A comparison of scanning microscopy cantilever force constants determined using a nanoindentation testing apparatus

Abstract

The force constants of a variety of atomic force microscope (AFM) levers were measured using a nanoindentation apparatus attached to an AFM. This method is both non-destructive and precise, with uncertainties in the measurement being less than 10%. The levers from ThermoMicroscopes ® , Nanosensors ® , and NT-MDT were characterized. The results indicate that force constants generally fall within the manufacturers' broad specifications, but that variations are large even for nominally identical levers from the same wafer. This variation suggests that variations in the mechanical properties and/or thickness across the lever are large and have a length scale of the order of a few millimeters. It is also evident that the variation in force constants is considerably larger for short levers than for long levers.

Effect of impregnation and in‐situ polymerization of methacrylates on hardness of sugar maple wood

“…Recently, nanoindentation techniques have become common for the investigation of mechanical properties of thin films and small volume materials. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Wimmer and coworkers 14,15 applied this technique to the study of wood cell mechanics, such as hardness and modulus of elasticity. Later, Gindl et al 16,17 also adopted nanoindentation to study the mechanical properties of wood cell walls.…”

Normal Force Calibration Method Used for Calibration οf Atomic Force Microscope

“…In the literature several calibration techniques as far as normal forces are concerned. Most of them are two stage ones [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. In the first step normal stiffness of cantilever is evaluated and this value is multiplied by the displacement.…”

“…As a result real force acting on the cantilever's tip is estimated. In some of existing methods precise geometrical parameters of cantilever are needed [6,3], in other methods additional expensive equipment is used (nanoindenter TriboScope [8] or thermal spectrum analyzer [9]), sometimes additional elements like calibrated tungsten balls [10] or cantilevers with already calibrated stiffness [7] are used (Table).…”

Quantitative Normal Force Measurements by Means of Atomic Force Microscopy Towards the Accurate and Easy Spring Constant Determination

“…Holbery and Eden presented the application of nanoindentation machine allowing to perform relatively easily direct unit transfer to the cantilever, as nanoindenters are equipped with precise force and displacement sensors [123,124]. It should be underlined, that the calibration range is limited by the smallest measured forces of used equipment.…”