The last decade has seen significant developments in high resolution scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Striking and high-profile achievements have included the high-resolution imaging of molecules and 2D materials, such that both the geometric and electronic structure are now routinely resolved with sub-angstrom resolution (e.g. Ref [1,2]). Moreover, extensions to conventional modes of operation now allow access to other physical quantities at the atomic scale, and have greatly expanded the range of systems and physical phenomena accessible via SPM. These include optical properties, local charge distribution, orbital imaging on insulators, and magnetic interactions. (e.g. Refs [3,4]).

In addition to the unprecedented spatial resolution, other advances have focused on extremely high temporal resolution (e.g. Ref [5]), on automated image recognition, on atomic manipulation, or on detecting dynamic processes. In this mini-colloquium, speakers will highlight the current state-of-the-art in high resolution SPM, introduce new topics, and present the investigation of complex materials at the frontiers of scanning probe microscopy. The colloquium aims to highlight the broad range of research currently underway in the field and inspire new applications and research topics in for groups working on atomic and nanoscale physics and understanding of quantum phenomena at these length scales.