Overview Agilent’s 5500/5100 inverted light micro- scope (ILM) system combines the power of a high-resolution atomic force micro- scope (AFM) with the direct optical view- ing capability of an inverted optical micro- scope .(Figure 1) The Agilent ILM offers unparalleled performance and ease of use for imaging in fl uids. It extends AFM utility in order to encompass studies of single molecules, polymers, cell membranes, whole cells, and much more. Atomic force and optical (or fl uorescence) microscopy data can be obtained simultaneously with the Agilent ILM (Figure 2). The ILM’s patented mounting design in- corporates a rigid structure that provides the low noise fl oor needed to obtain sub- nanometer resolution. Furthermore, the advanced design allows the AFM to sit on top of an inverted microscope and under the illumination pillar, resulting in better optical contrast for the images (Figure 3). Agilent’s QuickSlide sample-loading mechanism and a fl exible sample-han- dling plate make sample preparation easy. The microscope is positioned on the QuickSlide assembly, allowing the user to change samples and/or solutions without affecting the alignment of the AFM or the optical microscope (Figure 4).