Torsional and lateral eigenmode oscillations are crucial for achieving atomic resolution imaging of Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) surfaces under ambient conditions. Multifrequency Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques have been instrumental in quantifying forces at the nanoscale, both in the out-of-plane and in-plane directions. While the analysis of physical properties perpendicular to the sample surface is well-established, interpreting in-plane sample properties remains challenging.
In this study, different multifrequency force microscopy approaches were utilized to better understand the interactions between a super-sharp tip and an HOPG surface. By exploiting the lateral oscillation of the cantilever, researchers aimed to discriminate between friction and shear forces. The lateral eigenmode was found to be suitable for determining the shear modulus, while the torsional eigenmode provided insights into local friction forces between the tip and the sample.
The results suggested that the full set of elastic constants of graphite could be determined from combined in-plane and out-of-plane multifrequency AFM, provided ultrasmall amplitudes and high force constants were used. The study also compared the imaging capability of the torsional and lateral eigenmodes for atomic resolution imaging of HOPG in air under ambient conditions.
The analysis revealed that imaging with coupled flexural and torsional oscillations of the cantilever promoted atomic resolution at higher amplitude-setpoint ratios. The method showed potential for determining in-plane sample properties, such as shear moduli, at the atomic scale. The study proposed that the use of higher in-plane cantilever eigenmodes or stiffer cantilevers could aid in the simultaneous determination of shear moduli and Young’s moduli of graphene-based nanodevices.
Overall, the research highlighted the significance of torsional and lateral eigenmode oscillations in achieving atomic resolution imaging and understanding the mechanical properties of graphitic surfaces. The findings contribute to advancing the field of nanomechanics and offer insights into the frictional and shear interactions on graphene and graphite samples. The study’s methodology and results provide a foundation for further investigations into the mechanical properties of materials at the atomic scale.
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