anfatec instruments

What anfatec instruments does

Anfatec Instruments AG is a German scientific instrumentation company that develops and manufactures scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and precision signal-processing equipment, headquartered in Oelsnitz/Vogtland since its founding around 1996. Its product portfolio spans three integrated lines: atomic force and scanning tunneling microscopes (High-Speed AFM, Level AFM, Golden STM); SPM controllers (High Speed, Low Cost, Developer, and Replacement versions); and a family of FPGA-based digital lock-in amplifiers (eLockIn series up to 20 MHz, USB LockIn 250, PCIe AMU for OEM, and a Multichannel unit supporting up to 7 demodulators). Complementary Kelvin probe systems (Single Point, Large Area, MultiKelvin), optical tools (Spec64 Raman spectrometer, PD1/PD2 photo detectors, Rainbow Source), accessories (Humi environmental chamber, V45B HV amplifier, preamplifier), and a consumables line of silicon, diamond, PiFM, HiRes-C, and self-sensing cantilevers round out a vertically integrated offering, with proprietary software (SXM/Anfatec Scan, Present, kLever, VistaScan) closing the stack.

The company also acts as the European distributor for Molecular Vista's VistaScope system, extending its addressable measurement modalities into Nano-IR, sSNOM, and Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM), as evidenced by reference collaborations with Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Covestro, TNO, Siltronic, and the Universities of Jena, Leoben, and Utrecht.

Anfatec monetizes through quote-based sales of higher-tier instrumentation supported by an international distributor network (Australia, France, India, Japan, Singapore/China, UK, Chile/Argentina/Peru/Bolivia, Croatia) and direct transactional sales of consumables through its anfatec-shop.de webshop; participation in major scientific conferences (DPG, MRS, EMRS, ISPM), user meetings (1st VistaScope User Meeting, October 2024 at Max Planck Mainz), and dedicated support pages underpin a sales-led, technically literate go-to-market motion targeting academic and industrial R&D customers in nanotechnology, materials science, semiconductor, battery, and polymer research.

Name

anfatec instruments

Legal name

Anfatec Instruments AG

Website

https://anfatec.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Anfatec Instruments AG is a German manufacturer of scanning probe microscopes (AFM, STM), FPGA-based digital lock-in amplifiers, SPM controllers, and Kelvin probe systems, serving academic and industrial R&D customers in nanotechnology, materials, semiconductor, and battery research across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America via distributors and a direct consumables webshop.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Instrumentation

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Microscopy, Imaging & Flow Cytometry Instruments (HLAGAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB)

Keywords

• Scanning probe microscopy
• Atomic force microscopy
• Lock-in amplifiers
• Kelvin probe systems
• SPM controllers

Headquarters

HQ city

Oelsnitz

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Scientific Instrumentation Hardware: Sale of precision scientific instruments including lock-in amplifiers, SPM controllers, atomic force microscopes, Kelvin probe systems, and accessories. Products range from entry-level to high-performance professional systems.
2. AFM Consumables and Accessories: Sale of cantilevers (Si-cantilevers, diamond probes, PiFM cantilevers), samples, preamplifiers, and other accessories through the Anfatec webshop.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Anfatec Instruments AG designs, manufactures, and sells scientific instruments for scanning probe microscopy, including atomic force microscopes (AFM), scanning tunneling microscopes (STM), digital lock-in amplifiers, and Kelvin probe systems. The company offers a complete SPM ecosystem with proprietary hardware controllers, FPGA-based signal processing electronics, AFM cantilever consumables, and integrated image acquisition and calibration software. It also serves as the European distributor for Molecular Vista's VistaScope Nano-IR/sSNOM systems.

Product overview

Anfatec Instruments AG is a German precision measurement instruments company offering a comprehensive portfolio of scanning probe microscopy and signal processing products. The product line centers on Atomic Force Microscopes (High-Speed AFM, Level AFM, Golden STM) and Molecular Vista's VistaScope for Nano-IR/sSNOM, complemented by a full range of SPM Controllers (High Speed, Low Cost, Developer, and Replacement options). Signal processing is handled through multiple lock-in amplifier series (eLockIn up to 20MHz, USB LockIn 250, PCIe AMU, and Multichannel with up to 7 demodulators), Kelvin Probe Systems (Single Point, Large Area, MultiKelvin), and accessories (Preamplifiers, Humi chambers, V45B amplifiers, Spec64 Raman Spectrometer, Photo Detectors, Rainbow Source). The company also provides specialized cantilevers (MikroMasch, ART Diamond, Nanoworld, PiFM, HiRes-C, Self Sensing) and software tools including SXM/Anfatec Scan image acquisition, Present visualization, kLever calibration, and VistaScan. Anfatec distributes Molecular Vista products in Europe and maintains global distributor coverage.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• eLockIn: Stand-alone digital lock-in amplifier series with FPGA design, dual input, dual reference, and dual harmonic operation up to 20 MHz.
• USBLockIn250
• Multichannel Lock-in Amplifier
• Level AFM
• High-Speed AFM
• Golden STM
• kLever
• SXM/Anfatec Scan
• VistaScope

