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G. Schitter, M. J. Rost:
"Scanning probe microscopy at video-rate";
Materials Today (invited), 11 (2009), S1; 40 - 48.

Recent results have demonstrated the feasibility of video-rate
scanning tunneling microscopy and video-rate atomic force microscopy.
The further development of this technology will enable the direct
observation of many dynamic processes that are impossible to
observe today with conventional Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPMs).
Examples are atom and molecule diffusion processes, the motion of
molecular motors, real-time film growth, and chemical or catalytic
reactions. Video-rate scanning probe technology might also lead to the
extended application of SPMs in industry, e.g. for process control. In
this paper we discuss the critical aspects that have to be taken into
account for improving the imaging speed of SPMs. We point out the
required instrumentation efforts, give an overview of the state of the
art in high-speed scanning technology and discuss the required future
developments for imaging at video-rates.