Large area scanning probe microscope in ultra-high vacuum demonstrated for electrostatic force measurements on high-voltage devices.

PubMed

Gysin, Urs; Glatzel, Thilo; Schmölzer, Thomas; Schöner, Adolf; Reshanov, Sergey; Bartolf, Holger; Meyer, Ernst

2015-01-01

The resolution in electrostatic force microscopy (EFM), a descendant of atomic force microscopy (AFM), has reached nanometre dimensions, necessary to investigate integrated circuits in modern electronic devices. However, the characterization of conducting or semiconducting power devices with EFM methods requires an accurate and reliable technique from the nanometre up to the micrometre scale. For high force sensitivity it is indispensable to operate the microscope under high to ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions to suppress viscous damping of the sensor. Furthermore, UHV environment allows for the analysis of clean surfaces under controlled environmental conditions. Because of these requirements we built a large area scanning probe microscope operating under UHV conditions at room temperature allowing to perform various electrical measurements, such as Kelvin probe force microscopy, scanning capacitance force microscopy, scanning spreading resistance microscopy, and also electrostatic force microscopy at higher harmonics. The instrument incorporates beside a standard beam deflection detection system a closed loop scanner with a scan range of 100 μm in lateral and 25 μm in vertical direction as well as an additional fibre optics. This enables the illumination of the tip-sample interface for optically excited measurements such as local surface photo voltage detection. We present Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements before and after sputtering of a copper alloy with chromium grains used as electrical contact surface in ultra-high power switches. In addition, we discuss KPFM measurements on cross sections of cleaved silicon carbide structures: a calibration layer sample and a power rectifier. To demonstrate the benefit of surface photo voltage measurements, we analysed the contact potential difference of a silicon carbide p/n-junction under illumination.

Atomic force microscopy as a tool for the investigation of living cells.

PubMed

Morkvėnaitė-Vilkončienė, Inga; Ramanavičienė, Almira; Ramanavičius, Arūnas

2013-01-01

Atomic force microscopy is a valuable and useful tool for the imaging and investigation of living cells in their natural environment at high resolution. Procedures applied to living cell preparation before measurements should be adapted individually for different kinds of cells and for the desired measurement technique. Different ways of cell immobilization, such as chemical fixation on the surface, entrapment in the pores of a membrane, or growing them directly on glass cover slips or on plastic substrates, result in the distortion or appearance of artifacts in atomic force microscopy images. Cell fixation allows the multiple use of samples and storage for a prolonged period; it also increases the resolution of imaging. Different atomic force microscopy modes are used for the imaging and analysis of living cells. The contact mode is the best for cell imaging because of high resolution, but it is usually based on the following: (i) image formation at low interaction force, (ii) low scanning speed, and (iii) usage of "soft," low resolution cantilevers. The tapping mode allows a cell to behave like a very solid material, and destructive shear forces are minimized, but imaging in liquid is difficult. The force spectroscopy mode is used for measuring the mechanical properties of cells; however, obtained results strongly depend on the cell fixation method. In this paper, the application of 3 atomic force microscopy modes including (i) contact, (ii) tapping, and (iii) force spectroscopy for the investigation of cells is described. The possibilities of cell preparation for the measurements, imaging, and determination of mechanical properties of cells are provided. The applicability of atomic force microscopy to diagnostics and other biomedical purposes is discussed.

Atomic force microscopy of biological samples

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doktycz, Mitchel John

2010-01-01

The ability to evaluate structural-functional relationships in real time has allowed scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to assume a prominent role in post genomic biological research. In this mini-review, we highlight the development of imaging and ancillary techniques that have allowed SPM to permeate many key areas of contemporary research. We begin by examining the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) by Binnig and Rohrer in 1982 and discuss how it served to team biologists with physicists to integrate high-resolution microscopy into biological science. We point to the problems of imaging nonconductive biological samples with the STM and relate howmore » this led to the evolution of the atomic force microscope (AFM) developed by Binnig, Quate, and Gerber, in 1986. Commercialization in the late 1980s established SPM as a powerful research tool in the biological research community. Contact mode AFM imaging was soon complemented by the development of non-contact imaging modes. These non-contact modes eventually became the primary focus for further new applications including the development of fast scanning methods. The extreme sensitivity of the AFM cantilever was recognized and has been developed into applications for measuring forces required for indenting biological surfaces and breaking bonds between biomolecules. Further functional augmentation to the cantilever tip allowed development of new and emerging techniques including scanning ion-conductance microscopy (SICM), scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM), Kelvin force microscopy (KFM) and scanning near field ultrasonic holography (SNFUH).« less

The Use of Contact Mode Atomic Force Microscopy in Aqueous Medium for Structural Analysis of Spinach Photosynthetic Complexes

DOE PAGES

Phuthong, Witchukorn; Huang, Zubin; Wittkopp, Tyler M.; ...

2015-07-28

To investigate the dynamics of photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes in vascular plants at high resolution in an aqueous environment, membrane-protruding oxygen-evolving complexes (OECs) associated with photosystem II (PSII) on spinach ( Spinacia oleracea) grana membranes were examined using contact mode atomic force microscopy. This study represents, to our knowledge, the first use of atomic force microscopy to distinguish the putative large extrinsic loop of Photosystem II CP47 reaction center protein (CP47) from the putative oxygen-evolving enhancer proteins 1, 2, and 3 (PsbO, PsbP, and PsbQ) and large extrinsic loop of Photosystem II CP43 reaction center protein (CP43) in the PSII-OEC extrinsicmore » domains of grana membranes under conditions resulting in the disordered arrangement of PSII-OEC particles. Moreover, we observed uncharacterized membrane particles that, based on their physical characteristics and electrophoretic analysis of the polypeptides associated with the grana samples, are hypothesized to be a domain of photosystem I that protrudes from the stromal face of single thylakoid bilayers. Furthermore, our results are interpreted in the context of the results of others that were obtained using cryo-electron microscopy (and single particle analysis), negative staining and freeze-fracture electron microscopy, as well as previous atomic force microscopy studies.« less

Nano-Wilhelmy investigation of dynamic wetting properties of AFM tips through tip-nanobubble interaction

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuliang; Wang, Huimin; Bi, Shusheng; Guo, Bin

2016-01-01

The dynamic wetting properties of atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips are of much concern in many AFM-related measurement, fabrication, and manipulation applications. In this study, the wetting properties of silicon and silicon nitride AFM tips are investigated through dynamic contact angle measurement using a nano-Wilhelmy balance based method. This is done by capillary force measurement during extension and retraction motion of AFM tips relative to interfacial nanobubbles. The working principle of the proposed method and mathematic models for dynamic contact angle measurement are presented. Geometric models of AFM tips were constructed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) images taken from different view directions. The detailed process of tip-nanobubble interaction was investigated using force-distance curves of AFM on nanobubbles. Several parameters including nanobubble height, adhesion and capillary force between tip and nanobubbles are extracted. The variation of these parameters was studied over nanobubble surfaces. The dynamic contact angles of the AFM tips were calculated from the capillary force measurements. The proposed method provides direct measurement of dynamic contact angles for AFM tips and can also be taken as a general approach for nanoscale dynamic wetting property investigation. PMID:27452115

Nano-Wilhelmy investigation of dynamic wetting properties of AFM tips through tip-nanobubble interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuliang; Wang, Huimin; Bi, Shusheng; Guo, Bin

2016-07-01

The dynamic wetting properties of atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips are of much concern in many AFM-related measurement, fabrication, and manipulation applications. In this study, the wetting properties of silicon and silicon nitride AFM tips are investigated through dynamic contact angle measurement using a nano-Wilhelmy balance based method. This is done by capillary force measurement during extension and retraction motion of AFM tips relative to interfacial nanobubbles. The working principle of the proposed method and mathematic models for dynamic contact angle measurement are presented. Geometric models of AFM tips were constructed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) images taken from different view directions. The detailed process of tip-nanobubble interaction was investigated using force-distance curves of AFM on nanobubbles. Several parameters including nanobubble height, adhesion and capillary force between tip and nanobubbles are extracted. The variation of these parameters was studied over nanobubble surfaces. The dynamic contact angles of the AFM tips were calculated from the capillary force measurements. The proposed method provides direct measurement of dynamic contact angles for AFM tips and can also be taken as a general approach for nanoscale dynamic wetting property investigation.

Uncertainties in forces extracted from non-contact atomic force microscopy measurements by fitting of long-range background forces.

PubMed

Sweetman, Adam; Stannard, Andrew

2014-01-01

In principle, non-contact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) now readily allows for the measurement of forces with sub-nanonewton precision on the atomic scale. In practice, however, the extraction of the often desired 'short-range' force from the experimental observable (frequency shift) is often far from trivial. In most cases there is a significant contribution to the total tip-sample force due to non-site-specific van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Typically, the contribution from these forces must be removed before the results of the experiment can be successfully interpreted, often by comparison to density functional theory calculations. In this paper we compare the 'on-minus-off' method for extracting site-specific forces to a commonly used extrapolation method modelling the long-range forces using a simple power law. By examining the behaviour of the fitting method in the case of two radically different interaction potentials we show that significant uncertainties in the final extracted forces may result from use of the extrapolation method.

Conductive atomic force microscopy measurements of nanopillar magnetic tunnel junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evarts, E. R.; Hogg, C.; Bain, J. A.; Majetich, S. A.

2009-03-01

Magnetic tunnel junctions have been studied extensively for their magnetoresistance and potential uses in magnetic logic and data storage devices, but little is known about how their performance will scale with size. Here we examined the electronic behavior of 12 nm diameter magnetic tunnel junctions fabricated by a novel nanomasking process. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated feature diameter of 12 nm, and atomic force microscopy showed a height of 5 nm suggesting that unmasked regions have been milled on average to the oxide barrier layer, and areas should have the remnants of the free layer exposed with no remaining nanoparticle. Electrical contact was made to individual nanopillars using a doped-diamond-coated atomic force microscopy probe with a 40 nm radius of curvature at the tip. Off pillar we observed a resistance of 8.1 x 10^5 φ, while on pillar we found a resistance of 2.85 x 10^6 φ. Based on the RA product for this film, 120 φ-μm^2, a 12 nm diameter cylinder with perfect contact would have a resistance of 1.06 x 10^6 φ. The larger experimental value is consistent with a smaller contact area due to damaging the pillar during the ion milling process. The magnetoresistance characteristics of these magnetic tunnel junctions will be discussed.

Quantification of in-contact probe-sample electrostatic forces with dynamic atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Balke, Nina; Jesse, Stephen; Carmichael, Ben; Okatan, M Baris; Kravchenko, Ivan I; Kalinin, Sergei V; Tselev, Alexander

2017-01-04

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods utilizing resonant mechanical vibrations of cantilevers in contact with a sample surface have shown sensitivities as high as few picometers for detecting surface displacements. Such a high sensitivity is harnessed in several AFM imaging modes. Here, we demonstrate a cantilever-resonance-based method to quantify electrostatic forces on a probe in the probe-sample junction in the presence of a surface potential or when a bias voltage is applied to the AFM probe. We find that the electrostatic forces acting on the probe tip apex can produce signals equivalent to a few pm of surface displacement. In combination with modeling, the measurements of the force were used to access the strength of the electrical field at the probe tip apex in contact with a sample. We find an evidence that the electric field strength in the junction can reach ca. 1 V nm -1 at a bias voltage of a few volts and is limited by non-ideality of the tip-sample contact. This field is sufficiently strong to significantly influence material states and kinetic processes through charge injection, Maxwell stress, shifts of phase equilibria, and reduction of energy barriers for activated processes. Besides, the results provide a baseline for accounting for the effects of local electrostatic forces in electromechanical AFM measurements as well as offer additional means to probe ionic mobility and field-induced phenomena in solids.

Precise measurements of droplet-droplet contact forces in quasi-2D emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowensohn, Janna; Orellana, Carlos; Weeks, Eric

2015-03-01

We use microscopy to visualize a quasi-2D oil-in-water emulsion confined between two parallel slides. We then use the droplet shapes to infer the forces they exert on each other. To calibrate our force law, we set up an emulsion in a tilted sample chamber so that the droplets feel a known buoyant force. By correlating radius of the droplet and length of contacts with the buoyant forces, we validate our empirical force law. We improve upon prior work in our lab by using a high-resolution camera to image each droplet multiple times, thus providing sub-pixel resolution and reducing the noise. Our new technique identifies contact forces with only a 1% uncertainty, five times better than prior work. We demonstrate the utility of our technique by examining the normal modes of the droplet contact network in our samples.

System analysis of force feedback microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Mario S.; Costa, Luca; Chevrier, Joël; Comin, Fabio

2014-02-01

It was shown recently that the Force Feedback Microscope (FFM) can avoid the jump-to-contact in Atomic force Microscopy even when the cantilevers used are very soft, thus increasing force resolution. In this letter, we explore theoretical aspects of the associated real time control of the tip position. We take into account lever parameters such as the lever characteristics in its environment, spring constant, mass, dissipation coefficient, and the operating conditions such as controller gains and interaction force. We show how the controller parameters are determined so that the FFM functions at its best and estimate the bandwidth of the system under these conditions.

Corrosion study of AA2024-T3 by scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and in situ atomic force microscopy scratching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schmutz, P.; Frankel, G.S.

1998-07-01

The localized corrosion of AA2024-T3, and the behavior of intermetallic particles in particular, were studied using different capabilities of the atomic force microscope (AFM). The role of intermetallic particles in determining the locations and rates of localized corrosion was determined using scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy in air after exposure to chloride solutions. Al-Cu-Mg particles, which have a noble Volta potential in air because of an altered surface film, are actively dissolved in chloride solution after a certain induction time. Al-Cu(Fe, Mn) particles are heterogeneous in nature and exhibit nonuniform dissolution in chloride solution as well as trenching of themore » matrix around the particles. Light scratching of the surface by rastering with the AFM tip in contact mode in chloride solution results in accelerated dissolution of both pure Al and alloy 2024-T3. The abrasion associated with contact AFM in situ resulted in the immediate dissolution of the Al-Cu-Mg particles because of a destabilization of the surface film.« less

Quantum state atomic force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Passian, Ali; Siopsis, George

New classical modalities of atomic force microscopy continue to emerge to achieve higher spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution for nanometrology of materials. Here, we introduce the concept of a quantum mechanical modality that capitalizes on squeezed states of probe displacement. We show that such squeezing is enabled nanomechanically when the probe enters the van der Waals regime of interaction with a sample. The effect is studied in the non-contact mode, where we consider the parameter domains characterizing the attractive regime of the probe-sample interaction force.

