Industrial Science

An atomic force microscope (AFM) is a type of high resolution scanning probe microscope that has a resolution that you can measure in fractions of a nanometer. This scientific technology was pioneered in 1986 by Nobel Prize Winner Gerd Binnig along with Calvin Quate and Christoph Gerber.  Atomic Force Microscopy One of the most important tools for imaging on the nanometer scale, AFM uses a cantilever with a sharp probe that scans the surface of the specimen. When the tip of the probe travels near to a surface, the forces between the tip and sample deflect the cantilever according to Hooke’s law. AFM will measure a number of different forces depending on the situation and the sample that you want to measure. As well as the forces, other microscopes can include a probe that performs more specialised measurements, such as temperature. The force deflects the cantilever, and this changes the reflection of a laser beam that shines on the top surface of the cantilever onto an array of ph...

As the 1.5 million UK consumers of heating oil Shropshire will know, there can be significant price fluctuations, which can mean paying a different price depending on what time of year it is. Oil and gas prices fluctuate regularly so it can be quite difficult to know when the best time to purchase heating oil is in order to get the best value or the cheapest price - particularly in the run up to the colder winter months when you’ll be using the most home heating oil. On average, a household that uses home heating oil will use two-thirds of its yearly heating oil consumption between October and March. There are many complex factors that influence the price you pay for your home heating oil, this does make it difficult to predict when the best time to buy your oil is. However, by understanding some of the main factors that affect the price of winter heating oil, you will be in a much better position to make an informed decision about when the best time to order is for you. Although, as...