AppNano
AppNano (Applied NanoStructures, Inc.) is a privately held nanofabrication company that designs, manufactures, and supplies silicon AFM/SPM probes, the VertiSense thermal microscopy module, and custom MEMS/characterization services from an in-house clean room in Mountain View, California, serving academic, industrial, and semiconductor research customers worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersMountain View, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AppNano does
AppNano (legal entity: Applied NanoStructures, Inc.) is a privately held nanofabrication company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Mountain View, California. The company develops, manufactures, and supplies nanostructures — primarily Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) / Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) probes — from an in-house clean room facility using proprietary silicon nanofabrication and MEMS processes. Its product portfolio spans a broad catalog of monolithic silicon probes (ACT, FORT, ACCESS, HYDRA series) and specialty probes for electrical, magnetic, biological, tip-enhanced Raman, colloidal, diamond-coated, and deep-trench imaging; the award-winning VertiSense Scanning Thermal Microscopy module and its VTP thermal probe enabling temperature mapping from -40°C to 700°C; Step Height Standards for AFM/SEM/profiler calibration; and three service lines — Custom MEMS & Nanofabrication, Characterization & Metrology (AFM, FE-SEM, FIB, thin-film deposition up to 6-inch substrates), and Custom Probe Mounting across multiple AFM platforms.
The business model is overwhelmingly transactional hardware sales of consumable probes and instruments, supplemented by fee-for-service custom fabrication and characterization work. Pricing is unit-based (e.g., Step Height Standards at $402–$534 per unit) with most catalog probes sold on quote; standard packages are 5, 10, 20, 50, or full wafer (410+ units). Net 30 terms or prepayment; a six-month warranty applies with a two-week RMA window for non-conforming probes. Go-to-market combines a direct e-commerce storefront on appnano.com, phone/email/fax ordering, and a distributor network — most notably Quatek Inc. covering the Shenzhen/China region — alongside FedEx global shipping. Customers are predominantly research institutions and academic labs (cited via Stanford, Yale publications), with secondary demand from industrial/materials-science QA labs and semiconductor/data-storage customers using thermal microscopy for HAMR head testing and device thermography. The company is privately held with no disclosed external equity investors, a headcount of 1–10 employees, and self-describes as "rapidly expanding" with active hiring for process engineering and sales support roles.
AppNano firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AppNano
- Legal name
- Applied NanoStructures, Inc.
- Website
- https://appnano.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- AppNano (Applied NanoStructures, Inc.) is a privately held nanofabrication company that designs, manufactures, and supplies silicon AFM/SPM probes, the VertiSense thermal microscopy module, and custom MEMS/characterization services from an in-house clean room in Mountain View, California, serving academic, industrial, and semiconductor research customers worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AppNano industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scientific Instrumentation
- NAICS
- Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing (333242)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs (HDAHAAAG)
Keywords
Where AppNano is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mountain View
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
AppNano business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Standard SPM Probe Catalog: Sale of standard catalog SPM/AFM probes including ACT, FORT, ACCESS, HYDRA, SNOM-C, SNOM-NC, BioLever, Pillar, PtSi-SICON, PtSi-ACT, PtSi-FORT, A-FAST, and various specialty probes. Probes are consumable items sold in standard package sizes of 5, 10, 20, 50, or full wafer (410+) units.
- Step Height Standards: Sale of calibration standards for AFM, SEM, Optical and Mechanical Profilers. Features step heights, lines, grids, magnification box and spot measurement structures. Available in 100nm and 200nm heights with various mounting options.
- VertiSense™ Thermal Microscopy Module: Sale of SThM modules for thermal conductivity and temperature contrast imaging. Compatible with most commercial AFMs. Includes thermal probes, test samples, and calibrators.
- Custom MEMS & Nanofabrication Services: R&D, manufacturing and QA services for custom MEMS devices and nano fabrication including wet chemical processing, diffusion/oxidation processing, metallization, dry etching, physical vapour deposition, and photolithography.
- Characterization and Metrology Services: Fee-for-service nano characterization using AFM, FE-SEM, FIB, and thin film deposition services for polymers, metallurgical samples, electronic materials, ceramics, and particles/contaminants.
