PLAINVIEW, N.Y., July 18 -- Veeco Instruments Inc. has acquired ThermoMicroscopes, formerly a subsidiary of Thermo Electron Corp. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. ThermoMicroscopes, which will now be called TM Microscopes, manufactures atomic force microscopes, scanning probe microscopes (AFMs and SPMs), near-field optical microscopes and probes. TM Microscopes is based in Sunnyvale, Calif., and had 2000 sales of approximately $14 million. "This purchase broadens our AFM product line, adds proprietary tip technology, and allows us to offer a versatile research microscope product line ideal for a variety of material science and nanoscience applications," said Edward H. Braun, chairman, CEO and president of Veeco. TM Microscope's employees will remain in Sunnyvale and will become part of the Veeco Metrology Group, headed by Don Kania.