Quantum state atomic force microscopy

DOE PAGES

Passian, Ali; Siopsis, George

2017-04-10

New classical modalities of atomic force microscopy continue to emerge to achieve higher spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution for nanometrology of materials. Here, we introduce the concept of a quantum mechanical modality that capitalizes on squeezed states of probe displacement. We show that such squeezing is enabled nanomechanically when the probe enters the van der Waals regime of interaction with a sample. The effect is studied in the non-contact mode, where we consider the parameter domains characterizing the attractive regime of the probe-sample interaction force.

Quantification of in-contact probe-sample electrostatic forces with dynamic atomic force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balke, Nina Wisinger; Jesse, Stephen; Carmichael, Ben D.

Here, atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods utilizing resonant mechanical vibrations of cantilevers in contact with a sample surface have shown sensitivities as high as few picometers for detecting surface displacements. Such a high sensitivity is harnessed in several AFM imaging modes. Here, we demonstrate a cantilever-resonance-based method to quantify electrostatic forces on a probe in the probe-sample junction in the presence of a surface potential or when a bias voltage is applied to the AFM probe. We find that the electrostatic forces acting on the probe tip apex can produce signals equivalent to a few pm of surface displacement. Inmore » combination with modeling, the measurements of the force were used to access the strength of the electrical field at the probe tip apex in contact with a sample. We find an evidence that the electric field strength in the junction can reach ca. 1 V nm –1 at a bias voltage of a few volts and is limited by non-ideality of the tip-sample contact. This field is sufficiently strong to significantly influence material states and kinetic processes through charge injection, Maxwell stress, shifts of phase equilibria, and reduction of energy barriers for activated processes. Besides, the results provide a baseline for accounting for the effects of local electrostatic forces in electromechanical AFM measurements as well as offer additional means to probe ionic mobility and field-induced phenomena in solids.« less

Quantification of In-Contact Probe-Sample Electrostatic Forces with Dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy.

PubMed

Balke, Nina; Jesse, Stephen; Carmichael, Ben; Okatan, M; Kravchenko, Ivan; Kalinin, Sergei; Tselev, Alexander

2016-12-13

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) methods utilizing resonant mechanical vibrations of cantilevers in contact with a sample surface have shown sensitivities as high as few picometers for detecting surface displacements. Such a high sensitivity is harnessed in several AFM imaging modes. Here, we demonstrate a cantilever-resonance-based method to quantify electrostatic forces on a probe in the probe-sample junction in the presence of a surface potential or when a bias voltage is applied to the AFM probe. We find that the electrostatic forces acting on the probe tip apex can produce signals equivalent to a few pm of surface displacement. In combination with modeling, the measurements of the force were used to access the strength of the electrical field at the probe tip apex in contact with a sample. We find an evidence that the electric field strength in the junction can reach ca. 1 V/nm at a bias voltage of a few volts and is limited by non-ideality of the tip-sample contact. This field is sufficiently strong to significantly influence material states and kinetic processes through charge injection, Maxwell stress, shifts of phase equilibria, and reduction of energy barriers for activated processes. Besides, the results provide a baseline for accounting for the effects of local electrostatic forces in electromechanical AFM measurements as well as offer additional means to probe ionic mobility and field-induced phenomena in solids. Copyright 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Quantification of in-contact probe-sample electrostatic forces with dynamic atomic force microscopy

DOE PAGES

Balke, Nina Wisinger; Jesse, Stephen; Carmichael, Ben D.; ...

2017-01-04

Here, atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods utilizing resonant mechanical vibrations of cantilevers in contact with a sample surface have shown sensitivities as high as few picometers for detecting surface displacements. Such a high sensitivity is harnessed in several AFM imaging modes. Here, we demonstrate a cantilever-resonance-based method to quantify electrostatic forces on a probe in the probe-sample junction in the presence of a surface potential or when a bias voltage is applied to the AFM probe. We find that the electrostatic forces acting on the probe tip apex can produce signals equivalent to a few pm of surface displacement. Inmore » combination with modeling, the measurements of the force were used to access the strength of the electrical field at the probe tip apex in contact with a sample. We find an evidence that the electric field strength in the junction can reach ca. 1 V nm –1 at a bias voltage of a few volts and is limited by non-ideality of the tip-sample contact. This field is sufficiently strong to significantly influence material states and kinetic processes through charge injection, Maxwell stress, shifts of phase equilibria, and reduction of energy barriers for activated processes. Besides, the results provide a baseline for accounting for the effects of local electrostatic forces in electromechanical AFM measurements as well as offer additional means to probe ionic mobility and field-induced phenomena in solids.« less

Minimising the effect of nanoparticle deformation in intermittent contact amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Babic, Bakir, E-mail: bakir.babic@measurement.gov.au; Lawn, Malcolm A.; Coleman, Victoria A.

The results of systematic height measurements of polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles using intermittent contact amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy (IC-AM-AFM) are presented. The experimental findings demonstrate that PS nanoparticles deform during AFM imaging, as indicated by a reduction in the measured particle height. This deformation depends on the IC-AM-AFM imaging parameters, material composition, and dimensional properties of the nanoparticles. A model for nanoparticle deformation occurring during IC-AM-AFM imaging is developed as a function of the peak force which can be calculated for a particular set of experimental conditions. The undeformed nanoparticle height can be estimated from the model by extrapolation tomore » zero peak force. A procedure is proposed to quantify and minimise nanoparticle deformation during IC-AM-AFM imaging, based on appropriate adjustments of the experimental control parameters.« less

Visualizing the shape of soft solid and fluid contacts between two surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Jonathan; Schellenberger, Frank; Kappl, Michael; Vollmer, Doris; Butt, Hans-Jürgen

The soft contact between two surfaces is fundamentally interesting for soft materials and fluid mechanics and relevant for friction and wear. The deformation of soft solid interfaces has received much interest because it interestingly reveals similarities to fluid wetting. We present an experimental route towards visualizing the three-dimensional contact geometry of either liquid-solid (i.e., oil and glass) or solid-solid (i.e., elastomer and glass) interfaces using a home-built combination of confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We monitor the shape of a fluid capillary bridge and the depth of indentation in 3D while simultaneously measuring the force. In agreement with theoretical predictions, the height of the capillary bridge depends on the interfacial tensions. By using a slowly evaporating solvent, we quantify the temporal evolution of the capillary bridge and visualized the influence of pinning points on its shape. The position dependence of the advancing and receding contact angle along the three-phase contact line, particle-liquid-air, is resolved. Extending our system, we explore the contact deformation of soft solids where elasticity, in addition to surface tension, becomes an important factor.

The theoretical current-voltage dependence of a non-degenerate disordered organic material obtained with conductive atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woellner, Cristiano F.; Freire, José A.; Guide, Michele; Nguyen, Thuc-Quyen

2011-08-01

We develop a simple continuum model for the current voltage characteristics of a material as measured by the conducting atomic force microscopy, including space charge effects. We address the effect of the point contact on the magnitude of the current and on the transition voltages between the different current regimes by comparing these with the corresponding expressions obtained with planar electrodes.

Molar volume and adsorption isotherm dependence of capillary forces in nanoasperity contacts.

PubMed

Asay, David B; Kim, Seong H

2007-11-20

The magnitude of the capillary force at any given temperature and adsorbate partial pressure depends primarily on four factors: the surface tension of the adsorbate, its liquid molar volume, its isothermal behavior, and the contact geometry. At large contacting radii, the adsorbate surface tension and the contact geometry are dominating. This is the case of surface force apparatus measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments with micrometer-size spheres. However, as the size of contacting asperities decreases to the nanoscale as in AFM experiments with sharp tips, the molar volume and isotherm of the adsorbate become very important to capillary formation as well as capillary adhesion. This effect is experimentally and theoretically explored with simple alcohol molecules (ethanol, 1-butanol, and 1-pentanol) which have comparable surface tensions but differing liquid molar volumes. Adsorption isotherms for these alcohols on silicon oxide are also reported.

Modeling and simulation of viscoelastic biological particles' 3D manipulation using atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korayem, M. H.; Habibi Sooha, Y.; Rastegar, Z.

2018-05-01

Manipulation of the biological particles by atomic force microscopy is used to transfer these particles inside body's cells, diagnosis and destruction of the cancer cells and drug delivery to damaged cells. According to the impossibility of simultaneous observation of this process, the importance of modeling and simulation can be realized. The contact of the tip with biological particle is important during manipulation, therefore, the first step of the modeling is choosing appropriate contact model. Most of the studies about contact between atomic force microscopy and biological particles, consider the biological particle as an elastic material. This is not an appropriate assumption because biological cells are basically soft and this assumption ignores loading history. In this paper, elastic and viscoelastic JKR theories were used in modeling and simulation of the 3D manipulation for three modes of tip-particle sliding, particle-substrate sliding and particle-substrate rolling. Results showed that critical force and time in motion modes (sliding and rolling) for two elastic and viscoelastic states are very close but these magnitudes were lower in the viscoelastic state. Then, three friction models, Coulomb, LuGre and HK, were used for tip-particle sliding mode in the first phase of manipulation to make results closer to reality. In both Coulomb and LuGre models, critical force and time are very close for elastic and viscoelastic states but in general critical force and time prediction of HK model was higher than LuGre and the LuGre model itself had higher prediction than Coulomb.

Adhesion and transfer of polytetrafluoroethylene to tungsten studied by field ion microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brainard, W. A.; Buckley, D. H.

1972-01-01

Mechanical contacts between polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and tungsten field ion tips were made in situ in the field ion microscope. Both load and force of adhesion were measured for varying contact times and for clean and contaminated tungsten tips. Strong adhesion between the PTFE and clean tungsten was observed at contact times greater than 2.5 min (forces of adhesion were greater than three times the load). For times less than 2.5 min, the force of adhesion was immeasurably small. The increase in adhesion with contact time after 2.5 min can be attributed to the increase in true contact area by creep of PTFE. No adhesion was measurable at long contact times with contaminated tungsten tips. Neon field ion micrographs taken after the contacts show many linear and branched arrays which appear to represent PTFE that remains adhered to the surface even at the high electric fields required for imaging.

Electrical Study of Trapped Charges in Copper-Doped Zinc Oxide Films by Scanning Probe Microscopy for Nonvolatile Memory Applications

PubMed Central

Su, Ting; Zhang, Haifeng

2017-01-01

Charge trapping properties of electrons and holes in copper-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Cu) films have been studied by scanning probe microscopy. We investigated the surface potential dependence on the voltage and duration applied to the copper-doped ZnO films by Kelvin probe force microscopy. It is found that the Fermi Level of the 8 at.% Cu-doped ZnO films shifted by 0.53 eV comparing to undoped ZnO films. This shift indicates significant change in the electronic structure and energy balance in Cu-doped ZnO films. The Fermi Level (work function) of zinc oxide films can be tuned by Cu doping, which are important for developing this functional material. In addition, Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements demonstrate that the nature of contact at Pt-coated tip/ZnO:Cu interface is changed from Schottky contact to Ohmic contact by increasing sufficient amount of Cu ions. The charge trapping property of the ZnO films enhance greatly by Cu doping (~10 at.%). The improved stable bipolar charge trapping properties indicate that copper-doped ZnO films are promising for nonvolatile memory applications. PMID:28135335

Microfabricated Electrical Connector for Atomic Force Microscopy Probes with Integrated Sensor/Actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akiyama, Terunobu; Staufer, Urs; Rooij, Nico F. de

2002-06-01

A microfabricated, electrical connector is proposed for facilitating the mounting of atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes, which have an integrated sensor and/or actuator. Only a base chip, which acts as a socket, is permanently fixed onto a printed circuit board and electronically connected by standard wire bonding. The AFM chip, the “plug”, is flipped onto the base chip and pressed from the backside by a spring. Electrical contact with the eventual stress sensors, capacitive or piezoelectric sensor/actuators, is provided by contact bumps. These bumps of about 8 μm height are placed onto the base chip. They touch the pads on the AFM chip that were originally foreseen to be for wire bonding and thus provide the electrical contact. This connector schema was successfully used to register AFM images with piezoresistive cantilevers.

Links between nanoscale and macroscale surface properties of natural root mucilage studied by atomic force microscopy and contact angle.

PubMed

Kaltenbach, Robin; Diehl, Dörte; Schaumann, Gabriele E

2018-04-15

Soil water repellency originating from organic coatings plays a crucial role for soil hydraulics and plant water uptake. Focussing on hydrophobicity in the rhizosphere induced by root-mucilage, this study aims to explore the link between macroscopic wettability and nano-microscopic surface properties. The existing knowledge of the nanostructures of organic soil compounds and its effect on wettability is limited by the lack of a method capable to assess the natural spatial heterogeneity of physical and chemical properties. In this contribution, this task is tackled by a geostatistical approach via variogram analysis of topography and adhesion force data acquired by atomic force microscopy and macroscopic sessile drop measurements on dried films of mucilage. The results are discussed following the wetting models given by Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter. Undiluted mucilage formed homogeneous films on the substrate with contact angles >90°. For diluted samples contact angles were smaller and incomplete mucilage surface coverage with hole-like structures frequently exhibited increased adhesion forces. Break-free distances of force curves indicated enhanced capillary forces due to adsorbed water films at atmospheric RH (35 ± 2%) that promote wettability. Variogram analysis enabled a description of complex surface structures exceeding the capability of comparative visual inspection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measurements of stiff-material compliance on the nanoscale using ultrasonic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinelli, F.; Biswas, S. K.; Briggs, G. A. D.; Kolosov, O. V.

2000-05-01

Ultrasonic force microscopy (UFM) was introduced to probe nanoscale mechanical properties of stiff materials. This was achieved by vibrating the sample far above the first resonance of the probing atomic force microscope cantilever where the cantilever becomes dynamically rigid. By operating UFM at different set force values, it is possible to directly measure the absolute values of the tip-surface contact stiffness. From this an evaluation of surface elastic properties can be carried out assuming a suitable solid-solid contact model. In this paper we present curves of stiffness as a function of the normal load in the range of 0-300 nN. The dependence of stiffness on the relative humidity has also been investigated. Materials with different elastic constants (such as sapphire lithium fluoride, and silicon) have been successfully differentiated. Continuum mechanics models cannot however explain the dependence of stiffness on the normal force and on the relative humidity. In this high-frequency regime, it is likely that viscous forces might play an important role modifying the tip-surface interaction. Plastic deformation might also occur due to the high strain rates applied when ultrasonically vibrating the sample. Another possible cause of these discrepancies might be the presence of water in between the two bodies in contact organizing in a solidlike way and partially sustaining the load.

Current Transport Properties of Monolayer Graphene/n-Si Schottky Diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathak, C. S.; Garg, Manjari; Singh, J. P.; Singh, R.