- Custom Mounted Probes: Pre-mounting service for AFM probes on special probe holders compatible with major AFM systems for a small fee.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Step Height Standards - 100nm SiO2 Step |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard SPM Probe Catalog |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Consumable Probe Policy |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
AppNano product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AppNano (Applied NanoStructures, Inc.) develops, manufactures, and supplies nanostructures, with a primary focus on silicon Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probes produced in an in-house clean room using MEMS and nanofabrication processes. Its offerings include a broad SPM probe catalog, the award-winning VertiSense thermal microscopy module, Step Height Standards for instrument calibration, and services for custom MEMS fabrication, nano characterization/metrology, and custom probe mounting.
Product overview
AppNano (Applied NanoStructures, Inc.) develops, manufactures, and supplies nanostructures with a focus on Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) probes. Their product portfolio centers on silicon probes (including the ACT, FORT, ACCESS, HYDRA, and specialty series) designed for diverse SPM applications. The company offers specialized probes including BioLever for bioapplications, PtSi conductive probes for electrical characterization, TERS probes for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, colloidal and ball probes for particle studies, and diamond-coated probes for demanding applications. Supporting products include the award-winning VertiSense thermal microscopy module (SThM) enabling temperature mapping from -40°C to 700°C, and Step Height Standards for instrument calibration. Services include Custom MEMS & Nano Fabrication, Characterization and Metrology, and Custom Probe Mounting for various AFM platforms. Their in-house clean room facility enables rapid prototyping and batch processing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- VertiSense: Award-winning SThM (Scanning Thermal Microscopy) module for nanoscale thermal analysis
- ACT
- FORT
- ACCESS
- HYDRA
Products and services
- SPM Probe Catalog Catalog of silicon-based Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probes for scanning probe microscopy applications. Covers diverse imaging modes and use cases including contact imaging, tapping/non-contact imaging, force modulation, electric force microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, scanning capacitance microscopy, near-field optical microscopy, and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Consumable product sold in package sizes of 5, 10, 20, 50, or full wafer (410+) units; quote-based pricing for most models.
- VertiSense Thermal Microscopy Module Plug-in Scanning Thermal Microscopy (SThM) module for atomic force microscopes that enables nanoscale thermal conductivity mapping and temperature contrast imaging with real temperature measurements from -40°C to 700°C. Includes thermal probes, test samples, and calibrators, and is compatible with most commercial AFMs via Bluetooth wireless interface. Targeted at semiconductor, data storage, and advanced materials research labs requiring thermal device characterization (e.g., HAMR head testing, device thermography).
- Step Height Standards (SHS) Calibration standards designed for X, Y, and Z calibration of scanning probe microscopes and profilometers. Features step heights (100nm and 200nm), lines, grids, magnification box, and spot measurement structures defined in thermally grown silicon dioxide on silicon substrate with an optional Cr layer for surface hardening. Available in various mounting and metal-coating configurations.
- Custom MEMS & Nano Fabrication Service R&D, manufacturing, and qualification services for custom MEMS devices and nanostructures produced in AppNano's in-house clean room. Includes wet chemical processing, diffusion/oxidation, metallization, dry etching, PVD, and photolithography. Custom products include nano thermal analysis probes, piezoresistive cantilevers, flat tip probes, colloidal probes, MOSFET cantilevers, and tall tip probes.
- Characterization and Metrology Service Fee-for-service nano-scale characterization and metrology using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB), and thin film deposition up to 6-inch substrates. Used for polymers, metallurgical samples, electronic materials, ceramics, and particle/contaminant analysis.
- Custom Probe Mounting Service Pre-mounting service that correctly mounts AFM probes on special probe holders compatible with major AFM systems (Ambios Technology, Quesant, Park Systems, Pacific Nanotechnology/PNI, NanoInk, and selected Bruker models including TopoMetrix, PSIA, and TM Microscope). Available for a small fee.
