An improved transform theory for estimation of number density distribution of colloidal particles on a surface: A method for colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy

TL;DR

This paper presents an improved transform theory for colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy that accurately estimates the number density distribution of colloidal particles on a surface from force measurements, aiding fundamental colloid studies.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel, improved transform theory specifically designed for CP-AFM to better estimate particle distributions on surfaces, advancing colloid surface analysis methods.

Findings

Enhanced accuracy in estimating particle density distributions

Applicable to studies of colloidal crystal and glass formation

Provides a new tool for surface colloid characterization

Abstract

In the short letter, we explain an improved transform theory for colloidal-probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM). CP-AFM can measure a force curve between the colloidal probe and a wall surface in a colloidal dispersion. The transform theory can estimate the normalized number density distribution of the colloidal particles on the wall from the force curve measured by CP-AFM. The transform theory is important for study of the stratification of the colloidal particles on the wall, which is related to fundamental studies of colloidal crystal and glass.