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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Surface Potential Measurement of Bacteria Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Published on: November 28, 2014
Scanning Kelvin Microscope: a new method for surface investigations
1Institut für Physik, Fakultät für Elektrotechnik, Universität der Bundeswehr München, Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39, D-85577, Neubiberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Based on the well known Kelvin probe for work function measurements a new microstructure analysis system - the Scanning Kelvin Microscope - has been developed. It allows to measure simultaneously with high lateral resolution the distribution of the contact potential difference (CPD) between a conductive sample and a reference probe together with the topographical structure of the sample surface. The measurement is contact free and non-destructive and can be carried out in natural environments. At present the lateral resolution of the measurement approaches 5 microm. The results can be displayed on a computer in three dimensional colour pictures.
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