Products and services

• High-Speed AFM High-speed atomic force microscope for rapid surface imaging and analysis with fast scanning capabilities.
• Level AFM Atomic force microscope with automated leveling capabilities for enhanced imaging precision.
• Golden STM Scanning tunneling microscope providing high-resolution surface characterization at the atomic scale.
• VistaScope (Molecular Vista) Distributed Nano-IR and sSNOM microscope for PiFM measurements, providing nanoscale chemical analysis capability.
• High Speed SPM Controller High-performance SPM controller with PCIe interface for Gen2 Anfatec Controllers, supporting fast data acquisition.
• Low Cost SPM Controller Affordable SPM controller for budget-conscious users and basic scanning probe microscopy applications.
• Developer SPM Controller SPM controller version designed for development and custom integration purposes.
• Replacement SPM Controller Replacement SPM controller for upgrading or servicing existing Anfatec microscopy systems.
• eLockIn Series Stand-alone digital lock-in amplifier based on FPGA design with dual input, dual reference, and dual harmonic operation in frequency ranges up to 20 MHz.
• USB LockIn 250 Compact USB-based digital lock-in amplifier with frequency range from 10 mHz to 250 kHz, allowing connection of virtually unlimited units to one PC.
• PCIe Lock-in Amplifier AMU 5.0 PCIe card-based lock-in amplifier designed for OEM users, offering affordable integration options.
• Multichannel Lock-in Amplifier Multi-demodulator lock-in amplifier supporting up to 7 demodulators in one device with 10 mHz to 250 kHz bandwidth, featuring differential or single-ended input modes.
• Kelvin Probe Single Point Work function measurement system for single-point Kelvin probe measurements.
• Kelvin Probe Large Area Scanning Kelvin probe system for large-area work function mapping and surface potential measurements.
• MultiKelvin Parallel Kelvin probe system enabling simultaneous multi-point work function measurements.
• Preamplifier Ultra low noise preamplifier for oscilloscopes and lock-in amplifiers with differential/single-ended input, AC/DC switching, four amplifications, and adjustable bandwidth.
• Humi Environmental Chamber Environmental control chamber for humidity control during AFM measurements.
• V45B HV Amplifier High voltage amplifier (HV 200/5) for scanner control in SPM systems.
• Spec64 Raman Spectrometer Fiber-coupled high-speed Raman spectrometer with rotating motorized grating, 400-1100 nm wavelength range, 5 cm-1 resolution, and acquisition time down to 10 ms per spectrum.
• PD1/PD2 Photo Detectors 4-quadrant photo detector boards optimized for laser deflection in AFM, SNOM, and micromechanics applications, with 3 mm active diameter and greater than 300 kHz bandwidth.
• Rainbow Source Multi-wavelength LED light source for optical microscopy and spectroscopy applications.
• SXM Software (Anfatec Scan) Image acquisition software for Anfatec controllers and microscopes with comprehensive scanning, spectroscopy, automation capabilities, and scripting support.
• Anfatec Scan 28.29 Latest version of Anfatec Scan SXM software for SPM controllers, compatible with Anfatec Controllers Gen2 (PCIe card and external lockin amplifier).
• Anfatec Present Presentation software for viewing and analyzing acquired scan images with colorization and analysis tools.
• kLever Cantilever Calibration Software Software that calculates normal and torsional spring constants using the Sader method without requiring knowledge of density distribution, thickness, or vacuum resonant frequency.
• VistaScan Software Software for Molecular Vista VistaScope enabling Nano-IR and sSNOM measurements in PiFM mode.
• MikroMasch Silicon Cantilevers High-quality silicon AFM cantilevers from MikroMasch with HQ-Quality designation, sold via Anfatec webshop.
• ART Single Crystal Diamond Probes Advanced diamond probes with unique properties for demanding AFM applications requiring exceptional durability, sold via Anfatec webshop.
• Nanoworld Pointprobe Tips Commercial AFM cantilever tips from Nanoworld for standard scanning probe microscopy applications, sold via Anfatec webshop.
• PiFM Cantilever Special cantilevers optimized for Photo-Induced Force Microscopy applications, sold via Anfatec webshop.
• HiRes-C Cantilevers High-resolution cantilevers featuring 1 nm tip radius for atomic-scale imaging applications, sold via Anfatec webshop.
• Self Sensing Cantilevers (SCL) Innovative cantilevers with integrated piezo-resistive sensors for self-sensing AFM operation, sold via Anfatec webshop.

