Abstract
We introduce drive-amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy as a dynamic mode with outstanding performance in all environments from vacuum to liquids. As with frequency modulation, the new mode follows a feedback scheme with two nested loops: The first keeps the cantilever oscillation amplitude constant by regulating the driving force, and the second uses the driving force as the feedback variable for topography. Additionally, a phase-locked loop can be used as a parallel feedback allowing separation of the conservative and nonconservative interactions. We describe the basis of this mode and present some examples of its performance in three different environments. Drive-amplutide modulation is a very stable, intuitive and easy to use mode that is free of the feedback instability associated with the noncontact-to-contact transition that occurs in the frequency-modulation mode.
Keywords
atomic force microscopy; control systems; dissipation; frequency modulation; noncontact; FREQUENCY; DISSIPATION; CANTILEVERS; SURFACE; SAMPLES; ENERGY
DOI
10.3762/bjnano.3.38
Citation
Miriam Jaafar, David Martínez-Martín, Mariano Cuenca, John Melcher, Arvind Raman and Julio Gómez-Herrero. Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2012, 3, 336–344. DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.3.38
Date of this Version
4-18-2012
Recommended Citation
Jaafar, Miriam; Martinez-Martin, David; Cuenca, Mariano; Melcher, John; Raman, Arvind; and Gomez-Herrero, Julio, "Drive-amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy: From vacuum to liquids" (2012). Birck and NCN Publications. Paper 1214.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.3.38
Comments
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2012, 3, 336–344.
(CC BY 2.0)