AFM tip characterization by Kelvin probe force microscopy

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© 2010 IOP Publishing. This is the accepted version of the following article: Barth, C. & Hynninen, T. & Bieletzki, M. & Henry, C. R. & Foster, Adam S. & Esch, F. & Heiz, U.. 2010. AFM tip characterization by Kelvin probe force microscopy. New Journal of Physics. Volume 12, Issue 9. 093024/1-14. ISSN 1367-2630 (printed). DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/12/9/093024, which has been published in final form at http://iopscience.iop.org/1367-2630/12/9/093024. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Science | A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä

Date

2010

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Mcode

Degree programme

Language

en

Pages

093024/1-14

Series

New Journal of Physics, Volume 12, Issue 9

Abstract

Reliable determination of the surface potential with spatial resolution is key for understanding complex interfaces that range from nanostructured surfaces to molecular systems to biological membranes. In this context, Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) has become the atomic force microscope (AFM) method of choice for mapping the local electrostatic surface potential as it changes laterally due to variations in the surface work function or surface charge distribution. For reliable KPFM measurements, the influence of the tip on the measured electrostatic surface potential has to be understood. We show here that the mean Kelvin voltage can be used for a straightforward characterization of the electrostatic signature of neutral, charged and polar tips, the starting point for quantitative measurements and for tip-charge control for AFM manipulation experiments. This is proven on thin MgO(001) islands supported on Ag(001) and is supported by theoretical modeling, which shows that single ions or dipoles at the tip apex dominate the mean Kelvin voltage.

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Keywords

AFM, KPFM, tip characterization

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Citation

Barth, C. & Hynninen, T. & Bieletzki, M. & Henry, C. R. & Foster, Adam S. & Esch, F. & Heiz, U.. 2010. AFM tip characterization by Kelvin probe force microscopy. New Journal of Physics. Volume 12, Issue 9. 093024/1-14. ISSN 1367-2630 (printed). DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/12/9/093024