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.

• Molecular VistacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnfatec Instruments AG serves as the European distributor for Molecular Vista products, specifically the VistaScope system for Nano-IR and sSNOM measurements operating in PiFM mode. This partnership extends Anfatec's product portfolio with advanced infrared-Atomic Force Microscopy capabilities.
• Scitech Pty LtdregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian distributor for Anfatec Instruments products. Located in Preston, Victoria.
• Hypertech S.A.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench distributor for Anfatec Instruments products. ISO 9001 v 2000 certified company based in Evry, France.
• New Age Instruments LtdregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndian distributor for Anfatec Instruments products, specializing in lock-in amplifiers for the Indian market.
• Science Laboratories Inc.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJapanese distributor for Anfatec Instruments products.
• Photonitech Pte LtdregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSingapore and China distributor for Anfatec Instruments products.
• Semimetrics Ltd.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK distributor for Anfatec Instruments products.
• Agencias NordicasregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia for Anfatec Instruments products.
• Mjerne tehnologije d.o.o.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCroatian distributor for Anfatec Instruments products.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bruker Corporation: Bruker is a major scientific instruments company with a substantial AFM/SPM business (including Asylum Research). Comparable to Anfatec as the dominant broad incumbent offering atomic force microscopes, SPM controllers, and surface analysis tools to academic and industrial research customers worldwide.
• Keysight Technologies: Keysight is a broad test and measurement incumbent with capabilities in electrical signal measurement, signal analysis, and now SPM via its acquisition history. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving industrial and research customers with measurement and signal recovery instrumentation.

Direct peers

• Oxford Instruments Asylum Research: Asylum Research (an Oxford Instruments business) is one of the leading AFM manufacturers globally, offering high-performance atomic force microscopes for materials science and life science research. Directly competes with Anfatec's High-Speed AFM, Level AFM, and Golden STM product lines.
• Park Systems: Park Systems is a Korean AFM manufacturer serving academic and industrial nanoscale research with high-resolution atomic force microscopes. Direct competitor to Anfatec's AFM family, particularly in advanced research and semiconductor metrology applications.
• Nanosurf AG: Nanosurf is a Swiss AFM/SPM manufacturer offering compact, affordable atomic force microscopes and SPM controllers for research and education. Highly comparable to Anfatec in positioning around affordable, precision SPM instrumentation for academic users.
• NT-MDT (Spectrum Instruments): NT-MDT (now Spectrum Instruments) is a Russia/Europe-based AFM and SPM manufacturer with a broad portfolio of scanning probe microscopes. Direct peer offering competing AFM platforms and SPM controllers to academic and industrial research markets.
• Stanford Research Systems: Stanford Research Systems manufactures lock-in amplifiers and other scientific research instruments. Directly comparable to Anfatec's eLockIn, USB LockIn 250, PCIe AMU, and Multichannel lock-in amplifier product families serving physics and materials research labs.
• Zurich Instruments: Zurich Instruments is a Swiss manufacturer of lock-in amplifiers, phase-locked loops, and other high-precision signal recovery instruments. Direct peer to Anfatec's lock-in amplifier portfolio, serving similar academic and industrial research customers with comparable performance specifications.

Emerging players

• Molecular Vista: Molecular Vista develops the VistaScope Nano-IR/sSNOM system for PiFM measurements. Anfatec is both a partner (European distributor) and adjacent competitor in advanced nanoscale chemical imaging instrumentation.
• Attocube Systems: Attocube Systems is a German nanotechnology company developing AFM and STM systems for low-temperature and cryogenic environments. Comparable emerging peer in the European SPM ecosystem with overlapping low-temperature scanning probe microscopy capabilities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/anfatec-instruments-ag

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about anfatec instruments