Abstract
The interaction between the tip of a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and the sample it scans is analyzed and compared to a simple tapping model. The approach curves acquired with the NSOM are in excellent agreement with the model, and additional experiments strongly point against a noncontact interaction (such as shear force). Based on this model we are also able to explain the oscillations pattern of the feedback loop. We conclude that our straight-fiber tip, operating under "shear-force" control, intermittently contacts the surface it is scanning, in a way similar to the tapping mode in atomic force microscope.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3609-3613 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Review of Scientific Instruments |
| Volume | 70 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 1999 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Instrumentation