# Photo-Induced Force Microscopy (PiFM): Augmenting Surface Analysis With AFM Chemical Mapping > Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) is a new-age analytical technique that revolutionizes Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with chemical mapping capabilities. This groundbreaking technology is orders of magnitude more sensitive and precise than FTIR yet maintains comparable spatial resolutions to other advanced AFM modes. These combined features make PiFM a powerful complement to other surface analytical techniques, giving researchers […] Source: https://covalent.com/webinars/photo-induced-force-microscopy-pifm-augmenting-surface-analysis-with-afm-chemical-mapping/ Updated: 2026-05-05T23:34:21+00:00 --- ![](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/themes/covalent/assets/images/blog-default-banner.jpg) ![](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/themes/covalent/assets/images/blog-mobile-banner.jpg) # Photo-Induced Force Microscopy (PiFM): Augmenting Surface Analysis With AFM Chemical Mapping 2023-07-27 11:00:00 | 2026-05-25 05:01:27 July 27 2023, 11:00 am PT | 50 min Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) is a new-age analytical technique that revolutionizes Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with chemical mapping capabilities. This groundbreaking technology is orders of magnitude more sensitive and precise than [FTIR](https://covalent.com/techniques/chemical-analysis/fourier-transformed-infrared-spectroscopy-ftir/) yet maintains comparable spatial resolutions to other advanced AFM modes. These combined features make [PiFM](https://covalent.com/techniques/morphology-structural-analysis/photo-induced-force-microscopy-pifm/) a powerful complement to other surface analytical techniques, giving researchers new lenses to illuminate the chemistry and performance of interface materials. Join us on June 29, 2023, at 11 AM PDT to discover how PiFM can augment the data and results from common surface techniques, unlocking key insights for industrial and scientific research. ## This Webinar Will Answer: 1. How does PiFM work? 2. What are the key advantages and features of this technique? 3. How does PiFM compare to other surface analysis techniques? 4. How is PiFM used in industry to augment insight from existing surface analysis methods? ## The Next Generation of IR-Spectroscopy Analysis: Going Nano Individual spectra are similar to those generated in Fourier-transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, except PiFM has a spectral resolution 109 times more precise. This enables [PiFM to isolate and distinguish chemical](https://covalent.com/webinars/unveiling-the-nanoscale-pifm-for-chemical-structural-and-surface-characterization/) signatures at an even more exacting scale than the spectral fingerprinting of classical FTIR. Though that’s a staggering performance boost, the real game-changer of PiFM is its facility for nano-scale chemical mapping. With a spatial resolution better than 5 nanometers, PiFM can illuminate material phase distributions, chemical defects, and contaminants within nanoscale areas. What’s more, it can be calibrated to probe the chemistry of a sample at varying depths, mapping the makeup of the sample with mono-layer molecular sensitivity. PiFM technology enables experts to investigate the chemistry of smaller volumes than ever, providing a “unique window in the study of complex material systems.” [1] Covalent is proud to partner with the creators of PiFM at Molecular Vista to introduce you to the capabilities and applications of this technique. [1] Excerpted from a review by William L. Wilson, PhD, Executive Director of the Center for Nanoscale Systems, Harvard University. Speakers: Dr. Sung Park Co-founder and CEO of Molecular Vista ## Recent Webinars [![Read time](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/clock.svg) 0mins Jun 18, 2026 ### Metallurgical Failure Analysis: Root Cause Investigations Understanding why materials fail is essential to improving reliability, safety, and performance. This webinar provides an overview of metallurgical failure analysis and the investigative techniques used to determine root causes in complex material and component failures. Attendees will learn how Covalent approaches failure investigations involving metallic alloys, welded assemblies, protective coatings, and fractured components. Through…](https://covalent.com/webinars/metallurgical-failure-analysis-root-cause-investigations/) [![Read time](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/clock.svg) 57mins Apr 16, 2026 ### Beyond the Surface: Next-Generation Scanning Acoustic Microscopy Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) is a powerful tool for non-destructive evaluation of internal features such as voids, delamination, and cracks but traditional systems have limitations in scale, geometry, and data interpretation.In this webinar, Covalent and PVA TePla will showcase how new advances in large-format scanning, rotational inspection, and machine learning are overcoming these challenges enabling…](https://covalent.com/webinars/next-generation-sam/) [![Read time](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/clock.svg) 58mins Feb 19, 2026 ### An Introduction to Fluorine NMR and its polymer applications Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful analytical technique which unveils the molecular structure by detecting the magnetic spins of a selected isotope. Fluorine-19 (19F) NMR is the primary characterization technique for fluorinated materials, which are widely used in advanced applications, such as energy storage, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and optical coatings. In this webinar, we will…](https://covalent.com/webinars/an-introduction-to-fluorine-nmr-and-its-polymer-applications/) Subscribe to Our Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, insights, and breakthroughs - delivered straight to your inbox.