Agilent Technologies Inc. has acquired privately held Molecular Imaging Corp., a leading developer and manufacturer of nanotechnology measurement tools.

Molecular Imaging is known for its atomic force microscopes (AFMs), the principal imaging and measurement instruments used by researchers working in nanotechnology. Called the “eyes of nanotechnology,” AFMs are used to measure the shape and properties of materials at the nanometer scale.

Agilent already has a solid position in the laser interferometer market to precisely measure distances at the nanometer scale. The acquisition of Molecular Imaging marks the next step in strengthening Agilent’s market position in nanomeasurement by extending the company’s portfolio into imaging at the nanometer scale through AFMs.

Nanotechnology is important to Agilent because it is a common denominator between the two chief areas of the company’s business — the electronic measurements side and the analytical measurements side, which concentrates on life sciences and chemical analysis, said Bob Burns, vice president of Agilent’s Nanotechnology Measurements Division.

Atomic force microscopes are a significant portion of the $1 billion market for nanotechnology measurement tools. Molecular Imaging’s chief product line is the PicoPlus^® family of modular, high-resolution AFMs, which are used for high-resolution imaging in fluids, ambient and controlled environmental and temperature conditions. Customers are researchers in the areas of drug discovery, life science, electrochemistry, materials science and polymer science.

Molecular Imaging is the premier developer and supplier of atomic force microscopes and scanning probe microscope (SPM) systems for high-resolution imaging in fluids or ambient air under controlled temperatures and environmental conditions. The company’s products are designed for nanotechnology research applications in life science, biotechnology, electrochemistry and material and polymer science.