RHK Technology
RHK Technology designs and manufactures Scanning Probe Microscopy systems (PanScan, Beetle) and controllers (R10, R9plus) for atomic-scale imaging and nanotechnology research, serving academic and government research laboratories worldwide with a global distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersTroy, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What RHK Technology does
RHK Technology, Inc. is a privately held scientific instrumentation company founded in 1981 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan. The company designs and manufactures Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) systems, with two primary scanner families: the PanScan family of compact, non-magnetic SPM scanners optimized for cryogenic and high-magnetic-field environments, and the Beetle family of variable-temperature SPM systems spanning 25K to 1500K. RHK's instrumentation supports atomic-scale imaging, spectroscopy, and manipulation for nanotechnology and surface science research, and includes differentiated cryogen-free closed-cycle cooling technology (PanScan Freedom series) that eliminates liquid helium dependency. The product platform is completed by the R10 and R9plus controllers, which provide FPGA-based SPM control with native 64-bit applications, modular architecture, and integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Python.
RHK generates revenue primarily through hardware sales of complete SPM systems, controllers, accessories, and integrated prep/analysis chambers, supplemented by professional services including training. The company uses a quote-based enterprise sales motion delivered through a global network of regional sales representatives and authorized distributors covering North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Its customer base consists almost entirely of academic and government research laboratories, including MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, NIST, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, Max Planck, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and University of Tokyo. RHK reports over 300 SPM systems and 1,500+ controllers installed worldwide across 25+ countries. The company remains under family ownership and management, with founder Adam Kollin formally transitioning leadership to his sons Kenneth Kollin (General Manager) and Benjamin Kollin (Production Manager) in 2025, maintaining the longest continuous ownership in the SPM industry.
RHK Technology firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RHK Technology
- Legal name
- RHK Technology, Inc.
- Website
- https://rhk-tech.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- RHK Technology designs and manufactures Scanning Probe Microscopy systems (PanScan, Beetle) and controllers (R10, R9plus) for atomic-scale imaging and nanotechnology research, serving academic and government research laboratories worldwide with a global distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RHK Technology industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scanning Probe Microscopy Instruments
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)
Keywords
Where RHK Technology is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Troy
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
RHK Technology business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- SPM Instruments and Systems: RHK generates primary revenue from selling complete Scanning Probe Microscopy systems including PanScan and Beetle families. Systems range from atmospheric/ambient configurations to full UHV variable temperature and cryogenic systems.
- SPM Controllers: Sale of R9, R9plus, and R10 controller systems that serve as the control platform for SPM instruments. Controllers feature modular architecture and upgrade paths.
- Accessories and Components: Sale of accessories including PMC100 Piezo Motor Controller, PPC200 HV Routing Control, IVP preamplifiers, Beetle AFM Preamp, and various interface modules.
- Prep/Analysis Equipment Integration: Custom integration of preparation and analysis chambers with SPM systems, including LEED, XPS, SEM, evaporators, and ion sources from industry partners.
- Training Services: On-site training visits and virtual training opportunities for customers to maximize equipment utilization and troubleshoot issues.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quotation-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels13 records
Marketing channels7 records
RHK Technology product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RHK Technology designs, manufactures, and sells Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) systems and controllers used for atomic-scale imaging and analysis in nanotechnology research. Its product portfolio centers on two SPM scanner families—PanScan (compact, non-magnetic scanners optimized for cryogenic and high-magnetic-field environments) and Beetle (variable-temperature scanners providing stability from 25K to 1500K)—along with the R10 and R9plus controllers, accessories, and prep/analysis chamber integrations for surface science platforms.
Product overview
RHK Technology offers a portfolio of Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) systems and controllers for nanotechnology research. The product lineup centers on two SPM scanner families: PanScan (compact, non-magnetic scanners optimized for cryogenic and high-magnetic-field environments) and Beetle (variable-temperature scanners offering extreme thermal range from 25K to 1500K). Both families offer multiple configurations including room temperature, flow cryostat, and cryogen-free closed-cycle systems, with options for STM-only or combined STM/AFM-qPlus operation. Supporting the scanners are RHK's R10 (10th generation) and R9plus controllers, providing advanced control with modular architecture, extensive data channels, and software customization through IHDL, LabVIEW, and MATLAB/Python integration. Additional offerings include Ambient SPM systems for atmospheric operation, prep/analysis chambers for integrated surface science platforms, and accessory equipment including preamplifiers and motor controllers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PanScan: Family of compact, non-magnetic SPM scanners available in configurations from kits to complete cryogen-free low-temperature systems.
- Beetle
- R10 Controller
- R9plus Controller
Products and services
- PanScan Family A family of compact, non-magnetic SPM scanners optimized for low temperature and high magnetic field environments, offering atomic-scale imaging and analysis from mK to 400K.
- PanScan Freedom World's first closed-cycle cryogen-free LT SPM system delivering ultra-low noise 7K operation without liquid cryogens, with proven atomic resolution from 7K to 400K.
- PanScan Freedom II Third-generation cryogen-free SPM system with 5K base temperature, integrated 7T magnet, dual scanning modes, and enhanced electrical contacts for advanced measurements.
