Electric Force (EFM) Imaging
Electric Force Microscopy Overview
240
MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual
Rev. B
14.1 Electric Force Microscopy Overview
Note:
If you have an extender electronics module (Basic or Quadrex) or a NanoScope
IV, please consult the provided documentation associated with these options,
prior to engaging in electric force microscopy.
This chapter describes how to perform electric force microscopy (EFM) imaging on a MultiMode
SPM system. Similar to magnetic force microscopy (MFM)—and sharing many of it’s procedural
techniques—this mode utilizes the Interleave and LiftMode procedures discussed in previous
chapters. Please read those chapters prior to attempting electric force measurements.
All standard MultiMode SPMs are capable of EFM imaging using amplitude detection techniques.
By adding an extender electronics module (Basic Extender Module or Quadrex Extender Module)
or the NanoScope IV Controller, the MultiMode SPM may also be used for frequency modulation
or phase detection, giving improved results. Amplitude detection has largely been superseded by
frequency modulation and phase detection. One of these hardware units is required for surface
potential imaging, and is strongly recommended for electric
fi
eld gradient imaging.
Figure 14.1a
Extender Electronics Modules required for frequency phase detection MFM and EFM
Two types of electric force microscopy are available using the MultiMode SPM system: 1)
electric
fi
eld gradient imaging
; and, 2)
surface potential imaging
. Each of the electric
fi
eld measurement
techniques are based on a two-pass
LiftMode
measurement.
LiftMode
allows the imaging of
relatively weak but long-range magnetic and electrostatic interactions while minimizing the
in
fl
uence of topography (see
). Measurements are taken in two passes (each consisting
of one trace and one retrace) across each scan line. First, topographical data is taken in
TappingMode on one trace and retrace. The tip is then raised to the
fi
nal scan height, and a second
trace and retrace performed while maintaining a constant separation between the tip and local
surface topography. Both methods of electric force measurement are explained in this chapter.
Basic Extender
Quadrex Extender
034