Dynamic Calibration of Higher Eigenmode Parameters of a Cantilever in Atomic Force Microscopy Using Tip-Surface Interactions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a theoretical method for dynamically calibrating higher eigenmode parameters of an AFM cantilever using tip-surface interactions, eliminating the need for prior eigenmode shape knowledge.

Contribution

It proposes a novel calibration framework based on tip-surface force reconstruction that is independent of eigenmode shape and physical amplitude assumptions.

Findings

Calibration accuracy is independent of unknown eigenmode amplitudes

Method requires only a single-point force measurement

Applicable without prior eigenmode shape knowledge

Abstract

We present a theoretical framework for the dynamic calibration of the higher eigenmode parameters (stiffness and optical lever responsivity) of a cantilever. The method is based on the tip-surface force reconstruction technique and does not require any prior knowledge of the eigenmode shape or the particular form of the tip-surface interaction. The calibration method proposed requires a single-point force measurement using a multimodal drive and its accuracy is independent of the unknown physical amplitude of a higher eigenmode.