Vibrational shape tracking of atomic force microscopy cantilevers for improved sensitivity and accuracy of nanomechanical measurements

Published

January 5, 2015

Author(s)

Ryan Wagner, Jason Killgore, Ryan C. Tung, Arvind Raman, Donna C. Hurley

Abstract

Contact resonance atomic force microscopy (CR-AFM) methods currently utilize the eigenvalues, or resonant frequencies, of the AFM cantilever in contact to quantify local mechanical properties. However, the cantilever eigenmodes, or vibrational shapes, also depend strongly on tip-sample contact stiffness. In this paper, we evaluate the potential of eigenmode measurements for improved accuracy and sensitivity of CR-AFM. We apply a recently developed, in-situ laser scanning method to experimentally measure changes in cantilever eigenmodes as a function of tip-sample stiffness. Regions of maximum sensitivity for eigenvalues and eigenmodes are compared and found to occur at different values of contact stiffness. The results allow for the development of practical guidelines for CR-AFM experiments, such as optimum laser spot positioning for different experimental conditions. These experiments provide insight into the complex system dynamics that can affect CR- AFM and lay a foundation for enhanced nanomechanical measurements with CR-AFM.

Citation

Nanotechnology

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

atomic force microscopy, contact resonance, nanomechanics

Citation

Wagner, R. , Killgore, J. , Tung, R. , Raman, A. and Hurley, D. (2015), Vibrational shape tracking of atomic force microscopy cantilevers for improved sensitivity and accuracy of nanomechanical measurements, Nanotechnology, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=915975 (Accessed November 4, 2025)