COMBINED SURFACE-PLASMON RESONANCE AND SCANNING FORCE MICROSCOPE INSTRUMENT

We have designed and constructed a combined surface plasmon resonance- scanning force microscope instrument capable of providing simultaneous in situ information on the dynamic behavior of the refractive index a nd spatial characteristics of surfaces. These data show considerable p otential for revealing new insights into interfacial phenomena. In thi s article, we describe the instrument in detail and provide a brief ex ample of the results obtained when studying the hydrolytic degradation of a bioerodable polymer film [poly(orthoester)] exposed to an acidic environment. Analyses of the plasmon resonance and force microscopy d ata reveals the kinetics of the polymer degradation process and the he terogeneities in polymer distribution and degradation, respectively. ( C) 1996 American Vacuum Society.