Time-varying tip-sample force measurements confirm steady-state dynamics in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy

TL;DR

This study uses direct time-varying force measurements to validate the steady-state dynamics in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy, confirming the reliability of torsional harmonic cantilever measurements across various conditions.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence that the steady-state dynamics equations are quantitatively supported by independent force measurements, enhancing confidence in the measurement technique.

Findings

Mathematical relationships for steady-state dynamics are validated.

Time-varying tip-sample forces are reliably measured by torsional harmonic cantilevers.

Results support existing models of tapping-mode AFM dynamics.

Abstract

Direct time-varying tip-sample force measurements by torsional harmonic cantilevers facilitate detailed investigations of the cantilever dynamics in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy. Here we report experimental evidence that the mathematical relationships describing the steady state dynamics are quantitatively satisfied by the independent measurements of tip-sample forces over a broad range of experimental conditions. These results confirm the existing understanding of the tapping-mode atomic force microscopy and build confidence on the reliability of time-varying tip-sample force measurements by the torsional harmonic cantilevers.