Abstract
The snap-to-contact instability encountered in scanning force microscopy-force spectroscopy (SFMFS) limits the range of forces measurable in SFM force–distance experiments. We have generalized the flexural beam theory for SFM cantilevers to include tip interactions that are present in the snap-to-contact region. We compare solutions for the beam theory with the simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) that is often used to approximate SFM cantilevers. The limitations of the SHO model are encountered when large force gradients are present. This causes the beam shape to change leading to error when the SHO is used to reconstruct force curves collected in the snap-to-contact region. We quantify the error introduced into a force–separation curve reconstructed using the SHO approximation by numerical simulation. The force–separation curve reconstructed by the SHO was significantly inaccurate and had distorted separation dependence. This makes physical interpretation of force curves reconstructed using the SHO approximation tenuous when force microscope data from the snap-to-contact region is used.
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