Probe-surface interaction mapping in amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy by integrating amplitude-distance and amplitude-frequency curves

摘要

The procedure integrating independent amplitude-distance and amplitude-frequency measurements into a single routine with two variables (frequency and distance) has been developed. The domains of attraction and repulsion regimes of probe-surf ace interactions are clearly identified on two-dimensional patterns in frequency-distance space due to the stepwise change in a slope of constant amplitude lines and their shear on boundaries. Pattern evolution with the driving amplitude variation was studied, and three characteristic pattern types were selected. The topology of patterns obtained at intermediate drivings indicates that the probe-surface interaction is attractive at large and low cantilever-surface separations being repulsive at intermediate separations.