Probing the interface potential in stick/slip friction by a lateral force modulation technique

Abstract

The influence of the shape of the interaction potential is investigated on details in stick/slip friction as encountered between an AFM tip and a substrate. Based on qualitative arguments of stick/slip systems, a novel technique is introduced in which the AFM tip is brought into a lateral resonance mode. In comparison to a direct measurement in the stick/slip signal, we suggest that the method is preferable to highlight these non-linear characteristics. In combination with the shape of the surface potential involved in stick/slip friction, this modulation diminishes the friction loop amplitude in a controlled way. Furthermore, a partial stick/slip behavior is observed above a certain threshold level of driving amplitude, where the tip alternates periodically between a zerofriction and a non-zero-friction state.

Principles of atomic friction: from sticking atoms to superlubric sliding

“…It has been known for several years that the actuation of the tip-sample contact by small oscillations reduces friction (Schimmel et al 1995;Dinelli et al 1997;Kerssemakers & Hosson 1998;Bureau et al 2000;Heuberger et al 2000;Riedo et al 2003). A recent study by Socoliuc et al (2006) demonstrates the possible efficiency of such an approach on the atomic scale elegantly.…”

“…Since stick-slip movement has been identified as the underlying mechanism for atomic-scale friction, it would be of pre-eminent technological importance if strategies could be found that allow one to prevent or suppress this effect. It has been known for several years that the actuation of the tip-sample contact by small oscillations reduces friction (Schimmel et al 1995;Dinelli et al 1997;Kerssemakers & Hosson 1998;Bureau et al 2000;Heuberger et al 2000;Riedo et al 2003). A recent study by Socoliuc et al (2006) demonstrates the possible efficiency of such an approach on the atomic scale elegantly.…”

Dynamic behaviour in piezoresponse force microscopy

“…An analysis of this linear force is reported elsewhere [45]. A rigorous description of this process for a periodic surface motion yields a non-linear equation of motion and requires quantitative models of lateral contact mechanics of the tip surface junction [46][47][48][49][50]. Here, these effects will be addressed experimentally in section 5.…”

Scanning Probe Microscopy

“…De Hosson(53) assessed slip/stick friction by laterally resonating the tip in close proximity to the surface. McKendry et al(54) examined chiral interactions using chemical force microscopy.…”