Vanishing Cantilever Calibration Error with Magic Ratio Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

An analysis is presented of the error propagation through a simplified contact model for atomic force microscopy (AFM) static force spectroscopy, one that is meant to be intuitive and pedagogically informative rather than maximally realistic. It is shown that an important dimensionless ratio appears in several critical locations in the closed form error equation, and that under common calibration methods there exists a ``magic'' ratio where an important class of systematic calibration errors cancel out completely. This argument is extended to more complex contact models and the presence of a magic ratio is demonstrated using real data. A method is shown to identify and operate at optimal conditions in commercial AFMs. Targeting this magic ratio provides a simple, comprehensive guideline for cantilever selection, system calibration, and imaging parameter selection.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jun 22, 2020
Source ID
10.1002/adts.202000090

Entities

People

  • David W Collinson
  • L. Catherine Brinson
  • Richard J Sheridan

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Division of Civil, Mechanical & Manufacturing Innovation
  • Duke University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

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