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The tip-sample interaction in atomic force microscopy and its implications for biological applications

Citation

Baselt, David R. (1993) The tip-sample interaction in atomic force microscopy and its implications for biological applications. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/5ZMM-7Q64. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03222005-105400

Abstract

This thesis describes the construction of an atomic force microscope and its application to the study of tip-sample interactions, primarily through the use of friction and hardness (elasticity) imaging. Part one describes the atomic force microscope, which consists of a scanned-cantilever stage (chapter 2); a versatile digital signal processor-based control system with self-optimizing feedback, lock-in amplifier emulation (for hardness imaging), and macro programmability (chapter 3); and image processing software (chapter 4). Part two describes a number of results that have helped to characterize the tip-sample interaction and the contact imaging modes used for its study. Meniscus forces act laterally as well as normally, and that they vary with position (chapter 5). Friction measurements couple with scanner position quid feedback, and the meniscus effects friction images (chapter 6). Sliding of the tip over the sample surface introduces slope-dependence into hardness measurements (chapter 7). Dull tips can create prominent topography artifacts even on very flat surfaces (chapter 8). In an investigation of collagen fibrils, AFM has revealed die characteristic 65 nm banding pattern, a second, minor banding pattern, and microfibrils that run along the fibril axis. The distribution of proteoglycans along the fibrils creates a characteristic pattern in friction images. Although imaging in water reduces interaction forces, water can also make biological samples more sensitive to force. However, for robust biological samples imaged in air, tip shape presents a greater obstacle than tip-sample interaction forces to obtaining high-resolution images. Tip contamination increases tip-sample friction and can occasionally improve resolution (chapter 9). For a separate project I have designed a general-purpose nearfield scanning optical microscope (chapter 10).

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Chemistry
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Unknown, Unknown
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:17 May 1993
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-03222005-105400
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03222005-105400
DOI:10.7907/5ZMM-7Q64
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:1057
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:22 Mar 2005
Last Modified:21 Dec 2019 02:15

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