Atomic-scale friction image of graphite in atomic-force microscopy

Abstract

We theoretically investigated the image of atomic-scale friction of graphite in atomic-force microscopy ͑AFM͒, based on numerical simulation for a static model. We performed systematic calculations of lateral force images of AFM aiming to clarify the effects of cantilever stiffness, scan direction, anisotropy of the cantilever, and surface deformation. The simulation is performed for a simple atomistic model with a singleatom tip connected with the cantilever spring scanned on a monolayer graphite surface. The process in which the conservative lateral force becomes a nonconservative frictional force is clarified. ''Stick regions'' of the tip atom are also discussed in relation to the cantilever stiffness. Calculated frictional-force image patterns are in good agreement with experimental ones. We also find the supercell frictional-force images and discuss their mechanisms.

Study of Friction of Ag and Ni Nanoparticles: An Atomistic Approach

“…25 The simulations are not concerned with the formation or breaking of chemical bonds in the layer, so this potential form may be more appropriate for our task in comparison with more sophisticated potentials such as Brenner 18,19,26 or ReaxFF 20 as it is less time-consuming. Forces between metal atoms are derived from the alloy form of the embedded atom method (EAM) potential 27 which is well fitted to basic material properties.…”

Dynamic relaxation of the elastic properties of hard carbon films

“…Finally, we have neglected the contribution of the AFM cantilever to the potential energy of the system. A harmonic potential for the elastic energy of the cantilever is given in a simulated AFM measurement of graphite by Tsukada et al 17 We also recommend other studies relevant for the AFM-tip-surface interactions. 18,19 …”

Optical-assistant characterization of friction anisotropy properties of single-crystal graphene domains

“…The motions of the ball can reveal mechanical vibration of the tip caused by the asperities of the surface. With the model and the later extended model [32], many phenomena, such as friction force pattern [33], thermal activation [34], superlubricity [35], and friction anisotropy [36], have been analyzed theoretically. These obtained achievements have not only bridged the gap between theory and experiment, but also paved an avenue for further implementation of the model.…”