The role of the cantilever in quantitative Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements
2011

The Role of the Cantilever in Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy Measurements

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Elias George, Glatzel Thilo, Meyer Ernst, Schwarzman Alex, Boag Amir, Rosenwaks Yossi

Primary Institution: Tel-Aviv University

Hypothesis

What is the effect of the cantilever on the measurements in Kelvin probe force microscopy?

Conclusion

The cantilever significantly influences the absolute contact potential difference measured in Kelvin probe force microscopy, even though it has a minimal effect on measurement resolution.

Supporting Evidence

  • The cantilever has a strong effect on the measured contact potential difference.
  • The cantilever's influence on measurement resolution is relatively small.
  • Ignoring the cantilever can lead to a significant underestimation of the absolute CPD value.

Takeaway

The cantilever in a special microscope affects how we measure tiny electrical differences, and ignoring it can lead to big mistakes in our results.

Methodology

The boundary element method was used to calculate the point spread function of the measuring probe, including the cantilever.

Limitations

The model does not include signal-to-noise considerations, which may affect measurement resolution.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3762/bjnano.2.29

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