compatibility with harsh chemicals
- Sample cells are constructed so that only fused silica and the probe clip (PEEK or stainless steel) are in contact with liquid
- Optional glovebox configuration allows use with oxygen or water sensitive materials
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