2018-05-01

The present work reports on the fabrication and the detailed macroscopic and nanoscale electrical characteristics of monolayer graphene/n-Si Schottky diodes. The temperature dependent electrical transport properties of monolayer graphene/n-Si Schottky diodes were investigated. Nanoscale electrical characterizations were carried out using Kelvin probe force microscopy and conducting atomic force microscopy. Most the values of ideality factor and barrier height are found to be in the range of 2.0–4.4 and 0.50–0.70 eV for monolayer graphene/n-Si nanoscale Schottky contacts. The tunneling of electrons is found to be responsible for the high value of ideality factor for nanoscale Schottky contacts.

p{sup +}-doping analysis of laser fired contacts for silicon solar cells by Kelvin probe force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ebser, J., E-mail: Jan.Ebser@uni-konstanz.de; Sommer, D.; Fritz, S.

Local rear contacts for silicon passivated emitter and rear contact solar cells can be established by point-wise treating an Al layer with laser radiation and thereby establishing an electrical contact between Al and Si bulk through the dielectric passivation layer. In this laser fired contacts (LFC) process, Al can establish a few μm thick p{sup +}-doped Si region below the metal/Si interface and forms in this way a local back surface field which reduces carrier recombination at the contacts. In this work, the applicability of Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) to the investigation of LFCs considering the p{sup +}-doping distributionmore » is demonstrated. The method is based on atomic force microscopy and enables the evaluation of the lateral 2D Fermi-level characteristics at sub-micrometer resolution. The distribution of the electrical potential and therefore the local hole concentration in and around the laser fired region can be measured. KPFM is performed on mechanically polished cross-sections of p{sup +}-doped Si regions formed by the LFC process. The sample preparation is of great importance because the KPFM signal is very surface sensitive. Furthermore, the measurement is responsive to sample illumination and the height of the applied voltage between tip and sample. With other measurement techniques like micro-Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical capacitance-voltage, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, a high local hole concentration in the range of 10{sup 19 }cm{sup −3} is demonstrated in the laser fired region. This provides, in combination with the high spatial resolution of the doping distribution measured by KPFM, a promising approach for microscopic understanding and further optimization of the LFC process.« less

Resolving the Pinning Force of Nanobubbles with Optical Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Beng Hau; An, Hongjie; Ohl, Claus-Dieter

2017-02-01

Many of the remarkable properties of surface nanobubbles, such as unusually small contact angles and long lifetimes, are related to the force that pins them onto their substrates. This pinning force is yet to be quantified experimentally. Here, surface-attached nanobubbles are pulled with an atomic force microscope tip while their mechanical responses are observed with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. We estimate that a pinning force on the order of 0.1 μ N is required to unpin a nanobubble from its substrate. The maximum force that the tip can exert on the nanobubble is limited by the stability of the neck pulled from the bubble and is enhanced by the hydrophobicity of the tip.

Vibrational shape tracking of atomic force microscopy cantilevers for improved sensitivity and accuracy of nanomechanical measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, Ryan; Killgore, Jason P.; Tung, Ryan C.; Raman, Arvind; Hurley, Donna C.

2015-01-01

Contact resonance atomic force microscopy (CR-AFM) methods currently utilize the eigenvalues, or resonant frequencies, of an AFM cantilever in contact with a surface to quantify local mechanical properties. However, the cantilever eigenmodes, or vibrational shapes, also depend strongly on tip-sample contact stiffness. In this paper, we evaluate the potential of eigenmode measurements for improved accuracy and sensitivity of CR-AFM. We apply a recently developed, in situ laser scanning method to experimentally measure changes in cantilever eigenmodes as a function of tip-sample stiffness. Regions of maximum sensitivity for eigenvalues and eigenmodes are compared and found to occur at different values of contact stiffness. The results allow the development of practical guidelines for CR-AFM experiments, such as optimum laser spot positioning for different experimental conditions. These experiments provide insight into the complex system dynamics that can affect CR-AFM and lay a foundation for enhanced nanomechanical measurements with CR-AFM.

Molecular Imaging of Ultrathin Pentacene Films: Evidence for Homoepitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yanfei; Haugstad, Greg; Frisbie, C. Daniel

2013-03-01

Ultrathin polycrystalline films of organic semiconductors have received intensive investigations due to the critical role they play in governing the performance of organic thin film transistors. In this work, a variety of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques have been employed to investigate ultrathin polycrystalline films (1-3 nm) of the benchmark organic semiconductor pentacene. By using spatially resolved Friction Force Microscopy (FFM), Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KFM) and Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM), an interesting multi-domain structure is revealed within the second layer of the films, characterized as two distinct friction and surface potential domains correlating with each other. The existence of multiple homoepitaxial modes within the films is thus proposed and examined. By employing lattice-revolved imaging using contact mode SPM, direct molecular evidence for the unusual homoepitaxy is obtained.

Crystallographic order and decomposition of [MnIII 6CrIII]3+ single-molecule magnets deposited in submonolayers and monolayers on HOPG studied by means of molecular resolved atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy in UHV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gryzia, Aaron; Volkmann, Timm; Brechling, Armin; Hoeke, Veronika; Schneider, Lilli; Kuepper, Karsten; Glaser, Thorsten; Heinzmann, Ulrich

2014-02-01

Monolayers and submonolayers of [Mn III 6 Cr III ] 3+ single-molecule magnets (SMMs) adsorbed on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) using the droplet technique characterized by non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) as well as by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) show island-like structures with heights resembling the height of the molecule. Furthermore, islands were found which revealed ordered 1D as well as 2D structures with periods close to the width of the SMMs. Along this, islands which show half the heights of intact SMMs were observed which are evidences for a decomposing process of the molecules during the preparation. Finally, models for the structure of the ordered SMM adsorbates are proposed to explain the observations.

Influence of impurities and contact scale on the lubricating properties of bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) films on a hydrophobic surface.

PubMed

Nikogeorgos, Nikolaos; Madsen, Jan Busk; Lee, Seunghwan

2014-10-01

Lubricating properties of bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) on a compliant, hydrophobic surface were studied as influenced by impurities, in particular bovine serum albumin (BSA), at macro and nanoscale contacts by means of pin-on-disk tribometry and friction force microscopy (FFM), respectively. At both contact scales, the purity of BSM and the presence of BSA were quantitatively discriminated. The presence of BSA was responsible for higher frictional forces observed from BSM samples containing relatively larger amount of BSA. But, the mechanisms contributing to higher friction forces by BSA were different at different contact scales. At the macroscale contact, higher friction forces were caused by faster and dominant adsorption of BSA into the contacting area under a continuous cycle of desorption and re-adsorption of the macromolecules from tribostress. Nevertheless, all BSMs lowered the interfacial friction forces due to large contact area and a large number of BSM molecules in the contact area. At the nanoscale contact, however, no significant desorption of the macromolecules is expected in tribological contacts because of too small contact area and extremely small number of BSM molecules involved in the contact area. Instead, increasingly higher friction forces with increasing amount of BSA in BSM layer are attributed to higher viscosity caused by BSA in the layer. Comparable size of AFM probes with BSM molecules allowed them to penetrate through the BSM layers and to scratch on the underlying substrates, and thus induced higher friction forces compared to the sliding contact on bare substrates. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitative Subsurface Atomic Structure Fingerprint for 2D Materials and Heterostructures by First-Principles-Calibrated Contact-Resonance Atomic Force Microscopy.

PubMed

Tu, Qing; Lange, Björn; Parlak, Zehra; Lopes, Joao Marcelo J; Blum, Volker; Zauscher, Stefan

2016-07-26

Interfaces and subsurface layers are critical for the performance of devices made of 2D materials and heterostructures. Facile, nondestructive, and quantitative ways to characterize the structure of atomically thin, layered materials are thus essential to ensure control of the resultant properties. Here, we show that contact-resonance atomic force microscopy-which is exquisitely sensitive to stiffness changes that arise from even a single atomic layer of a van der Waals-adhered material-is a powerful experimental tool to address this challenge. A combined density functional theory and continuum modeling approach is introduced that yields sub-surface-sensitive, nanomechanical fingerprints associated with specific, well-defined structure models of individual surface domains. Where such models are known, this information can be correlated with experimentally obtained contact-resonance frequency maps to reveal the (sub)surface structure of different domains on the sample.

Cell adhesion to borate glasses by colloidal probe microscopy.

PubMed

Wiederhorn, Sheldon M; Chae, Young-Hun; Simon, Carl G; Cahn, Jackson; Deng, Yan; Day, Delbert

2011-05-01

The adhesion of osteoblast-like cells to silicate and borate glasses was measured in cell growth medium using colloidal probe microscopy. The probes consisted of silicate and borate glass spheres, 25-50 μm in diameter, attached to atomic force microscope cantilevers. Variables of the study included glass composition and time of contact of the cell to the glasses. Increasing the time of contact from 15 to 900 s increased the force of adhesion. The data could be plotted linearly on a log-log plot of adhesive force versus time. Of the seven glasses tested, five had slopes close to 0.5, suggesting a square root dependence of the adhesive force on the contact time. Such behavior can be interpreted as a diffusion limited process occurring during the early stages of cell attachment. We suggest that the rate limiting step in the adhesion process is the diffusion of integrins resident in the cell membrane to the area of cell attachment. Data presented in this paper support the hypothesis of Hench et al. that strong adhesion depends on the formation of a calcium phosphate reaction layer on the surfaces of the glass. Glasses that did not form a calcium phosphate layer exhibited a weaker adhesive force relative to those glasses that did form a calcium phosphate layer. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Formation and anisotropic magnetoresistance of Co/Pt nano-contacts through aluminum oxide barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Mahdawi, Muftah; Sahashi, Masashi

2014-01-01

We report on the observation of anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in vertical asymmetric nano-contacts (NCs) made through AlOx nano-oxide layer (NOL) formed by ion-assisted oxidation method in the film stack of Co/AlOx-NOL/Pt. Analysis of NC formation was based on in situ conductive atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Depending on the purity of NCs from Al contamination, we observed up to 29% AMR ratio at room temperature.

EFM data mapped into 2D images of tip-sample contact potential difference and capacitance second derivative.

PubMed

Lilliu, S; Maragliano, C; Hampton, M; Elliott, M; Stefancich, M; Chiesa, M; Dahlem, M S; Macdonald, J E

2013-11-27

We report a simple technique for mapping Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM) bias sweep data into 2D images. The method allows simultaneous probing, in the same scanning area, of the contact potential difference and the second derivative of the capacitance between tip and sample, along with the height information. The only required equipment consists of a microscope with lift-mode EFM capable of phase shift detection. We designate this approach as Scanning Probe Potential Electrostatic Force Microscopy (SPP-EFM). An open-source MATLAB Graphical User Interface (GUI) for images acquisition, processing and analysis has been developed. The technique is tested with Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and with poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanowires for organic transistor applications.

Application of Contact Mode AFM to Manufacturing Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giordano, Michael A.; Schmid, Steven R.

A review of the application of contact mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) to manufacturing processes is presented. A brief introduction to common experimental techniques including hardness, scratch, and wear testing is presented, with a discussion of challenges in the extension of manufacturing scale investigations to the AFM. Differences between the macro- and nanoscales tests are discussed, including indentation size effects and their importance in the simulation of processes such as grinding. The basics of lubrication theory are presented and friction force microscopy is introduced as a method of investigating metal forming lubrication on the nano- and microscales that directly simulates tooling/workpiece asperity interactions. These concepts are followed by a discussion of their application to macroscale industrial manufacturing processes and direct correlations are made.

Electrical transport and structural characterization of epitaxial monolayer MoS2 /n- and p-doped GaN vertical lattice-matched heterojunctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruzmetov, D.; O'Regan, T.; Zhang, K.; Herzing, A.; Mazzoni, A.; Chin, M.; Huang, S.; Zhang, Z.; Burke, R.; Neupane, M.; Birdwell, Ag; Shah, P.; Crowne, F.; Kolmakov, A.; Leroy, B.; Robinson, J.; Davydov, A.; Ivanov, T.

We investigate vertical semiconductor junctions consisting of monolayer MoS2 that is epitaxially grown on n- and p-doped GaN crystals. Such a junction represents a building block for 2D/3D vertical semiconductor heterostructures. Epitaxial, lattice-matched growth of MoS2 on GaN is important to ensure high quality interfaces that are crucial for the efficient vertical transport. The MoS2/GaN junctions were characterized with cross-sectional and planar scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), scanning tunneling microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The MoS2/GaN lattice mismatch is measured to be near 1% using STEM. The electrical transport in the out-of-plane direction across the MoS2/GaN junctions was measured using conductive atomic force microscopy and mechanical nano-probes inside a scanning electron microscope. Nano-disc metal contacts to MoS2 were fabricated by e-beam lithography and evaporation. The current-voltage curves of the vertical MoS2/GaN junctions exhibit rectification with opposite polarities for n-doped and p-doped GaN. The metal contact determines the general features of the current-voltage curves, and the MoS2 monolayer modifies the electrical transport across the contact/GaN interface.

Resonant difference-frequency atomic force ultrasonic microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cantrell, John H. (Inventor); Cantrell, Sean A. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A scanning probe microscope and methodology called resonant difference-frequency atomic force ultrasonic microscopy (RDF-AFUM), employs an ultrasonic wave launched from the bottom of a sample while the cantilever of an atomic force microscope, driven at a frequency differing from the ultrasonic frequency by one of the contact resonance frequencies of the cantilever, engages the sample top surface. The nonlinear mixing of the oscillating cantilever and the ultrasonic wave in the region defined by the cantilever tip-sample surface interaction force generates difference-frequency oscillations at the cantilever contact resonance. The resonance-enhanced difference-frequency signals are used to create images of nanoscale near-surface and subsurface features.

Image contrast mechanisms in dynamic friction force microscopy: Antimony particles on graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mertens, Felix; Göddenhenrich, Thomas; Dietzel, Dirk; Schirmeisen, Andre

2017-01-01

Dynamic Friction Force Microscopy (DFFM) is a technique based on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) where resonance oscillations of the cantilever are excited by lateral actuation of the sample. During this process, the AFM tip in contact with the sample undergoes a complex movement which consists of alternating periods of sticking and sliding. Therefore, DFFM can give access to dynamic transition effects in friction that are not accessible by alternative techniques. Using antimony nanoparticles on graphite as a model system, we analyzed how combined influences of friction and topography can effect different experimental configurations of DFFM. Based on the experimental results, for example, contrast inversion between fractional resonance and band excitation imaging strategies to extract reliable tribological information from DFFM images are devised.

Higher-eigenmode piezoresponse force microscopy: a path towards increased sensitivity and the elimination of electrostatic artifacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacDonald, Gordon A.; DelRio, Frank W.; Killgore, Jason P.

