Go beyond the limits of optical AFM.
c-sense develops and commercializes advanced active, self-sensing AFM cantilever solutions based on piezoresistive sensing technology, working closely with leading research and specialized manufacturing partners.
We translate cutting-edge cantilever technology into application-ready products for scientific and industrial nanoscale measurement — from product definition and application-specific customization to system integration and customer support.
By integrating the sensing functionality directly into the cantilever, c-sense enables laser-free AFM operation and opens new possibilities in environments where conventional optical beam-deflection reaches its limits — from cryogenic and vacuum systems to liquids and custom research platforms.
Designed for environments where optical readout becomes challenging.
Optical beam deflection is the established standard for many AFM experiments. However, some research environments make optical access, laser alignment or system integration challenging.
Laser Alignment → Integrated Electrical Readout
Cantilever deflection is detected electrically, eliminating the need for external laser alignment.
Limited Optical Access → No External Optical Path
With integrated sensing, there is no need to place a laser, photodetector, or other optical components above the sample to read the cantilever. This keeps the space above the sample clear and makes measurements easier in compact or complex experimental setups where the optical system would otherwise create a physical obstruction.
Laser Heating → Suitable for Cryogenic Environments
Removing the detection laser avoids introducing an optical heat source close to the cantilever.
Self-sensing cantilevers for the environments where optical readout is difficult.
Self-sensing AFM cantilevers enable direct electrical readout in research environments and applications where conventional optical beam-deflection detection can be difficult or impractical to implement.
Topography and structure
Surface height, 3D profile, phase imaging.
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Mechanical properties
Stiffness, adhesion, friction, viscoelasticity.
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KPFM and EFM
Surface potential, work function, doping.
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Conductive measurements
cAFM, nanoprobing, IV spectroscopy, SSRM.
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Low-temperature and quantum
Quantum Twisting Microscopy, QCT cantilevers.
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MFM
Magnetic force microscopy.
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In-liquid and biosensing
Opaque and transparent liquid environments.
Learn moreWhy researchers choose c-sense.
Self-sensing technology simplifies cantilever readout and enables flexible integration across a wide range of research environments.
No Laser Alignment
Integrated electrical readout eliminates the need to align an external detection laser on the cantilever.
Integrated Self-Sensing
Cantilever deflection is detected directly through an integrated piezoresistive sensing structure.
Compact Integration
Without an external optical detection path, self-sensing cantilevers can be integrated into space-constrained and specialized experimental setups.
Vacuum & Cryogenic Ready
Self-sensing technology is suited for research environments where optical access and thermal constraints make conventional detection challenging.
Research Ready
Designed for advanced AFM experiments and integration into scientific measurement platforms.
Custom Development
Cantilever solutions and interfaces can be adapted to specialized experimental requirements and custom instrumentation.
Expert Support
Our team works directly with researchers and instrument developers to evaluate integration requirements and identify suitable sensing solutions.
Explore our self-sensing products.
Discover c-sense self-sensing cantilevers, readout electronics and custom solutions for AFM, nanoscale measurements and specialized research instrumentation.
Silicon probe catalogue Silicon Self-Sensing Cantilevers
Piezoresistive silicon cantilevers with integrated electrical readout, available with different resonant frequencies and stiffnesses, with silicon tips or tipless configurations.
Explore Silicon Cantilevers
Advanced Trilayer Self-Sensing Cantilevers
Patented self-sensing cantilevers based on a polymer–thin-film trilayer architecture, designed for high force sensitivity, fast imaging and demanding measurement environments.
Explore Trilayer Cantilevers
Conductive Conductive Trilayer Cantilevers
Conductive self-sensing Trilayer cantilevers for electrical and electrostatic AFM applications, including KPFM, EFM and conductive AFM (cAFM).
Explore Conductive Trilayer
Cryogenic Quantum Cryogenic Trilayer (QCT)
Self-sensing Trilayer cantilevers developed for low-temperature and cryogenic research, combining integrated piezoresistive readout with a design optimized for advanced quantum measurement environments.
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Starter system NanoOne Starter Kit
A complete starting point for evaluating and integrating self-sensing cantilever technology, combining NanoOne readout electronics, connecting cables and self-sensing cantilevers.
Explore NanoOne Made-to-specCustom Solutions
Customized cantilevers, sensor configurations and integration solutions for specialized experiments, custom research platforms and OEM applications.
Explore Custom SolutionsOur Partners and References.
c-sense works with universities, research institutes and industrial partners worldwide, and its self-sensing cantilever technology is supported by peer-reviewed research.
Our technology is featured in the peer-reviewed research paper “A polymer–semiconductor–ceramic cantilever for high-sensitivity fluid-compatible microelectromechanical systems” by N. Hosseini et al., published in Nature Electronics.
DOI: 10.1038/s41928-024-01195-z
The study demonstrates the potential of self-sensing cantilever technology for high-sensitivity and fluid-compatible nanoscale measurement applications.
Let's discuss your application.
Every experiment is unique. Tell us about your setup and we'll help identify the right sensing solution.