Carbon nanotube-attached atomic force microscope probes were successfully used without
nanotube bending to make simultaneous precision nano-oxidation and faradaic current
measurements in the dynamic mode. Probe oxidation on H-passivated Si(001) surfaces was
carried out by two methods involving vector-scan and raster-scan with a much higher
resolution and precision compared to the nanofabrication by standard cantilevers. Faradaic
current of the order of a sub-picoampere was detected during nano-oxidation using a
carbon nanotube probe, accurately reflecting the subtle difference in the oxidation reaction.
The minute current detection through the AFM tip is sensitive enough for the detection of
very thin oxides and small-sized features. The dimension of the meniscus during
nano-oxidation, which is indispensable for establishing the mechanism model, was
evaluated, based on the in situ faradaic current detection and edge broadening.
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