Cantilevers with integrated sensor for time-resolved force measurement in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy

We present a micromachined cantilever with an integrated high-bandwidth resonator for direct measurement of tip-sample interaction forces in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy. Force measurements are achieved by a diffraction grating that serves as a differential displacement sensor for the tip motion relative to the cantilever body. Time-resolved tip-sample interaction force measurement is demonstrated on a silicon sample following calibration of the probe structure. By using lock-in detection, the harmonics of periodic tip-sample interaction have been utilized to obtain high-contrast, material specific images. The harmonic images of patterned silicon/silicon nitride control samples and triblock copolymers are presented. © 2008 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.2959828