Quantifiable outcome
- Every wafer undergoes stringent quality checks at all steps of manufacturing process
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use AppNano
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
AppNano technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature6 records
AppNano partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Quatek Inc.coreQuatek Inc. serves as AppNano's authorized distributor for the China/Shenzhen region. Located at Rm2509, Bao Tong Building, 13 District, BaoAn, Shenzhen 518133, P.R.C. Contact is Jay Zheng (郑少杰) at +86-755-33815218 or [email protected].
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
AppNano competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Nanosensors (now part of NanoWorld AG group): Nanosensors is a specialized AFM probe manufacturer with a deep catalog across tapping, contact, conductive, and magnetic modes. Closest pure-play peer to AppNano's catalog-focused probe business.
- NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments: NT-MDT manufactures both AFMs and a broad portfolio of SPM probes, including specialty tips for electrical and nanomechanical modes. It is one of the most direct competitors to AppNano's catalog and custom MEMS offerings.
- NanoWorld AG: NanoWorld produces silicon and silicon nitride AFM probes under the PointProbe, Arrow, and Pyrex-Nitride lines. Directly comparable to AppNano's ACT/FORT/ACCESS product families in geometry, materials, and customer base.
- Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology: RMN manufactures functionalized and specialty AFM probes (e.g., gold-coated, biotinylated) for biosensing and conductive imaging. Overlaps with AppNano's PtSi, BioLever, and TERS specialty probe lines.
- MikroMasch (now NovaScan Technologies): MikroMasch/NovaScan produces silicon and silicon nitride AFM probes and calibration standards. Directly comparable to AppNano on probe consumables and step-height calibration standards.
- Team Nanotec: Team Nanotec manufactures high-aspect-ratio and specialty AFM probes (e.g., HQ series). Comparable to AppNano in the high-aspect-ratio Pillar/HART/NITRA-TALL product lines serving semiconductor and MEMS inspection.
Broad incumbents
- Park Systems: Park Systems manufactures AFMs (notably the NX series) and supports third-party probes. AppNano's pre-mounting service explicitly supports Park Systems AFMs, evidencing direct compatibility and overlapping customer base.
- Oxford Instruments Asylum Research: Asylum Research is a major AFM manufacturer (now part of Oxford Instruments) that also sells AFM probes. Overlaps with AppNano in conductive, magnetic, and bio-AFM probes used by the same academic and industrial research customers.
- Bruker Nano Surfaces: Bruker is the dominant AFM system and probe vendor through its Nano Surfaces division. AppNano directly competes on AFM probe consumables, where Bruker's installed-base of instruments and bundled consumables create a structural advantage.
Emerging players
- TipsNano: TipsNano is an AFM probe manufacturer offering a broad line of standard and conductive tips. Competes with AppNano primarily in the lower-cost end of the catalog probe market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AppNano social profiles
Digital presenceAppNano financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AppNano leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
AppNano funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AppNano M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AppNano
What does AppNano do?
AppNano (Applied NanoStructures, Inc.) develops, manufactures, and supplies nanostructures, with a primary focus on silicon Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probes produced in an in-house clean room using MEMS and nanofabrication processes. Its offerings include a broad SPM probe catalog, the award-winning VertiSense thermal microscopy module, Step Height Standards for instrument calibration, and services for custom MEMS fabrication, nano characterization/metrology, and custom probe mounting.
Is AppNano a public or private company?
AppNano is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was AppNano founded?
AppNano was founded in 2004. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is AppNano based?
AppNano is headquartered in Mountain View, United States, in the North America region.
How does AppNano make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Standard SPM Probe Catalog is the primary driver. The others are step Height Standards, vertiSense™ Thermal Microscopy Module, custom MEMS & Nanofabrication Services, characterization and Metrology Services and custom Mounted Probes.
Who are AppNano's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Nanosensors (now part of NanoWorld AG group), NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments, NanoWorld AG, Rocky Mountain Nanotechnology, MikroMasch (now NovaScan Technologies) and Team Nanotec. Broad incumbents are Park Systems, Oxford Instruments Asylum Research and Bruker Nano Surfaces. TipsNano is listed as an emerging player.
Does AppNano have an API?
No public API is recorded for AppNano.
What industry is AppNano in?
AppNano's product category is Scientific Instrumentation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHAAAG, Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs. Its NAICS code is 333242.