2018-03-01

Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and related bias-induced strain sensing atomic force microscopy techniques provide unique characterization of material-functionality at the nanoscale. However, these techniques are prone to unwanted artifact signals that influence the vibration amplitude of the detecting cantilever. Here, we show that higher-order contact resonance eigenmodes can be readily excited in PFM. The benefits of using the higher-order eigenmodes include absolute sensitivity enhancement, electrostatic artifact reduction, and lateral versus normal strain decoupling. This approach can significantly increase the proportion of total signal arising from desired strain (as opposed to non-strain artifacts) in measurements with cantilevers exhibiting typical, few N m‑1 spring constants to cantilevers up to 1000× softer than typically used.

Focal contacts as mechanosensors: externally applied local mechanical force induces growth of focal contacts by an mDia1-dependent and ROCK-independent mechanism.

PubMed

Riveline, D; Zamir, E; Balaban, N Q; Schwarz, U S; Ishizaki, T; Narumiya, S; Kam, Z; Geiger, B; Bershadsky, A D

2001-06-11

The transition of cell-matrix adhesions from the initial punctate focal complexes into the mature elongated form, known as focal contacts, requires GTPase Rho activity. In particular, activation of myosin II-driven contractility by a Rho target known as Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) was shown to be essential for focal contact formation. To dissect the mechanism of Rho-dependent induction of focal contacts and to elucidate the role of cell contractility, we applied mechanical force to vinculin-containing dot-like adhesions at the cell edge using a micropipette. Local centripetal pulling led to local assembly and elongation of these structures and to their development into streak-like focal contacts, as revealed by the dynamics of green fluorescent protein-tagged vinculin or paxillin and interference reflection microscopy. Inhibition of Rho activity by C3 transferase suppressed this force-induced focal contact formation. However, constitutively active mutants of another Rho target, the formin homology protein mDia1 (Watanabe, N., T. Kato, A. Fujita, T. Ishizaki, and S. Narumiya. 1999. Nat. Cell Biol. 1:136-143), were sufficient to restore force-induced focal contact formation in C3 transferase-treated cells. Force-induced formation of the focal contacts still occurred in cells subjected to myosin II and ROCK inhibition. Thus, as long as mDia1 is active, external tension force bypasses the requirement for ROCK-mediated myosin II contractility in the induction of focal contacts. Our experiments show that integrin-containing focal complexes behave as individual mechanosensors exhibiting directional assembly in response to local force.

Characterization of Antisticking Layers for UV Nanoimprint Lithography Molds with Scanning Probe Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masaaki Kurihara,; Sho Hatakeyama,; Noriko Yamada,; Takeya Shimomura,; Takaharu Nagai,; Kouji Yoshida,; Tatsuya Tomita,; Morihisa Hoga,; Naoya Hayashi,; Hiroyuki Ohtani,; Masamichi Fujihira,

2010-06-01

Antisticking layers (ASLs) on UV nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) molds were characterized by scanning probe microscopies (SPMs) in addition to macroscopic analyses of work of adhesion and separation force. Local physical properties of the ASLs were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and friction force microscopy (FFM). The behavior of local adhesive forces measured with AFM on several surfaces was consistent with that of work of adhesion obtained from contact angle. The ASLs were coated by two different processes, i.e., one is a vapor-phase process and the other a spin-coating process. The homogeneity of the ASLs prepared by the vapor-phase process was better than that of those prepared by the spin-coating process. In addition, we measured the thicknesses of ASL patterns prepared by a lift-off method to investigate the effect of the ASL thicknesses on critical dimensions of the molds with ASLs and found that this effect is not negligible.

Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis of daily disposable limbal ring contact lenses.

PubMed

Lorenz, Kathrine Osborn; Kakkassery, Joseph; Boree, Danielle; Pinto, David

2014-09-01

Limbal ring (also known as 'circle') contact lenses are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Asian markets because of their eye-enhancing effects. The pigment particles that give the eye-enhancing effects of these lenses can be found on the front or back surface of the contact lens or 'enclosed' within the lens matrix. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the pigment location and surface roughness of seven types of 'circle' contact lenses. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis was performed using a variable pressure Hitachi S3400N instrument to discern the placement of lens pigments. Atomic force microscopy (Dimension Icon AFM from Bruker Nano) was used to determine the surface roughness of the pigmented regions of the contact lenses. Atomic force microscopic analysis was performed in fluid phase under contact mode using a Sharp Nitride Lever probe (SNL-10) with a spring constant of 0.06 N/m. Root mean square (RMS) roughness values were analysed using a generalised linear mixed model with a log-normal distribution. Least square means and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated for each brand, location and pigment combination. SEM cross-sectional images at 500× and 2,000× magnification showed pigment on the surface of six of the seven lens types tested. The mean depth of pigment for 1-DAY ACUVUE DEFINE (1DAD) lenses was 8.1 μm below the surface of the lens, while the remaining lens types tested had pigment particles on the front or back surface. Results of the atomic force microscopic analysis indicated that 1DAD lenses had significantly lower root mean square roughness values in the pigmented area of the lens than the other lens types tested. SEM and AFM analysis revealed pigment on the surface of the lens for all types tested with the exception of 1DAD. Further research is required to determine if the difference in pigment location influences on-eye performance. © 2014 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2014 Optometrists Association Australia.

Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis of daily disposable limbal ring contact lenses

PubMed Central

Lorenz, Kathrine Osborn; Kakkassery, Joseph; Boree, Danielle; Pinto, David

2014-01-01

Background Limbal ring (also known as ‘circle’) contact lenses are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Asian markets because of their eye-enhancing effects. The pigment particles that give the eye-enhancing effects of these lenses can be found on the front or back surface of the contact lens or ‘enclosed’ within the lens matrix. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the pigment location and surface roughness of seven types of ‘circle’ contact lenses. Methods Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis was performed using a variable pressure Hitachi S3400N instrument to discern the placement of lens pigments. Atomic force microscopy (Dimension Icon AFM from Bruker Nano) was used to determine the surface roughness of the pigmented regions of the contact lenses. Atomic force microscopic analysis was performed in fluid phase under contact mode using a Sharp Nitride Lever probe (SNL-10) with a spring constant of 0.06 N/m. Root mean square (RMS) roughness values were analysed using a generalised linear mixed model with a log-normal distribution. Least square means and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated for each brand, location and pigment combination. Results SEM cross-sectional images at 500× and 2,000× magnification showed pigment on the surface of six of the seven lens types tested. The mean depth of pigment for 1-DAY ACUVUE DEFINE (1DAD) lenses was 8.1 μm below the surface of the lens, while the remaining lens types tested had pigment particles on the front or back surface. Results of the atomic force microscopic analysis indicated that 1DAD lenses had significantly lower root mean square roughness values in the pigmented area of the lens than the other lens types tested. Conclusions SEM and AFM analysis revealed pigment on the surface of the lens for all types tested with the exception of 1DAD. Further research is required to determine if the difference in pigment location influences on-eye performance. PMID:24689948

Focal Contacts as Mechanosensors

PubMed Central

Riveline, Daniel; Zamir, Eli; Balaban, Nathalie Q.; Schwarz, Ulrich S.; Ishizaki, Toshimasa; Narumiya, Shuh; Kam, Zvi; Geiger, Benjamin; Bershadsky, Alexander D.

2001-01-01

The transition of cell–matrix adhesions from the initial punctate focal complexes into the mature elongated form, known as focal contacts, requires GTPase Rho activity. In particular, activation of myosin II–driven contractility by a Rho target known as Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) was shown to be essential for focal contact formation. To dissect the mechanism of Rho-dependent induction of focal contacts and to elucidate the role of cell contractility, we applied mechanical force to vinculin-containing dot-like adhesions at the cell edge using a micropipette. Local centripetal pulling led to local assembly and elongation of these structures and to their development into streak-like focal contacts, as revealed by the dynamics of green fluorescent protein–tagged vinculin or paxillin and interference reflection microscopy. Inhibition of Rho activity by C3 transferase suppressed this force-induced focal contact formation. However, constitutively active mutants of another Rho target, the formin homology protein mDia1 (Watanabe, N., T. Kato, A. Fujita, T. Ishizaki, and S. Narumiya. 1999. Nat. Cell Biol. 1:136–143), were sufficient to restore force-induced focal contact formation in C3 transferase-treated cells. Force-induced formation of the focal contacts still occurred in cells subjected to myosin II and ROCK inhibition. Thus, as long as mDia1 is active, external tension force bypasses the requirement for ROCK-mediated myosin II contractility in the induction of focal contacts. Our experiments show that integrin-containing focal complexes behave as individual mechanosensors exhibiting directional assembly in response to local force. PMID:11402062

Nonlinear Dynamics of Cantilever-Sample Interactions in Atomic Force Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cantrell, John H.; Cantrell, Sean A.

2010-01-01

The interaction of the cantilever tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) with the sample surface is obtained by treating the cantilever and sample as independent systems coupled by a nonlinear force acting between the cantilever tip and a volume element of the sample surface. The volume element is subjected to a restoring force from the remainder of the sample that provides dynamical equilibrium for the combined systems. The model accounts for the positions on the cantilever of the cantilever tip, laser probe, and excitation force (if any) via a basis set of set of orthogonal functions that may be generalized to account for arbitrary cantilever shapes. The basis set is extended to include nonlinear cantilever modes. The model leads to a pair of coupled nonlinear differential equations that are solved analytically using a matrix iteration procedure. The effects of oscillatory excitation forces applied either to the cantilever or to the sample surface (or to both) are obtained from the solution set and applied to the to the assessment of phase and amplitude signals generated by various acoustic-atomic force microscope (A-AFM) modalities. The influence of bistable cantilever modes of on AFM signal generation is discussed. The effects on the cantilever-sample surface dynamics of subsurface features embedded in the sample that are perturbed by surface-generated oscillatory excitation forces and carried to the cantilever via wave propagation are accounted by the Bolef-Miller propagating wave model. Expressions pertaining to signal generation and image contrast in A-AFM are obtained and applied to amplitude modulation (intermittent contact) atomic force microscopy and resonant difference-frequency atomic force ultrasonic microscopy (RDF-AFUM). The influence of phase accumulation in A-AFM on image contrast is discussed, as is the effect of hard contact and maximum nonlinearity regimes of A-AFM operation.

Evidence of the no-slip boundary condition of water flow between hydrophilic surfaces using atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Maali, Abdelhamid; Wang, Yuliang; Bhushan, Bharat

2009-10-20

In this study we present measurements of the hydrodynamic force exerted on a glass sphere glued to an atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever approaching a mica surface in water. A large sphere was used to reduce the impact of the cantilever beam on the measurement. An AFM cantilever with large stiffness was used to accurately determine the actual contact position between the sphere and the sample surface. The measured hydrodynamic force with different approach velocities is in good agreement with the Taylor force calculated in the lubrication theory with the no-slip boundary conditions, which verifies that there is no boundary slip on the glass and mica surfaces. Moreover, a detailed procedure of how to subtract the electrostatic double-layer force is presented.

Contact Forces between Single Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Gas-Phase Applications and Processes.

PubMed

Salameh, Samir; van der Veen, Monique A; Kappl, Michael; van Ommen, J Ruud

2017-03-14

In this work we present a comprehensive experimental study to determine the contact forces between individual metal oxide nanoparticles in the gas-phase using atomic force microscopy. In addition, we determined the amount of physisorbed water for each type of particle surface. By comparing our results with mathematical models of the interaction forces, we could demonstrate that classical continuum models of van der Waals and capillary forces alone cannot sufficiently describe the experimental findings. Rather, the discrete nature of the molecules has to be considered, which leads to ordering at the interface and the occurrence of solvation forces. We demonstrate that inclusion of solvation forces in the model leads to quantitative agreement with experimental data and that tuning of the molecular order by addition of isopropanol vapor allows us to control the interaction forces between the nanoparticles.

Tunneling mechanism and contact mechanics of colloidal nanoparticle assemblies.

PubMed

Biaye, Moussa; Zbydniewska, Ewa; Mélin, Thierry; Deresmes, Dominique; Copie, Guillaume; Cleri, Fabrizio; Sangeetha, Neralagatta; Decorde, Nicolas; Viallet, Benoit; Grisolia, Jérémie; Ressier, Laurence; Diesinger, Heinrich

2016-11-25

Nanoparticle assemblies with thiol-terminated alkyl chains are studied by conducting atomic force microscopy (c-AFM) regarding their use as strain gauges for touch-sensitive panels. Current-force spectroscopy is used as a characterization tool complementary to the macroscopic setup since it allows a bias to be applied to a limited number of junctions, overcoming the Coulomb blockade energy and focusing on the contact electromechanics and the transport mechanism across the ligand. First, transition voltage spectroscopy is applied with varying force to target the underlying tunneling mechanism by observing whether the transition between the ohmic and exponential current-voltage behavior is force-dependent. Secondly, current-force spectroscopy in the ohmic range below the transition voltage is performed. The current-force behavior of the AFM probe in contact with a nanoparticle multilayer is associated with the spread of force and current within the nanoparticle lattice and at the level of adjacent particles by detailed contact mechanics treatment. The result is twofold: concerning the architecture of sensors, this work is a sample case of contact electromechanics at scales ranging from the device scale down to the individual ligand molecule. Regarding transport across the molecule, the vacuum tunneling mechanism is favored over the conduction by coherent molecular states, which is a decision-making aid for the choice of ligand in applications.

Chemical bond imaging using higher eigenmodes of tuning fork sensors in atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebeling, Daniel; Zhong, Qigang; Ahles, Sebastian; Chi, Lifeng; Wegner, Hermann A.; Schirmeisen, André

2017-05-01

We demonstrate the ability of resolving the chemical structure of single organic molecules using non-contact atomic force microscopy with higher normal eigenmodes of quartz tuning fork sensors. In order to achieve submolecular resolution, CO-functionalized tips at low temperatures are used. The tuning fork sensors are operated in ultrahigh vacuum in the frequency modulation mode by exciting either their first or second eigenmode. Despite the high effective spring constant of the second eigenmode (on the order of several tens of kN/m), the force sensitivity is sufficiently high to achieve atomic resolution above the organic molecules. This is observed for two different tuning fork sensors with different tip geometries (small tip vs. large tip). These results represent an important step towards resolving the chemical structure of single molecules with multifrequency atomic force microscopy techniques where two or more eigenmodes are driven simultaneously.

Metal-dielectric interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buckley, D. H.

1979-01-01

Metal direlectric surface interactions and dielectric films on metal substrates were investigated. Since interfacial interaction depends so heavily on the nature of the surfaces, analytical surface tools such as Auger emission spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and field ion microscopy were used to assist in surface and interfacial characterization. The results indicate that with metals contacting certain glasses in the clean state interfacial, bonding produces fractures in the glasses while when a film such as water is present, fractures occur in the metal near the interface. Friction forces were used to measure the interfacial bond strengths. Studies with metals contacting polymers using field ion microscopy revealed that strong bonding forces could develop being between a metal and polymer surface with polymer transferring to the metal surface in various ways depending upon the forces applied to the surface in contact. With the deposition of refractory carbides, silicides and borides onto metal and alloy substrates the presence of oxides at the interface or active gases in the deposition plasma were shown to alter interfacial properties and chemistry. Auger ion depth profile analysis indicated the chemical composition at the interface and this could be related to the mechanical, friction, and wear behavior of the coating.

