Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

A non-destructive method to calibrate the torsional spring constant of atomic force microscope cantilevers in viscous environments

Cafolla, C.; Payam, A.F.; Voïtchovsky, K.

A non-destructive method to calibrate the torsional spring constant of atomic force microscope cantilevers in viscous environments Thumbnail


Authors

Dr Miro Cafolla clodomiro.cafolla@durham.ac.uk
Addison Wheeler Research Fellow

A.F. Payam



Abstract

Calibration of the torsional spring constant of atomic force microscopy cantilevers is fundamental to a range of applications, from nanoscale friction and lubrication measurements to the characterization of micro-electromechanical systems and the response of biomolecules to external stimuli. Existing calibration methods are either time consuming and destructive (ex situ static approaches), or rely on models using the frequency and quality factor (Q-factor) of the cantilever torsional resonance as input parameters (in situ dynamical approaches). While in situ approaches are usually preferred for their easy implementation and preservation of the cantilever, their dependence on the torsional resonance Q-factor renders calibration in highly viscous environments challenging. This is problematic, for example, in many nanoscale tribological applications. Here, we propose a calibration method that does not depend on the cantilever torsional Q-factor and show how the cantilever deflection can be converted into a lateral force. The method is tested with six cantilevers of different shapes and material composition and in six fluid media. The derived spring constants are compared with predictions from existing methods, demonstrating a higher precision, in particular, for highly viscous liquids.

Citation

Cafolla, C., Payam, A., & Voïtchovsky, K. (2018). A non-destructive method to calibrate the torsional spring constant of atomic force microscope cantilevers in viscous environments. Journal of Applied Physics, 124(15), Article 154502. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5046648

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 21, 2018
Online Publication Date Oct 17, 2018
Publication Date Oct 17, 2018
Deposit Date Sep 24, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of Applied Physics
Print ISSN 0021-8979
Electronic ISSN 1089-7550
Publisher American Institute of Physics
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 124
Issue 15
Article Number 154502
DOI https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5046648

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations