Enhancement of topographic images obtained in liquid media by atomic force microscopy

The open liquid-cell atomic force microscope (AFM) has potential for studies of biomaterials and surface morphology in liquid media, and a variety of fluids can be used as buffer solutions. The dependence of image distortion on fluid properties (kinematic viscosity) has been studied with edge friction force obtained in lateral images and will shortly appear elsewhere [Appl. Phys. Lett. 2006, 88, 173121]. Previous studies indicate that the scan rate should be slower for obtaining a nondistorted image. However, the time required for the scan is greatly increased. Therefore, we introduced the vector concept to evaluate the net force for scanning in the y-direction and found two solutions to achieve a zero force difference introduced by the cantilever-fluid and the tip-surface. When the scan rate approaches zero or a specific velocity (30 microm/s in this study), the force of the interaction induced by the cantilever-fluid and tip-surface is reduced to a considerable extent. Among the two solutions, a scan with a specific velocity is an easy, rapid method for obtaining a nondistorted image, compared to the previously proposed method (scan rate approaches zero). This proposed model was confirmed in a proof-of-concept test using 2-propanol.