Bacterial adhesion forces to Ag-impregnated contact lens cases and transmission to contact lenses.

PubMed

Qu, Wenwen; Busscher, Henk J; van der Mei, Henny C; Hooymans, Johanna M M

2013-03-01

To measure adhesion forces of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Serratia marcescens to a rigid contact lens (CL), standard polypropylene, and Ag-impregnated lens cases using atomic force microscopy and determine bacterial transmission from lens case to CL. Adhesion forces of bacterial strains to Ag-impregnated and polypropylene lens cases and a rigid CL were measured using atomic force microscopy. Adhesion forces were used to calculate Weibull distributions, from which transmission probabilities from lens case to CL were derived. Transmission probabilities were compared with actual transmission of viable bacteria from a lens case to the CL in 0.9% NaCl and in an antimicrobial lens care solution. Bacterial transmission probabilities from polypropylene lens cases based on force analysis coincided well for all strains with actual transmission in 0.9% NaCl. Bacterial adhesion forces on Ag-impregnated lens cases were much smaller than that on polypropylene and CLs, yielding a high probability of transmission. Comparison with actual bacterial transmission indicated bacterial killing due to Ag ions during colony-forming unit transmission from an Ag-impregnated lens case, especially for P. aeruginosa. Transmission of viable bacteria from Ag-impregnated lens cases could be further decreased by use of an antimicrobial lens care solution instead of 0.9% NaCl. Bacterial transmission probabilities are higher from Ag-impregnated lens cases than from polypropylene lens cases because of small adhesion forces, but this is compensated for by enhanced bacterial killing due to Ag impregnation, especially when in combination with an antimicrobial lens care solution. This calls for a balanced combination of antimicrobial lens care solutions and surface properties of a lens case and CL.

Micromechanical contact stiffness devices and application for calibrating contact resonance atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Rosenberger, Matthew R; Chen, Sihan; Prater, Craig B; King, William P

2017-01-27

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and characterization of micromechanical devices that can present an engineered contact stiffness to an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever tip. These devices allow the contact stiffness between the AFM tip and a substrate to be easily and accurately measured, and can be used to calibrate the cantilever for subsequent mechanical property measurements. The contact stiffness devices are rigid copper disks of diameters 2-18 μm integrated onto a soft silicone substrate. Analytical modeling and finite element simulations predict the elastic response of the devices. Measurements of tip-sample interactions during quasi-static force measurements compare well with modeling simulation, confirming the expected elastic response of the devices, which are shown to have contact stiffness 32-156 N m -1 . To demonstrate one application, we use the disk sample to calibrate three resonant modes of a U-shaped AFM cantilever actuated via Lorentz force, at approximately 220, 450, and 1200 kHz. We then use the calibrated cantilever to determine the contact stiffness and elastic modulus of three polymer samples at these modes. The overall approach allows cantilever calibration without prior knowledge of the cantilever geometry or its resonance modes, and could be broadly applied to both static and dynamic measurements that require AFM calibration against a known contact stiffness.

Micromechanical contact stiffness devices and application for calibrating contact resonance atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenberger, Matthew R.; Chen, Sihan; Prater, Craig B.; King, William P.

2017-01-01

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and characterization of micromechanical devices that can present an engineered contact stiffness to an atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever tip. These devices allow the contact stiffness between the AFM tip and a substrate to be easily and accurately measured, and can be used to calibrate the cantilever for subsequent mechanical property measurements. The contact stiffness devices are rigid copper disks of diameters 2-18 μm integrated onto a soft silicone substrate. Analytical modeling and finite element simulations predict the elastic response of the devices. Measurements of tip-sample interactions during quasi-static force measurements compare well with modeling simulation, confirming the expected elastic response of the devices, which are shown to have contact stiffness 32-156 N m-1. To demonstrate one application, we use the disk sample to calibrate three resonant modes of a U-shaped AFM cantilever actuated via Lorentz force, at approximately 220, 450, and 1200 kHz. We then use the calibrated cantilever to determine the contact stiffness and elastic modulus of three polymer samples at these modes. The overall approach allows cantilever calibration without prior knowledge of the cantilever geometry or its resonance modes, and could be broadly applied to both static and dynamic measurements that require AFM calibration against a known contact stiffness.

Multimode resistive switching in nanoscale hafnium oxide stack as studied by atomic force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hou, Y., E-mail: houyi@pku.edu.cn, E-mail: lfliu@pku.edu.cn; IMEC, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001 Heverlee; Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, B-3001 Heverlee

2016-07-11

The nanoscale resistive switching in hafnium oxide stack is investigated by the conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). The initial oxide stack is insulating and electrical stress from the C-AFM tip induces nanometric conductive filaments. Multimode resistive switching can be observed in consecutive operation cycles at one spot. The different modes are interpreted in the framework of a low defect quantum point contact theory. The model implies that the optimization of the conductive filament active region is crucial for the future application of nanoscale resistive switching devices.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, L.; McGruer, N. E.; Adams, G. G.

We report the observation of two distinct modes of rate-dependent behavior during contact cycling tests. One is a higher pull-off force at low cycling rates and the other is a higher pull-off force at high cycling rates. Subsequent investigation of these contacts using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrates that these two rate-dependent modes can be related to brittle and ductile separation modes. The former behavior is indicative of brittle separation, whereas the latter accompanies ductile separation. Thus by monitoring the rate dependence of the pull-off force, the type of separation mode can be identified during cycling without interrupting the testmore » to perform SEM.« less

Real-time observation of slipping and rolling events in DLC wear nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sato, Takaaki; Nabeya, Shinsuke; Menon, Vivek; Ishida, Tadashi; Kometani, Reo; Fujita, Hiroyuki

2018-08-10

Real-time observation of the actual contact area between surface interfaces at the nanoscale enables more precise examination of what happens during friction. We have combined micro electro mechanical system actuators and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, to both apply and measure forces across nanoscale junctions and contacts. This custom-designed experimental system can measure the true surface area of a contact site from a lateral viewpoint, while simultaneously measuring the friction force. We scratched surfaces coated with diamond like carbon, a classical solid lubricant, and observed the formation of wear particles that slipped and rolled between the interface. TEM images showed that the shape of the surface at the nanoscale underwent permanent deformation when acted upon with forces as low as several tens of nano newtons. The results demonstrated the limitations of friction analyses relying on friction force measurements without real-time surface profiling.

Contact resonance atomic force microscopy for viscoelastic characterization of polymer-based nanocomposites at variable temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Natali, Marco; Passeri, Daniele; Reggente, Melania; Tamburri, Emanuela; Terranova, Maria Letizia; Rossi, Marco

2016-06-01

Characterization of mechanical properties at the nanometer scale at variable temperature is one of the main challenges in the development of polymer-based nanocomposites for application in high temperature environments. Contact resonance atomic force microscopy (CR-AFM) is a powerful technique to characterize viscoelastic properties of materials at the nanoscale. In this work, we demonstrate the capability of CR-AFM of characterizing viscoelastic properties (i.e., storage and loss moduli, as well as loss tangent) of polymer-based nanocomposites at variable temperature. CR-AFM is first illustrated on two polymeric reference samples, i.e., low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polycarbonate (PC). Then, temperature-dependent viscoelastic properties (in terms of loss tangent) of a nanocomposite sample constituted by a epoxy resin reinforced with single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are investigated.

Near-Field Acoustical Imaging using Lateral Bending Mode of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caron, A.; Rabe, U.; Rödel, J.; Arnold, W.

Scanning probe microscopy techniques enable one to investigate surface properties such as contact stiffness and friction between the probe tip and a sample with nm resolution. So far the bending and the torsional eigenmodes of an atomic force microscope cantilever have been used to image variations of elasticity and shear elasticity, respectively. Such images are near-field images with the resolution given by the contact radius typically between 10 nm and 50 nm. We show that the flexural modes of a cantilever oscillating in the width direction and parallel to the sample surface can also be used for imaging. Additional to the dominant in-plane component of the oscillation, the lateral modes exhibit a vertical component as well, provided there is an asymmetry in the cross-section of the cantilever or in its suspension. The out-of-plane deflection renders the lateral modes detectable by the optical position sensors used in atomic force microscopes. We studied cracks which were generated by Vickers indents, in submicro- and nanocrystalline ZrO2. Images of the lateral contact stiffness were obtained by vibrating the cantilever close to a contact-resonance frequency. A change in contact stiffness causes a shift of the resonant frequency and hence a change of the cantilever vibration amplitude. The lateral contact-stiffness images close to the crack faces display a contrast that we attribute to altered elastic properties indicating a process zone. This could be caused by a stress-induced phase transformation during crack propagation. Using the contact mode of an atomic force microscope, we measured the crack-opening displacement as a function of distance from the crack tip, and we determined the crack-tip toughness Ktip. Furthermore, K1c was inferred from the length of radial cracks of Vickers indents that were measured using classical scanning acoustic microscopy

Nanoscale electro-structural characterisation of ohmic contacts formed on p-type implanted 4H-SiC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frazzetto, Alessia; Giannazzo, Filippo; Lo Nigro, Raffaella; di Franco, Salvatore; Bongiorno, Corrado; Saggio, Mario; Zanetti, Edoardo; Raineri, Vito; Roccaforte, Fabrizio

2011-12-01

This work reports a nanoscale electro-structural characterisation of Ti/Al ohmic contacts formed on p-type Al-implanted silicon carbide (4H-SiC). The morphological and the electrical properties of the Al-implanted layer, annealed at 1700°C with or without a protective capping layer, and of the ohmic contacts were studied using atomic force microscopy [AFM], transmission line model measurements and local current measurements performed with conductive AFM. The characteristics of the contacts were significantly affected by the roughness of the underlying SiC. In particular, the surface roughness of the Al-implanted SiC regions annealed at 1700°C could be strongly reduced using a protective carbon capping layer during annealing. This latter resulted in an improved surface morphology and specific contact resistance of the Ti/Al ohmic contacts formed on these regions. The microstructure of the contacts was monitored by X-ray diffraction analysis and a cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, and correlated with the electrical results.

Direct measurements of intermolecular forces by chemical force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vezenov, Dmitri Vitalievich

1999-12-01

Detailed description of intermolecular forces is key to understanding a wide range of phenomena from molecular recognition to materials failure. The unique features of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to make point contact force measurements with ultra high sensitivity and to generate spatial maps of surface topography and forces have been extended to include measurements between well-defined organic molecular groups. Chemical modification of AFM probes with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) was used to make them sensitive to specific molecular interactions. This novel chemical force microscopy (CFM) technique was used to probe forces between different molecular groups in a range of environments (vacuum, organic liquids and aqueous solutions); measure surface energetics on a nanometer scale; determine pK values of the surface acid and base groups; measure forces to stretch and unbind a short synthetic DNA duplex and map the spatial distribution of specific functional groups and their ionization state. Studies of adhesion forces demonstrated the important contribution of hydrogen bonding to interactions between simple organic functionalities. The chemical identity of the tip and substrate surfaces as well as the medium had a dramatic effect on adhesion between model monolayers. A direct correlation between surface free energy and adhesion forces was established. The adhesion between epoxy polymer and model mixed SAMs varied with the amount of hydrogen bonding component in the monolayers. A consistent interpretation of CFM measurements in polar solvents was provided by contact mechanics models and intermolecular force components theory. Forces between tips and surfaces functionalized with SAMs terminating in acid or base groups depended on their ionization state. A novel method of force titration was introduced for highly local characterization of the pK's of surface functional groups. The pH-dependent changes in friction forces were exploited to map spatially the changes in ionization state on SAM surfaces. The phase contrast in tapping mode AFM between chemically distinct monolayer regions and corresponding adhesion forces were found to be directly correlated. Thus, both friction and intermittent contact CFM images could be interpreted in terms of the strength of intermolecular interactions. CFM was also used to probe biomolecular interactions. Separation forces between complementary oligonucleotide strands were significantly larger than the forces measured between noncomplementary strands and were consistent with the unbinding of a single DNA duplex. CFM data provided a direct measure of the forces required to elastically deform, structurally-transform and separate well-defined, synthetic duplexes into single strand oligonucleotides.

Contact Forces between Single Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Gas-Phase Applications and Processes

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In this work we present a comprehensive experimental study to determine the contact forces between individual metal oxide nanoparticles in the gas-phase using atomic force microscopy. In addition, we determined the amount of physisorbed water for each type of particle surface. By comparing our results with mathematical models of the interaction forces, we could demonstrate that classical continuum models of van der Waals and capillary forces alone cannot sufficiently describe the experimental findings. Rather, the discrete nature of the molecules has to be considered, which leads to ordering at the interface and the occurrence of solvation forces. We demonstrate that inclusion of solvation forces in the model leads to quantitative agreement with experimental data and that tuning of the molecular order by addition of isopropanol vapor allows us to control the interaction forces between the nanoparticles. PMID:28186771

Effect of tip polarity on Kelvin probe force microscopy images of thin insulator CaF2 films on Si(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yurtsever, Ayhan; Sugimoto, Yoshiaki; Fukumoto, Masaki; Abe, Masayuki; Morita, Seizo

2012-08-01

We investigate thin insulating CaF2 films on a Si (111) surface using a combination of noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Atomic-scale NC-AFM and KPFM images are obtained in different imaging modes by employing two different tip polarities. The KPFM image contrast and the distance-dependent variation of the local contact potential difference (LCPD) give rise to a tip-polarity-dependent contrast inversion. Ca2+ cations had a higher LCPD contrast than F- anions for a positively terminated tip, while the LCPD provided by a negatively charged tip gave a higher contrast for F- anions. Thus, this result implies that it is essential to determine the tip apex polarity to correctly interpret LCPD signals acquired by KPFM.

Real-space microscopic electrical imaging of n+-p junction beneath front-side Ag contact of multicrystalline Si solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, C.-S.; Li, Z. G.; Moutinho, H. R.; Liang, L.; Ionkin, A.; Al-Jassim, M. M.

