Nanoscale friction and ultrasonics

Abstract

The chapter describes different procedures to monitor ultrasonic vibration at a sample surface using an AFM cantilever tip. Both the excitation of normal and shear surface ultrasonic vibration are considered. The possibility to reduce and eliminate friction at nanometer-sized contacts by means of ultrasonic vibration is discussed. Experiments that provide information about nanoscale adhesion hysteresis, and its relationship to friction, are described in detail. The ability of Phase— Heterodyne ForceMicroscopy to resolve tiny differences in adhesion hysteresis with high sensitivity is remarked.