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implementation of electrostatic force microscopy on a Dimension 3100 AFM

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roleburnd posted on Tue, Sep 6 2011 5:08 AM

Hi,
I have a few questions regarding the implementation of electrostatic force microscopy on a Dimension 3100 AFM:
 
- What auxiliary modules would be required to implement this mode? (We have access to a TUNA module at present.)
- Is EFM possible in liquid? (DI water? Aqueous buffers?)
- Does the cantilever have to be insulated everywhere except the tip to make EFM possible in liquid?
- What is the current state of the art resolution of EFM? Is it possible to define a "smallest resolvable charge" of a given surface area?
 
Many thanks in advance for any help you're able to offer!

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Answered (Not Verified) replied on Tue, Sep 6 2011 3:59 PM

Hi roleburnd,

EFM is implement using Tapping/LiftMode on your 3100. During the Lift line you monitor the phase shift of your oscillating cantilever. That means that if your system already has the "phase" signal available you are ready to go. If not you would need an "extender" box to get it.

If you want to try electrical modes in fluids you may want to think about insulating everything except the very end of the tip. Keep also in mind that your resonance characteristics are different in fluids than they are in air as there is significantly higher damping.

Good luck,

Stefan

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