2012-04-01

We investigated the quality of the n+-p diffused junction beneath the front-side Ag contact of multicrystalline Si solar cells by characterizing the uniformities of electrostatic potential and doping concentration across the junction using the atomic force microscopy-based electrical imaging techniques of scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and scanning capacitance microscopy. We found that Ag screen-printing metallization fired at the over-fire temperature significantly degrades the junction uniformity beneath the Ag contact grid, whereas metallization at the optimal- and under-fire temperatures does not cause degradation. Ag crystallites with widely distributed sizes were found at the Ag-grid/emitter-Si interface of the over-fired cell, which is associated with the junction damage beneath the Ag grid. Large crystallites protrude into Si deeper than the junction depth. However, the junction was not broken down; instead, it was reformed on the entire front of the crystallite/Si interface. We propose a mechanism of junction-quality degradation, based on emitter Si melting at the temperature around the Ag-Si eutectic point during firing, and subsequent re-crystallization with incorporation of Ag and other impurities and with formation of crystallographic defects during quenching. The effect of this junction damage on solar cell performance is discussed.

Real-Space Microscopic Electrical Imaging of n+-p Junction Beneath Front-Side Ag Contact of Multicrystalline Si Solar Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, C. S.; Li, Z. G.; Moutinho, H. R.

2012-04-15

We investigated the quality of the n+-p diffused junction beneath the front-side Ag contact of multicrystalline Si solar cells by characterizing the uniformities of electrostatic potential and doping concentration across the junction using the atomic force microscopy-based electrical imaging techniques of scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and scanning capacitance microscopy. We found that Ag screen-printing metallization fired at the over-fire temperature significantly degrades the junction uniformity beneath the Ag contact grid, whereas metallization at the optimal- and under-fire temperatures does not cause degradation. Ag crystallites with widely distributed sizes were found at the Ag-grid/emitter-Si interface of the over-fired cell, whichmore » is associated with the junction damage beneath the Ag grid. Large crystallites protrude into Si deeper than the junction depth. However, the junction was not broken down; instead, it was reformed on the entire front of the crystallite/Si interface. We propose a mechanism of junction-quality degradation, based on emitter Si melting at the temperature around the Ag-Si eutectic point during firing, and subsequent re-crystallization with incorporation of Ag and other impurities and with formation of crystallographic defects during quenching. The effect of this junction damage on solar cell performance is discussed.« less

Morphological study of polymer surfaces exposed to non-thermal plasma based on contact angle and the use of scaling laws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Felix, T.; Cassini, F. A.; Benetoli, L. O. B.; Dotto, M. E. R.; Debacher, N. A.

2017-05-01

The experiments presented in this communication have the purpose to elaborate an explanation for the morphological evolution of the growth of polymeric surfaces provided by the treatment of non-thermal plasma. According to the roughness analysis and the model proposed by scaling laws it is possible relate to a predictable or merely random effect. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and poly(etherether)ketone (PEEK) samples were exposed to a non-thermal plasma discharge and the resulting surfaces roughness were analyzed based on the measurements from contact angle, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy coupled with scaling laws analysis which can help to describe and understand the dynamic of formation of a wide variety of rough surfaces. The roughness, RRMS (RMS- Root Mean Square) values for polymer surface range between 19.8 nm and 110.9 nm. The contact angle and the AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) measurements as a function of the plasma exposure time were in agreement with both polar and dispersive components according to the surface roughness and also with the morphology evaluated described by Wolf-Villain model, with proximate values of α between 0.91(PET) and 0.88(PEEK), β = 0.25(PET) and z = 3,64(PET).

Detecting the magnetic response of iron oxide capped organosilane nanostructures using magnetic sample modulation and atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Li, Jie-Ren; Lewandowski, Brian R; Xu, Song; Garno, Jayne C

2009-06-15

A new imaging strategy using atomic force microscopy (AFM) is demonstrated for mapping magnetic domains at size regimes below 100 nm. The AFM-based imaging mode is referred to as magnetic sample modulation (MSM), since the flux of an AC-generated electromagnetic field is used to induce physical movement of magnetic nanomaterials on surfaces during imaging. The AFM is operated in contact mode using a soft, nonmagnetic tip to detect the physical motion of the sample. By slowly scanning an AFM probe across a vibrating area of the sample, the frequency and amplitude of vibration induced by the magnetic field is tracked by changes in tip deflection. Thus, the AFM tip serves as a force and motion sensor for mapping the vibrational response of magnetic nanomaterials. Essentially, MSM is a hybrid of contact mode AFM combined with selective modulation of magnetic domains. The positional feedback loop for MSM imaging is the same as that used for force modulation and contact mode AFM; however, the vibration of the sample is analyzed using channels of a lock-in amplifier. The investigations are facilitated by nanofabrication methods combining particle lithography with organic vapor deposition and electroless deposition of iron oxide, to prepare designed test platforms of magnetic materials at nanometer length scales. Custom test platforms furnished suitable surfaces for MSM characterizations at the level of individual metal nanostructures.

Elemental Identification by Combining Atomic Force Microscopy and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy.

PubMed

Schulz, Fabian; Ritala, Juha; Krejčí, Ondrej; Seitsonen, Ari Paavo; Foster, Adam S; Liljeroth, Peter

2018-06-01

There are currently no experimental techniques that combine atomic-resolution imaging with elemental sensitivity and chemical fingerprinting on single molecules. The advent of using molecular-modified tips in noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) has made it possible to image (planar) molecules with atomic resolution. However, the mechanisms responsible for elemental contrast with passivated tips are not fully understood. Here, we investigate elemental contrast by carrying out both nc-AFM and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) experiments on epitaxial monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) on Ir(111). The hBN overlayer is inert, and the in-plane bonds connecting nearest-neighbor boron and nitrogen atoms possess strong covalent character and a bond length of only ∼1.45 Å. Nevertheless, constant-height maps of both the frequency shift Δ f and the local contact potential difference exhibit striking sublattice asymmetry. We match the different atomic sites with the observed contrast by comparison with nc-AFM image simulations based on the density functional theory optimized hBN/Ir(111) geometry, which yields detailed information on the origin of the atomic-scale contrast.

Towards High-Resolution Tissue Imaging Using Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Coupled to Shear Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Son N.; Sontag, Ryan L.; Carson, James P.; Corley, Richard A.; Ansong, Charles; Laskin, Julia

2018-02-01

Constant mode ambient mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of tissue sections with high lateral resolution of better than 10 μm was performed by combining shear force microscopy with nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI). Shear force microscopy enabled precise control of the distance between the sample and nano-DESI probe during MSI experiments and provided information on sample topography. Proof-of-concept experiments were performed using lung and brain tissue sections representing spongy and dense tissues, respectively. Topography images obtained using shear force microscopy were comparable to the results obtained using contact profilometry over the same region of the tissue section. Variations in tissue height were found to be dependent on the tissue type and were in the range of 0-5 μm for lung tissue and 0-3 μm for brain tissue sections. Ion images of phospholipids obtained in this study are in good agreement with literature data. Normalization of nano-DESI MSI images to the signal of the internal standard added to the extraction solvent allowed us to construct high-resolution ion images free of matrix effects.

Intermolecular and interfacial forces: Elucidating molecular mechanisms using chemical force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashby, Paul David

Investigation into the origin of forces dates to the early Greeks. Yet, only in recent decades have techniques for elucidating the molecular origin of forces been developed. Specifically, Chemical Force Microscopy uses the high precision and nanometer scale probe of Atomic Force Microscopy to measure molecular and interfacial interactions. This thesis presents the development of many novel Chemical Force Microscopy techniques for measuring equilibrium and time-dependant force profiles of molecular interactions, which led to a greater understanding of the origin of interfacial forces in solution. In chapter 2, Magnetic Feedback Chemical Force Microscopy stiffens the cantilever for measuring force profiles between self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces. Hydroxyl and carboxyl terminated SAMs produce long-range interactions that extend one or three nanometers into the solvent, respectively. In chapter 3, an ultra low noise AFM is produced through multiple modifications to the optical deflection detection system and signal processing electronics. In chapter 4, Brownian Force Profile Reconstruction is developed for accurate measurement of steep attractive interactions. Molecular ordering is observed for OMCTS, 1-nonanol, and water near flat surfaces. The molecular ordering of the solvent produces structural or solvation forces, providing insight into the orientation and possible solidification of the confined solvent. Seven molecular layers of OMCTS are observed but the oil remains fluid to the last layer. 1-nonanol strongly orders near the surface and becomes quasi-crystalline with four layers. Water is oriented by the surface and symmetry requires two layers of water (3.7 A) to be removed simultaneously. In chapter 5, electronic control of the cantilever Q (Q-control) is used to obtain the highest imaging sensitivity. In chapter 6, Energy Dissipation Chemical Force Microscopy is developed to investigate the time dependence and dissipative characteristics of SAM interfacial interactions in solution. Long-range adhesive forces for hydroxyl and carboxyl terminated SAM surfaces arise from solvent, not ionic, interactions. Exclusion of the solvent and contact between the SAM surfaces leads to rearrangement of the SAM headgroups. The isolation of the chemical and physical interfacial properties from the topography by Energy Dissipation Chemical Force Microscopy produces a new quantitative high-sensitivity imaging mode.

Design and fabrication of highly hydrophobic Mn nano-sculptured thin films and evaluation of surface properties on hydrophobicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, Somaye; Savaloni, Hadi; Gholipour-Shahraki, Mehran

2017-03-01

The wettability of solid surfaces is important from the aspects of both science and technology. The Mn nano-sculptured thin films were designed and fabricated by oblique angle deposition of Mn on glass substrates at room temperature. The obtained structure was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The wettability of thin films samples was investigated by water contact angle (WCA). The 4-pointed helical star-shaped structure exhibits hydrophobicity with static WCAs of more than 133° for a 10-mg distilled water droplet. This sample also shows the rose petal effect with the additional property of high adhesion. The Mn nano-sculptured thin films also act as a sticky surface which is confirmed by hysteresis of the contact angle obtained from advancing and receding contact angles measurements. Physicochemical property of liquid phase could effectively change the contact angle, and polar solvents in contact with hydrophobic solid surfaces do not necessarily show high contact angle value.

Experimental Study of Static Contact-angle on Peak-like Microstructural Surfaces Produced by PIII Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Runhua; Yang, Lixin

2018-06-01

Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) was used to fabricate micro/nano structures on monocrystalline Si surfaces with different ratios of mixed gases (SF6/O2). The micro/nano structures on the surfaces of the sample were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that with increasing ratio of mixed gases (SF6/O2), the height of the micro/nano structures first increased and then decreased. Contact-angle measurements indicated that the surfaces' micro/nano structures have an obvious effect on the contact-angle, and could cause a change in surface wettability. The theoretical analysis of contact-angle showed that the Wenzel and Cassie theories cannot predict the contact-angle of a roughened surface accurately, and should be corrected for practical applications using an actual model. Moreover, the contact-angle first increased and then decreased with increasing ratio of mixed gases (SF6/O2), which is in accordance with the change of the height of micro/nano structures.

Characterization of structural and electrostatic complexity in pentacene thin films by scanning probe microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puntambekar, Kanan Prakash

The advancement of organic electronics for applications in solar energy conversion, printed circuitry, displays, and solid-state lighting depends upon optimization of structure and properties for a variety of organic semiconductor interfaces. Organic semiconductor/insulator (O/I) and organic-metal (O/M) interfaces, in particular, are critical to the operation of organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) currently being developed for printed flexible electronics. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a powerful tool to isolate and characterize the bottlenecks to charge transport at these interfaces. This thesis establishes a direct correlation between the structural disorder and electrical complexity at these interfaces, using various SPM based methods and discusses the implications of such complexity on device performance. To examine the O/M interfaces, surface potentials of operating pentacene TFTs with two different contact geometries (bottom or top) were mapped by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KFM). The surface potential distribution was used to isolate the potential drops at the source and drain contacts. Simultaneously obtained topography and surface potential maps elucidated the correlation between the morphology and contact resistance at the O/M interface; the bottom contact TFTs were observed to be contact limited at large gate voltages, while the top contact TFTs were not contact limited. A direct correlation between structural defects and electric potential variations at the pentacene and silicon dioxide, a common insulator, is demonstrated. Lateral force microscopy (LFM) generates striking images of the polycrystalline microstructure of a monolayer thick pentacene film, allowing clear visualization of the grain boundary network. Further more, surface potential wells localized at the grain boundaries were observed by KFM, suggesting that the grain boundaries may serve as charge carrier (hole) traps. Line dislocations were also revealed in the second monolayer by chemical etching and SPM and produce strong variations in the surface potential that must affect the interfacial charge conductance. Structural disorder at the O/I and O/M interfaces degrades both injection and transport of charge, and therefore needs to be minimized. Thus both visualization and correlation of structural and electrical complexity at these interfaces have important implications for understanding electrical transport in OTFTs and for defining strategies to improve device performance.

Picoampere Resistive Switching Characteristics Realized with Vertically Contacted Carbon Nanotube Atomic Force Microscope Probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, Haruhisa; Takahashi, Makoto; Sato, Motonobu; Kotsugi, Masato; Ohkochi, Takuo; Muro, Takayuki; Nihei, Mizuhisa; Yokoyama, Naoki

2013-11-01

The resistive switching characteristics of a TiO2/Ti structure have been investigated using a conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) system with 5-nm-diameter carbon nanotube (CNT) probes. The resistive switching showed bipolar resistive random access memory (ReRAM) behaviors with extremely low switching currents in the order of Picoamperes when voltages were applied. From transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, we confirmed that filament-like nanocrystals, having a diameter of about 10 nm, existed in TiO2 films at resistive switching areas after not only set operation but also reset operation. Moreover, photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) analysis showed that the anatase-type TiO2 structure did not change after set and reset operations. From these results, we suggested that the Picoampere resistive switching occurred at the interface between the TiO2 dielectric and conductive nanocrystal without any structural changes in the TiO2 film and nanocrystal. The resistive switching mechanism we suggested is highly promising to realize extremely low-power-consumption ReRAMs with vertically contacted CNT electrodes.

Electrocatalysis-induced elasticity modulation in a superionic proton conductor probed by band-excitation atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Papandrew, A B; Li, Q; Okatan, M B; Jesse, S; Hartnett, C; Kalinin, S V; Vasudevan, R K

2015-12-21

Variable temperature band-excitation atomic force microscopy in conjunction with I-V spectroscopy was used to investigate the crystalline superionic proton conductor CsHSO4 during proton exchange induced by a Pt-coated conductive scanning probe. At a sample temperature of 150 °C and under an applied bias <1 V, reduction currents of up to 1 nA were observed. Simultaneously, we show that the electrochemical reactions are accompanied by a reversible decrease in the elastic modulus of CsHSO4, as seen by a contact resonance shift, and find evidence for superplasticity during scanning. These effects were not observed in the room-temperature phase of CsHSO4 or in the case of catalytically inactive conductive probes, proving the utility of this technique for monitoring electrochemical processes on the nanoscale, as well as the use of local contact stiffness as a sensitive indicator of electrochemical reactions.

Estimating the transfer function of the cantilever in atomic force microscopy: A system identification approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stark, Martin; Guckenberger, Reinhard; Stemmer, Andreas; Stark, Robert W.

