The atomic force microscope can provide information on the atomic-level frictional properties of surfaces, but reproducible quantitative measurements are difficult to obtain. Parameters that are either unknown or difficult to precisely measure include the normal and lateral cantilever force constants (particularly with microfabricated cantilevers), the tip height, the deflection sensor response, and the tip structure and composition at the tip-surface contact. We present an in situ experimental procedure to determine the response of a cantilever to lateral forces in terms of its normal force response. This procedure is quite general. It will work with any type of deflection sensor and does not require the knowledge or direct measurement of the lever dimensions or the tip height. In addition, the shape of the tip apex can be determined. We also discuss a number of specific issues related to force and friction measurements using optical lever deflection sensing. We present experimental results on the lateral force response of commercially available V-shaped cantilevers. Our results are consistent with estimates of lever mechanical properties using continuum elasticity theory. The atomic force microscope can provide information on the atomic-level frictional properties of surfaces, but reproducible quantitative measurements are difficult to obtain. Parameters that are either unknown or difficult to precisely measure include the normal and lateral cantilever force constants ͑particularly with microfabricated cantilevers͒, the tip height, the deflection sensor response, and the tip structure and composition at the tip-surface contact. We present an in situ experimental procedure to determine the response of a cantilever to lateral forces in terms of its normal force response. This procedure is quite general. It will work with any type of deflection sensor and does not require the knowledge or direct measurement of the lever dimensions or the tip height. In addition, the shape of the tip apex can be determined. We also discuss a number of specific issues related to force and friction measurements using optical lever deflection sensing. We present experimental results on the lateral force response of commercially available V-shaped cantilevers. Our results are consistent with estimates of lever mechanical properties using continuum elasticity theory.

Carpick, Robert W.; Ogletree, D. F.; and Salmeron, Miguel, "Lateral stiffness: A new nanomechanical measurement for the determination of shear strengths with friction force microscopy" (1997). Departmental Papers (MEAM). 95.

A comprehensive nanotribological study of a hydrogen-terminated diamond(111)/tungsten carbide interface has been performed using ultrahigh vacuum atomic force microscopy. Both contact conductance, which is proportional to contact area, and friction have been measured as a function of applied load. We demonstrate for the first time that the load dependence of the contact area in UHV for this extremely hard single asperity contact is described by the Derjaguin-Müller-Toporov continuum mechanics model. Furthermore, the frictional force is found to be directly proportional to the contact area. Comments