Intermittent contact mode piezoresponse force microscopy in a liquid environment

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• High-resolution functional imaging is crucial for understanding electromechanical coupling in biological systems and electroactive molecules.
• Existing techniques may face limitations in resolution or applicability to biological environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of intermittent contact mode piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) for probing electromechanical coupling.
• To assess the effectiveness of simultaneous mechanical and electrical probe modulation in liquid environments.

Main Methods:

• Utilized intermittent contact mode PFM with simultaneous mechanical and electrical probe modulation.
• Performed imaging in liquid environments at frequencies matching the first contact resonance.
• Tested the method on model ferroelectric systems and piezoelectric tooth dentin.

Main Results:

• Achieved contrast consistent with electromechanical signals in liquid.
• Demonstrated successful imaging of model ferroelectric systems.
• Showcased the applicability to piezoelectric biological samples like tooth dentin.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent contact mode PFM with simultaneous modulation is a viable technique for high-resolution electromechanical imaging in liquid.
• This method offers potential for studying biological and molecular systems with electromechanical properties.