2005-12-01

Dynamic atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers many opportunities for the characterization and manipulation of matter on the nanometer scale with a high temporal resolution. The analysis of time-dependent forces is basic for a deeper understanding of phenomena such as friction, plastic deformation, and surface wetting. However, the dynamic characteristics of the force sensor used for such investigations are determined by various factors such as material and geometry of the cantilever, detection alignment, and the transfer characteristics of the detector. Thus, for a quantitative investigation of surface properties by dynamic AFM an appropriate system identification procedure is required, characterizing the force sensor beyond the usual parameters spring constant, quality factor, and detection sensitivity. Measurement of the transfer function provides such a characterization that fully accounts for the dynamic properties of the force sensor. Here, we demonstrate the estimation of the transfer function in a bandwidth of 1MHz from experimental data. To this end, we analyze the signal of the vibrations induced by snap-to-contact and snap-off-contact events. For the free cantilever, we determine both a parameter-free estimate [empirical transfer function estimate (ETFE)] and a parametric estimate of the transfer function. For the surface-coupled cantilever the ETFE is obtained. These identification procedures provide an intrinsic calibration as they dispense largely with a priori knowledge about the force sensor.

Direct assessment of p-n junctions in single GaN nanowires by Kelvin probe force microscopy.

PubMed

Minj, Albert; Cros, Ana; Auzelle, Thomas; Pernot, Julien; Daudin, Bruno

2016-09-23

Making use of Kelvin probe force microscopy, in dark and under ultraviolet illumination, we study the characteristics of p-n junctions formed along the axis of self-organized GaN nanowires (NWs). We map the contact potential difference of the single NW p-n junctions to locate the space charge region and directly measure the depletion width and the junction voltage. Simulations indicate a shrinkage of the built-in potential for NWs with small diameter due to surface band bending, in qualitative agreement with the measurements. The photovoltage of the NW/substrate contact is studied by analyzing the response of NW segments with p- and n-type doping under illumination. Our results show that the shifts of the Fermi levels, and not the changes in surface band bending, are the most important effects under above band-gap illumination. The quantitative electrical information obtained here is important for the use of NW p-n junctions as photovoltaic or rectifying devices at the nanoscale, and is especially relevant since the technique does not require the formation of ohmic contacts to the NW junction.

Defects in oxide surfaces studied by atomic force and scanning tunneling microscopy

PubMed Central

König, Thomas; Simon, Georg H; Heinke, Lars; Lichtenstein, Leonid

2011-01-01

Summary Surfaces of thin oxide films were investigated by means of a dual mode NC-AFM/STM. Apart from imaging the surface termination by NC-AFM with atomic resolution, point defects in magnesium oxide on Ag(001) and line defects in aluminum oxide on NiAl(110), respectively, were thoroughly studied. The contact potential was determined by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and the electronic structure by scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). On magnesium oxide, different color centers, i.e., F0, F+, F2+ and divacancies, have different effects on the contact potential. These differences enabled classification and unambiguous differentiation by KPFM. True atomic resolution shows the topography at line defects in aluminum oxide. At these domain boundaries, STS and KPFM verify F2+-like centers, which have been predicted by density functional theory calculations. Thus, by determining the contact potential and the electronic structure with a spatial resolution in the nanometer range, NC-AFM and STM can be successfully applied on thin oxide films beyond imaging the topography of the surface atoms. PMID:21977410

Direct assessment of p-n junctions in single GaN nanowires by Kelvin probe force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minj, Albert; Cros, Ana; Auzelle, Thomas; Pernot, Julien; Daudin, Bruno

2016-09-01

Making use of Kelvin probe force microscopy, in dark and under ultraviolet illumination, we study the characteristics of p-n junctions formed along the axis of self-organized GaN nanowires (NWs). We map the contact potential difference of the single NW p-n junctions to locate the space charge region and directly measure the depletion width and the junction voltage. Simulations indicate a shrinkage of the built-in potential for NWs with small diameter due to surface band bending, in qualitative agreement with the measurements. The photovoltage of the NW/substrate contact is studied by analyzing the response of NW segments with p- and n-type doping under illumination. Our results show that the shifts of the Fermi levels, and not the changes in surface band bending, are the most important effects under above band-gap illumination. The quantitative electrical information obtained here is important for the use of NW p-n junctions as photovoltaic or rectifying devices at the nanoscale, and is especially relevant since the technique does not require the formation of ohmic contacts to the NW junction.

Nanoscale observation of local bound charges of patterned protein arrays by scanning force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Y. J.; Jo, W.; Kim, S.; Park, S.; Kim, Y. S.

2008-09-01

A protein patterned surface using micro-contact printing methods has been investigated by scanning force microscopy. Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) was utilized for imaging the topography and detecting the electrical properties such as the local bound charge distribution of the patterned proteins. It was found that the patterned IgG proteins are arranged down to 1 µm, and the 90° rotation of patterned anti-IgG proteins was successfully undertaken. Through the estimation of the effective areas, it was possible to determine the local bound charges of patterned proteins which have opposite electrostatic force behaviors. Moreover, we studied the binding probability between IgG and anti-IgG in a 1 µm2 MIMIC system by topographic and electrostatic signals for applicable label-free detections. We showed that the patterned proteins can be used for immunoassay of proteins on the functional substrate, and that they can also be used for bioelectronics device application, indicating distinct advantages with regard to accuracy and a label-free detection.

An Analysis of Bubble Deformation by a Sphere Relevant to the Measurements of Bubble-Particle Contact Interaction and Detachment Forces.

PubMed

Sherman, H; Nguyen, A V; Bruckard, W

2016-11-22

Atomic force microscopy makes it possible to measure the interacting forces between individual colloidal particles and air bubbles, which can provide a measure of the particle hydrophobicity. To indicate the level of hydrophobicity of the particle, the contact angle can be calculated, assuming that no interfacial deformation occurs with the bubble retaining a spherical profile. Our experimental results obtained using a modified sphere tensiometry apparatus to detach submillimeter spherical particles show that deformation of the bubble interface does occur during particle detachment. We also develop a theoretical model to describe the equilibrium shape of the bubble meniscus at any given particle position, based on the minimization of the free energy of the system. The developed model allows us to analyze high-speed video captured during detachment. In the system model deformation of the bubble profile is accounted for by the incorporation of a Lagrange multiplier into both the Young-Laplace equation and the force balance. The solution of the bubble profile matched to the high-speed video allows us to accurately calculate the contact angle and determine the total force balance as a function of the contact point of the bubble on the particle surface.

From elasticity to capillarity in soft materials indentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Jonathan T.; Schellenberger, Frank; Kappl, Michael; Butt, Hans-Jürgen

2017-06-01

For soft materials with Young's moduli below 100 kPa, quantifying mechanical and interfacial properties by small scale indentation is challenging because in addition to adhesion and elasticity, surface tension plays a critical role. Until now, microscale contact of very soft materials has only been studied by static experiments under zero external loading. Here we introduce a combination of the colloidal probe technique and confocal microscopy to characterize the force-indentation and force-contact radius relationships during microindentation of soft silicones. We confirm that the widespread Johnson-Kendall-Roberts theory must be extended to predict the mechanical contact for soft materials. Typically a liquid component is found within very soft materials. With a simple analytical model, we illustrate that accounting for this liquid surface tension can capture the contact behavior. Our results highlight the importance of considering liquid that is often associated with soft materials during small scale contact.

Passive microrheology of normal and cancer cells after ML7 treatment by atomic force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lyapunova, Elena, E-mail: lyapunova@icmm.ru; Ural Federal University, Kuibyishev Str. 48, Ekaterinburg, 620000; Nikituk, Alexander, E-mail: nas@icmm.ru

Mechanical properties of living cancer and normal thyroidal cells were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cell mechanics was compared before and after treatment with ML7, which is known to reduce myosin activity and induce softening of cell structures. We recorded force curves with extended dwell time of 6 seconds in contact at maximum forces from 500 pN to 1 nN. Data were analyzed within different frameworks: Hertz fit was applied in order to evaluate differences in Young’s moduli among cell types and conditions, while the fluctuations of the cantilever in contact with cells were analyzed with both conventional algorithmsmore » (probability density function and power spectral density) and multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA). We found that cancer cells were softer than normal cells and ML7 had a substantial softening effect on normal cells, but only a marginal one on cancer cells. Moreover, we observed that all recorded signals for normal and cancer cells were monofractal with small differences between their scaling parameters. Finally, the applicability of wavelet-based methods of data analysis for the discrimination of different cell types is discussed.« less

Scanning superlens microscopy for non-invasive large field-of-view visible light nanoscale imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Feifei; Liu, Lianqing; Yu, Haibo; Wen, Yangdong; Yu, Peng; Liu, Zhu; Wang, Yuechao; Li, Wen Jung

2016-12-01

Nanoscale correlation of structural information acquisition with specific-molecule identification provides new insight for studying rare subcellular events. To achieve this correlation, scanning electron microscopy has been combined with super-resolution fluorescent microscopy, despite its destructivity when acquiring biological structure information. Here we propose time-efficient non-invasive microsphere-based scanning superlens microscopy that enables the large-area observation of live-cell morphology or sub-membrane structures with sub-diffraction-limited resolution and is demonstrated by observing biological and non-biological objects. This microscopy operates in both non-invasive and contact modes with ~200 times the acquisition efficiency of atomic force microscopy, which is achieved by replacing the point of an atomic force microscope tip with an imaging area of microspheres and stitching the areas recorded during scanning, enabling sub-diffraction-limited resolution. Our method marks a possible path to non-invasive cell imaging and simultaneous tracking of specific molecules with nanoscale resolution, facilitating the study of subcellular events over a total cell period.

Imaging surface nanobubbles at graphite-water interfaces with different atomic force microscopy modes.

PubMed

Yang, Chih-Wen; Lu, Yi-Hsien; Hwang, Ing-Shouh

2013-05-08

We have imaged nanobubbles on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces in pure water with different atomic force microscopy (AFM) modes, including the frequency-modulation, the tapping, and the PeakForce techniques. We have compared the performance of these modes in obtaining the surface profiles of nanobubbles. The frequency-modulation mode yields a larger height value than the other two modes and can provide more accurate measurement of the surface profiles of nanobubbles. Imaging with PeakForce mode shows that a nanobubble appears smaller and shorter with increasing peak force and disappears above a certain peak force, but the size returns to the original value when the peak force is reduced. This indicates that imaging with high peak forces does not cause gas removal from the nanobubbles. Based on the presented findings and previous AFM observations, the existing models for nanobubbles are reviewed and discussed. The model of gas aggregate inside nanobubbles provides a better explanation for the puzzles of the high stability and the contact angle of surface nanobubbles.

Visualization of Au Nanoparticles Buried in a Polymer Matrix by Scanning Thermal Noise Microscopy.

PubMed

Yao, Atsushi; Kobayashi, Kei; Nosaka, Shunta; Kimura, Kuniko; Yamada, Hirofumi

2017-02-17

Several researchers have recently demonstrated visualization of subsurface features with a nanometer-scale resolution using various imaging schemes based on atomic force microscopy. Since all these subsurface imaging techniques require excitation of the oscillation of the cantilever and/or sample surface, it has been difficult to identify a key imaging mechanism. Here we demonstrate visualization of Au nanoparticles buried 300 nm into a polymer matrix by measurement of the thermal noise spectrum of a microcantilever with a tip in contact to the polymer surface. We show that the subsurface Au nanoparticles are detected as the variation in the contact stiffness and damping reflecting the viscoelastic properties of the polymer surface. The variation in the contact stiffness well agrees with the effective stiffness of a simple one-dimensional model, which is consistent with the fact that the maximum depth range of the technique is far beyond the extent of the contact stress field.

Differential MS2 Interaction with Food Contact Surfaces Determined by Atomic Force Microscopy and Virus Recovery.

PubMed

Shim, J; Stewart, D S; Nikolov, A D; Wasan, D T; Wang, R; Yan, R; Shieh, Y C

2017-12-15

Enteric viruses are recognized as major etiologies of U.S. foodborne infections. These viruses are easily transmitted via food contact surfaces. Understanding virus interactions with surfaces may facilitate the development of improved means for their removal, thus reducing transmission. Using MS2 coliphage as a virus surrogate, the strength of virus adhesion to common food processing and preparation surfaces of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and glass was assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and virus recovery assays. The interaction forces of MS2 with various surfaces were measured from adhesion peaks in force-distance curves registered using a spherical bead probe preconjugated with MS2 particles. MS2 in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) demonstrated approximately 5 times less adhesion force to glass (0.54 nN) than to PVC (2.87 nN) ( P < 0.0001). This was consistent with the virus recovery data, which showed 1.4-fold fewer virus PFU recovered from PVC than from glass after identical inoculations and 24 h of cold storage. The difference in adhesion was ascribed to both intrinsic chemical characteristics and the substrate surface porosity (smooth glass versus porous PVC). Incorporating a surfactant micellar solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) into the PBS reduced the adhesion force for PVC (∼0 nN) and consistently increased virus recovery by 19%. With direct and indirect evidence of virus adhesion, this study illustrated a two-way assessment of virus adhesion for the initial evaluation of potential means to mitigate virus adhesion to food contact surfaces. IMPORTANCE The spread of foodborne viruses is likely associated with their adhesive nature. Virus attachment on food contact surfaces has been evaluated by quantitating virus recoveries from inoculated surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate the microenvironment in which nanometer-sized viruses interact with food contact surfaces and to compare the virus adhesion differences using AFM. The virus surrogate MS2 demonstrated less adhesion force to glass than to PVC via AFM, with the force-contributing factors including the intrinsic nature and the topography of the contact surfaces. This adhesion finding is consistent with the virus recoveries, which were determined indirectly. Greater numbers of viruses were recovered from glass than from PVC, after application at the same levels. The stronger MS2 adhesion onto PVC could be interrupted by incorporating a surfactant during the interaction between the virus and the contact surface. This study increases our understanding of the virus adhesion microenvironment and indicates ways to mitigate virus adhesion onto contact surfaces. This is a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Foreign copyrights may apply.

Wetting of nanophases: Nanobubbles, nanodroplets and micropancakes on hydrophobic surfaces.

PubMed

An, Hongjie; Liu, Guangming; Craig, Vincent S J

2015-08-01

The observation by Atomic Force Microscopy of a range of nanophases on hydrophobic surfaces poses some challenging questions, not only related to the stability of these objects but also regarding their wetting properties. Spherical capped nanobubbles are observed to exhibit contact angles that far exceed the macroscopic contact angle measured for the same materials, whereas nanodroplets exhibit contact angles that are much the same as the macroscopic contact angle. Micropancakes are reported to consist of gas, in which case their wetting properties are mysterious. They should only be stable when the van der Waals forces act to thicken the film whereas for a gas, the van der Waals forces will always act to thin the film. Here we examine the available evidence and contribute some additional experiments in order to review our understanding of the wetting properties of these nanophases. We demonstrate that if in fact micropancakes consist of a contaminant their wetting properties can be explained, though the very high contact angles of nanobubbles remain unexplained. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bacterial adhesion force quantification by fluidic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potthoff, Eva; Ossola, Dario; Zambelli, Tomaso; Vorholt, Julia A.