- PanScan Freedom Tesla
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 300 SPM Systems and 1,500+ Controllers installed worldwide
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use RHK Technology
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
RHK Technology technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Feature10 records
RHK Technology partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- France ScientifiquecoreAuthorized distributor for France, Spain, and Portugal. Contact: Denis Radosavkic, [email protected]
- Schaefer TechniquescoreAuthorized distributor serving Italy, Turkey, Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia. Contact: Paolo Bariani, [email protected]
- Schaefer Technologie GmbHcoreAuthorized distributor serving Germany, Austria, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldavia, Belarus. Contact: Martin Schaefer, [email protected]
- Schaefer-Tec AGcoreAuthorized distributor serving Switzerland. Contact: Elisa Barisone, [email protected]
- PRIMETECHcoreAuthorized distributor serving Israel. Contact: Chen Goldner, [email protected]
- Quantum Design ChinacoreAuthorized distributor serving China and Hong Kong. Contact: Dr. Steven Zhang, [email protected]
- ANT Korea Ltd.coreAuthorized distributor serving South Korea. Contact: Edward Cha, [email protected]
- Quantum Design Singapore Pte. Ltd.coreAuthorized distributor serving Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, East Timor. Contact: Dr. Leo Ding, [email protected]
- ScientekcoreAuthorized distributor serving Taiwan. Contact: Roy Peng, [email protected]
- Niki Glass Co., Ltd.coreAuthorized distributor serving Japan. Contact: Koji Nishi, Junko Nakayama, [email protected]
- Stanton ScientificcoreAuthorized distributor serving Australia. Contact: Will B. Stanton, [email protected]
- Systems for ResearchcoreAuthorized distributor serving Canada. Toll-free: 1-888-802-0737, [email protected]
- Best-in-class Instrument SupplierscoreRHK partners with select suppliers for LEED, XPS, SEM, evaporators, and ion sources integrated into prep/analysis chambers. Partners are chosen to ensure maximum performance without restricting customers to a particular brand.
- Professor Luiz Zagonel (UNICAMP)flagshipCo-developed the PanScan Freedom Lumin-SLT system combining atomic-resolution surface imaging with up to 72% light-capture efficiency for nanoscale light-matter studies.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RHK Technology competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Bruker Nano Surfaces: Bruker's Nano Surfaces division manufactures AFMs (including the Dimension Icon and Innova families) and is a major incumbent in the same SPM/AFM research instrument category as RHK, though with a broader portfolio spanning optics, X-ray, and life-science instruments.
- JEOL Ltd. JEOL manufactures electron microscopes and SPM instruments (STM/AFM) for academic and industrial research. Overlaps with RHK in surface science SPM though JEOL's primary SPM focus is broader and tied to its dominant TEM/SEM franchise.
Direct peers
- Oxford Instruments (Asylum Research): Asylum Research, part of Oxford Instruments, makes high-end AFMs (MFP-3D, Cypher) targeted at academic and government research labs — directly competing with RHK's Beetle and PanScan AFM/STM systems in surface science and nanoscience research.
- Scienta Omicron: Scienta Omicron manufactures UHV SPM systems, STM, and ARPES instrumentation for surface science research — competing head-to-head with RHK's UHV VT STM and Beetle/PanScan product lines at national labs and university condensed-matter physics groups.
- NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments: NT-MDT manufactures SPM/AFM/STM systems including cryogenic and UHV variants used by research labs worldwide. Direct competitor in the academic nanoscience SPM market, with broader product breadth across ambient, bio-AFM, and STM.
- Park Systems: Park Systems manufactures research-grade AFMs (NX10, NX20) used in academic and government labs globally. Competes with RHK in surface science AFM, with a stronger position in ambient AFM and growing cryogenic/vacuum offerings.
- SPECS Surface Nano Analysis GmbH: SPECS manufactures UHV SPM and surface analysis systems, including cryogenic STM platforms. Direct competitor to RHK in the UHV variable-temperature STM segment for academic condensed-matter physics customers.
- Unisoku Co., Ltd. Unisoku specializes in cryogenic UHV SPM/STM systems with extreme low-temperature and high-magnetic-field capability — closely overlapping with RHK's PanScan Freedom II and Beetle UHV VT STM product positioning at quantum materials research labs.
Emerging players
- Nanonics Imaging Ltd. Nanonics Imaging manufactures multiprobe SPM/AFM systems, with strength in NSOM and combined optical/AFM platforms — an emerging competitor in the integrated optical-SPM niche where RHK positions PanScan Lumin.
- Createc Fischer & Co. GmbH: Createc manufactures low-temperature UHV STM/AFM systems for surface science research, with focus on qPlus tuning fork sensors and cryogenic platforms. Direct emerging competitor in RHK's qPlus AFM-qPlus and PanScan LT space.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RHK Technology social profiles
Digital presenceRHK Technology financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RHK Technology leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
RHK Technology funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RHK Technology M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RHK Technology
What does RHK Technology do?
RHK Technology designs, manufactures, and sells Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) systems and controllers used for atomic-scale imaging and analysis in nanotechnology research. Its product portfolio centers on two SPM scanner families—PanScan (compact, non-magnetic scanners optimized for cryogenic and high-magnetic-field environments) and Beetle (variable-temperature scanners providing stability from 25K to 1500K)—along with the R10 and R9plus controllers, accessories, and prep/analysis chamber integrations for surface science platforms.
Is RHK Technology a public or private company?
RHK Technology is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was RHK Technology founded?
RHK Technology was founded in 1981. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RHK Technology based?
RHK Technology is headquartered in Troy, United States, in the North America region.
How does RHK Technology make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. SPM Instruments and Systems are the primary driver. The others are SPM Controllers, accessories and Components, prep/Analysis Equipment Integration and training Services.
Who are RHK Technology's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Bruker Nano Surfaces and JEOL Ltd.. Direct peers are Oxford Instruments (Asylum Research), Scienta Omicron, NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments, Park Systems, SPECS Surface Nano Analysis GmbH and Unisoku Co., Ltd.. Emerging players are Nanonics Imaging Ltd. and Createc Fischer & Co. GmbH.
Does RHK Technology have an API?
No public API is recorded for RHK Technology.
What industry is RHK Technology in?
RHK Technology's product category is Scanning Probe Microscopy Instruments. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAE, Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments. Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.