A LEGOTM dynamic force “macroscope”

H Smaje,P Moriarty,D Taylor

doi:10.1119/10.0001700

Abstract

We describe the design, construction, and operation of a LEGOTM model of a dynamic force microscope, using magnetic forces as an analog of interatomic interactions. The macroscope provides key insights into the operating principles of frequency modulated non-contact atomic force microscopy—currently the scanning probe technique of choice for maximal (i.e., submolecular) spatial resolution—and is, therefore, particularly suited as a project or demonstration for nanoscience education at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Highlights

IntroductionA technique that underpins the entire field of nanoscience but plays an increasingly central role in virtually every area of condensed matter physics, saw a step change in capability a decade ago with pioneering acquisition, by Gross et al, of images of the chemical architecture of a single molecule. This type of ultrahigh resolution probe microscopy, which is almost de rigueur for imaging at the atomic and molecular levels, involves operating the atomic force microscope (AFM) in the dynamic (or “non-contact”) mode, generally using a quartz tuning fork sensor in the qPlus configuration introduced by Giessibl. In this dynamic mode, shifts in the oscillation frequency of a tine of the tuning fork, to which is glued an atomically sharp tip, are used to probe tip-sample interactions
Scanning probe microscopy,1 a technique that underpins the entire field of nanoscience but plays an increasingly central role in virtually every area of condensed matter physics, saw a step change in capability a decade ago with pioneering acquisition, by Gross et al, of images of the chemical architecture of a single molecule.2. This type of ultrahigh resolution probe microscopy, which is almost de rigueur for imaging at the atomic and molecular levels, involves operating the atomic force microscope (AFM) in the dynamic mode, generally using a quartz tuning fork sensor in the qPlus configuration introduced by Giessibl
The widespread use and application of dynamic force microscopy (DFM) in state-of-the-art condensed matter science makes its inclusion in undergraduate and postgraduate courses essential if students are to receive a thorough grounding in the core techniques used in the field

Summary

Introduction

A technique that underpins the entire field of nanoscience but plays an increasingly central role in virtually every area of condensed matter physics, saw a step change in capability a decade ago with pioneering acquisition, by Gross et al, of images of the chemical architecture of a single molecule. This type of ultrahigh resolution probe microscopy, which is almost de rigueur for imaging at the atomic and molecular levels, involves operating the atomic force microscope (AFM) in the dynamic (or “non-contact”) mode, generally using a quartz tuning fork sensor in the qPlus configuration introduced by Giessibl. In this dynamic mode, shifts in the oscillation frequency of a tine of the tuning fork, to which is glued an atomically sharp tip, are used to probe tip-sample interactions. A technique that underpins the entire field of nanoscience but plays an increasingly central role in virtually every area of condensed matter physics, saw a step change in capability a decade ago with pioneering acquisition, by Gross et al, of images of the chemical architecture of a single molecule.. A technique that underpins the entire field of nanoscience but plays an increasingly central role in virtually every area of condensed matter physics, saw a step change in capability a decade ago with pioneering acquisition, by Gross et al, of images of the chemical architecture of a single molecule.2 This type of ultrahigh resolution probe microscopy, which is almost de rigueur for imaging at the atomic and molecular levels, involves operating the atomic force microscope (AFM) in the dynamic (or “non-contact”) mode, generally using a quartz tuning fork sensor in the qPlus configuration introduced by Giessibl.. Outside of the university environment, “real world” demonstrations of otherwise difficult-to-visualize physics are exceptionally important in bringing the subject to life for public engagement and outreach activities

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Conclusion