SFM

SFM is an acronym that can refer to several terms in different technical contexts. Two of the most common uses are Source Filmmaker, a software tool by Valve, and Scanning Force Microscopy, a mode of nanoscale surface analysis.

Source Filmmaker (SFM) is a free,Valve-developed application for creating animated films using assets from Source engine games such as Team Fortress 2, Half-Life 2, and Portal. It provides a timeline-based editing interface, camera controls, and scene management to pose characters, animate motion, and render sequences. The software supports importing models and props, along with facial animation workflows and lip-sync tools, enabling the production of cinematic scenes. Finished projects are commonly shared on platforms such as the Steam Workshop. SFM is distributed via Steam and remains a staple tool in fan-made machinima communities, supported by Valve and the user ecosystem.

Scanning Force Microscopy (SFM) refers to a form of atomic force microscopy used for nanoscale surface characterization. It employs a sharp tip mounted on a cantilever to interact with a sample’s surface. Deflection of the cantilever is measured, typically by a laser reflected onto a photodiode, and a feedback loop maintains a constant interaction, producing a topographic map. SFM can operate in air or liquid and in several modes, including contact and noncontact (tapping). It delivers high spatial resolution and is applied in materials science, biology, and electronics to study surface structure, mechanical properties, and intermolecular forces.

SFM thus designates distinct tools in digital media production and nanoscale science, depending on the field of reference.