2015-02-01

Quantification of detachment forces between bacteria and substrates facilitates the understanding of the bacterial adhesion process that affects cell physiology and survival. Here, we present a method that allows for serial, single bacterial cell force spectroscopy by combining the force control of atomic force microscopy with microfluidics. Reversible bacterial cell immobilization under physiological conditions on the pyramidal tip of a microchanneled cantilever is achieved by underpressure. Using the fluidic force microscopy technology (FluidFM), we achieve immobilization forces greater than those of state-of-the-art cell-cantilever binding as demonstrated by the detachment of Escherichia coli from polydopamine with recorded forces between 4 and 8 nN for many cells. The contact time and setpoint dependence of the adhesion forces of E. coli and Streptococcus pyogenes, as well as the sequential detachment of bacteria out of a chain, are shown, revealing distinct force patterns in the detachment curves. This study demonstrates the potential of the FluidFM technology for quantitative bacterial adhesion measurements of cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions that are relevant in biofilms and infection biology.Quantification of detachment forces between bacteria and substrates facilitates the understanding of the bacterial adhesion process that affects cell physiology and survival. Here, we present a method that allows for serial, single bacterial cell force spectroscopy by combining the force control of atomic force microscopy with microfluidics. Reversible bacterial cell immobilization under physiological conditions on the pyramidal tip of a microchanneled cantilever is achieved by underpressure. Using the fluidic force microscopy technology (FluidFM), we achieve immobilization forces greater than those of state-of-the-art cell-cantilever binding as demonstrated by the detachment of Escherichia coli from polydopamine with recorded forces between 4 and 8 nN for many cells. The contact time and setpoint dependence of the adhesion forces of E. coli and Streptococcus pyogenes, as well as the sequential detachment of bacteria out of a chain, are shown, revealing distinct force patterns in the detachment curves. This study demonstrates the potential of the FluidFM technology for quantitative bacterial adhesion measurements of cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions that are relevant in biofilms and infection biology. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Video S1. Detachment of a S. pyogenes cell chain from glass substrate. The cantilever is approached on the outermost adherent cell of a chain and four bacteria were then sequentially detached. The sequential cell detachment suddenly stopped after four bacteria. This possibly occurred because bacteria-glass interactions became too strong or the maximal probe retraction was reached. The cells spontaneously detached from the cantilever flipping back on the surface. Fig. S1. (A) Adhesion force-distance and (B) adhesion force-detaching work correlation of E.coli on PLL for setpoints of 1 and 10 nN. Circle: 1 nN setpoint, square: 10 nN. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr06495j

Estimation of polymer-surface interfacial interaction strength by a contact AFM technique.

PubMed

Dvir, H; Jopp, J; Gottlieb, M

2006-12-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were employed to assess polymer-surface interfacial interaction strength. The main feature of the measurement is the use of contact-mode AFM as a tool to scratch off the polymer monolayer adsorbed on the solid surface. Tapping-mode AFM was used to determine the depth of the scraped recess. Independent determination of the layer thickness obtained from optical phase interference microscopy (OPIM) confirmed the depth of the AFM scratch. The force required for the complete removal of the polymer layer with no apparent damage to the substrate surface was determined. Polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (PE), and PP-grafted-maleic anhydride (PP-g-ma) were scraped off silane-treated glass slabs, and the strength of surface interaction of the polymer layer was determined. In all cases it was determined that the magnitude of surface interaction force is of the order of van der Waals (VDW) interactions. The interaction strength is influenced either by polymer ability to wet the surface (hydrophobic or hydrophilic interactions) or by hydrogen bonding between the polymer and the surface treatment.

Influence of the adsorption geometry of PTCDA on Ag(111) on the tip-molecule forces in non-contact atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Langewisch, Gernot; Falter, Jens; Schirmeisen, André; Fuchs, Harald

2014-01-01

Perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) adsorbed on a metal surface is a prototypical organic-anorganic interface. In the past, scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy studies of PTCDA adsorbed on Ag(111) have revealed differences in the electronic structure of the molecules depending on their adsorption geometry. In the work presented here, high-resolution 3D force spectroscopy measurements at cryogenic temperatures were performed on a surface area that contained a complete PTCDA unit cell with the two possible geometries. At small tip-molecule separations, deviations in the tip-sample forces were found between the two molecule orientations. These deviations can be explained by a different electron density in both cases. This result demonstrates the capability of 3D force spectroscopy to detect even small effects in the electronic properties of organic adsorbates.

Towards High-Resolution Tissue Imaging Using Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Coupled to Shear Force Microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Son N.; Sontag, Ryan L.; Carson, James P.

Constant mode ambient mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of tissue sections with high lateral resolution of better than 10 µm was performed by combining shear force microscopy with nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI). Shear force microscopy enabled precise control of the distance between the sample and nano-DESI probe during MSI experiments and provided information on sample topography. Proof-of-concept experiments were performed using lung and brain tissue sections representing spongy and dense tissues, respectively. Topography images obtained using shear force microscopy were comparable to the results obtained using contact profilometry over the same region of the tissue section. Variations in tissue heightmore » were found to be dependent on the tissue type and were in the range of 0-5 µm for lung tissue and 0-3 µm for brain tissue sections. Ion images of phospholipids obtained in this study are in good agreement with literature data. Normalization of nano-DESI MSI images to the signal of the internal standard added to the extraction solvent allowed us to construct high-resolution ion images free of matrix effects.« less

Drive-amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy: From vacuum to liquids

PubMed Central

Jaafar, Miriam; Cuenca, Mariano; Melcher, John; Raman, Arvind

2012-01-01

Summary We introduce drive-amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy as a dynamic mode with outstanding performance in all environments from vacuum to liquids. As with frequency modulation, the new mode follows a feedback scheme with two nested loops: The first keeps the cantilever oscillation amplitude constant by regulating the driving force, and the second uses the driving force as the feedback variable for topography. Additionally, a phase-locked loop can be used as a parallel feedback allowing separation of the conservative and nonconservative interactions. We describe the basis of this mode and present some examples of its performance in three different environments. Drive-amplutide modulation is a very stable, intuitive and easy to use mode that is free of the feedback instability associated with the noncontact-to-contact transition that occurs in the frequency-modulation mode. PMID:22563531

Wide range local resistance imaging on fragile materials by conducting probe atomic force microscopy in intermittent contact mode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vecchiola, Aymeric; Concept Scientific Instruments, ZA de Courtaboeuf, 2 rue de la Terre de Feu, 91940 Les Ulis; Unité Mixte de Physique CNRS-Thales UMR 137, 1 avenue Augustin Fresnel, 91767 Palaiseau

An imaging technique associating a slowly intermittent contact mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a home-made multi-purpose resistance sensing device is presented. It aims at extending the widespread resistance measurements classically operated in contact mode AFM to broaden their application fields to soft materials (molecular electronics, biology) and fragile or weakly anchored nano-objects, for which nanoscale electrical characterization is highly demanded and often proves to be a challenging task in contact mode. Compared with the state of the art concerning less aggressive solutions for AFM electrical imaging, our technique brings a significantly wider range of resistance measurement (over 10more » decades) without any manual switching, which is a major advantage for the characterization of materials with large on-sample resistance variations. After describing the basics of the set-up, we report on preliminary investigations focused on academic samples of self-assembled monolayers with various thicknesses as a demonstrator of the imaging capabilities of our instrument, from qualitative and semi-quantitative viewpoints. Then two application examples are presented, regarding an organic photovoltaic thin film and an array of individual vertical carbon nanotubes. Both attest the relevance of the technique for the control and optimization of technological processes.« less

Simultaneous Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy with Microchanneled Cantilevers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ossola, Dario; Dorwling-Carter, Livie; Dermutz, Harald; Behr, Pascal; Vörös, János; Zambelli, Tomaso

2015-12-01

We combined scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) into a single tool using AFM cantilevers with an embedded microchannel flowing into the nanosized aperture at the apex of the hollow pyramid. An electrode was positioned in the AFM fluidic circuit connected to a second electrode in the bath. We could thus simultaneously measure the ionic current and the cantilever bending (in optical beam deflection mode). First, we quantitatively compared the SICM and AFM contact points on the approach curves. Second, we estimated where the probe in SICM mode touches the sample during scanning on a calibration grid and applied the finding to image a network of neurites on a Petri dish. Finally, we assessed the feasibility of a double controller using both the ionic current and the deflection as input signals of the piezofeedback. The experimental data were rationalized in the framework of finite elements simulations.

Atomic force microscopy study of erythrocyte shape and membrane structure after treatment with a dihydropyridinic drug

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girasole, M.; Cricenti, A.; Generosi, R.; Congiu-Castellano, A.; Boffi, F.; Arcovito, A.; Boumis, G.; Amiconi, G.

2000-06-01

The overall shape and membrane surface of human erythrocytes (RBCs) in the presence of nifedipine (a dihydropyridinic drug used in the clinical treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris) were imaged by contact-mode atomic force microscopy. Nifedipine induces in RBCs relevant morphological changes the extent of which increases as a function of drug concentration and incubation time. The modifications have been interpreted as mainly due to insertion of nifedipine into the outer layer of the RBC membrane. The potential effect of nifedipine as a hemoglobin denaturant has been ruled out by x-ray absorption near-edge structure and optical spectroscopies.

View of the bacterial strains of Escherichia coli M-17 and its interaction with the nanoparticles of zinc oxide by means of atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sagitova, A.; Yaminsky, I.; Meshkov, G.

2016-08-01

Visualization of the structure of biological objects plays a key role in medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology and IT-technology. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a promising method of studying of objects’ morphology and structure. In this work, AFM was used to determine the size and shape of the bacterial strains of Escherichia coli M-17 and visualization its interaction with the nanoparticles of zinc oxide. The suspension of E.coli bacteria was applied to natural mica and studied by contact mode using the FemtoScan multifunctional scanning probe microscope.

An Evaluation System for the Contact Electrification of a Single Microparticle Using Microelectromechanical-Based Actuated Tweezers.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Daichi

2018-06-05

The image quality of laser and multi-function printers that make use of electrophotography depends on the amount of surface charge generated by contact electrification on the toner particles. However, because it has been impossible to experimentally evaluate such amounts under controlled contact conditions using macroscopic measurements, theoretical elucidation of the contact electrification mechanism has not progressed sufficiently. In the present study, we have developed a system to experimentally evaluate the contact electrification of a single particle using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanotweezers (microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based actuated tweezers). This system performs, in succession, (i) a contact test that makes use of the nanotweezers and three piezoelectric stages, and (ii) an image force measurement using the AFM cantilever. Using this system, contact electrification was evaluated under controlled conditions, such as the contact number and the indentation depth. In addition, differences in contact electrification due to the amount of external surface additives were investigated. The results reveal that a coating with external additives leads to a decrease in the amount of contact electrification due to a reduction in the contact area with the substrate.

Portable dual field gradient force multichannel flow cytometer device with a dual wavelength low noise detection scheme

DOEpatents

James, Conrad D; Galambos, Paul C; Derzon, Mark S; Graf, Darin C; Pohl, Kenneth R; Bourdon, Chris J

2012-10-23

Systems and methods for combining dielectrophoresis, magnetic forces, and hydrodynamic forces to manipulate particles in channels formed on top of an electrode substrate are discussed. A magnet placed in contact under the electrode substrate while particles are flowing within the channel above the electrode substrate allows these three forces to be balanced when the system is in operation. An optical detection scheme using near-confocal microscopy for simultaneously detecting two wavelengths of light emitted from the flowing particles is also discussed.

Frictional behavior of atomically thin sheets: hexagonal-shaped graphene islands grown on copper by chemical vapor deposition.

PubMed

Egberts, Philip; Han, Gang Hee; Liu, Xin Z; Johnson, A T Charlie; Carpick, Robert W

2014-05-27

Single asperity friction experiments using atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been conducted on chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene grown on polycrystalline copper foils. Graphene substantially lowers the friction force experienced by the sliding asperity of a silicon AFM tip compared to the surrounding oxidized copper surface by a factor ranging from 1.5 to 7 over loads from the adhesive minimum up to 80 nN. No damage to the graphene was observed over this range, showing that friction force microscopy serves as a facile, high contrast probe for identifying the presence of graphene on Cu. Consistent with studies of epitaxially grown, thermally grown, and mechanically exfoliated graphene films, the friction force measured between the tip and these CVD-prepared films depends on the number of layers of graphene present on the surface and reduces friction in comparison to the substrate. Friction results on graphene indicate that the layer-dependent friction properties result from puckering of the graphene sheet around the sliding tip. Substantial hysteresis in the normal force dependence of friction is observed with repeated scanning without breaking contact with a graphene-covered region. Because of the hysteresis, friction measured on graphene changes with time and maximum applied force, unless the tip slides over the edge of the graphene island or contact with the surface is broken. These results also indicate that relatively weak binding forces exist between the copper foil and these CVD-grown graphene sheets.

High-speed adaptive contact-mode atomic force microscopy imaging with near-minimum-force

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Juan; Zou, Qingze, E-mail: qzzou@rci.rutgers.edu

In this paper, an adaptive contact-mode imaging approach is proposed to replace the traditional contact-mode imaging by addressing the major concerns in both the speed and the force exerted to the sample. The speed of the traditional contact-mode imaging is largely limited by the need to maintain precision tracking of the sample topography over the entire imaged sample surface, while large image distortion and excessive probe-sample interaction force occur during high-speed imaging. In this work, first, the image distortion caused by the topography tracking error is accounted for in the topography quantification. Second, the quantified sample topography is utilized inmore » a gradient-based optimization method to adjust the cantilever deflection set-point for each scanline closely around the minimal level needed for maintaining stable probe-sample contact, and a data-driven iterative feedforward control that utilizes a prediction of the next-line topography is integrated to the topography feeedback loop to enhance the sample topography tracking. The proposed approach is demonstrated and evaluated through imaging a calibration sample of square pitches at both high speeds (e.g., scan rate of 75 Hz and 130 Hz) and large sizes (e.g., scan size of 30 μm and 80 μm). The experimental results show that compared to the traditional constant-force contact-mode imaging, the imaging speed can be increased by over 30 folds (with the scanning speed at 13 mm/s), and the probe-sample interaction force can be reduced by more than 15% while maintaining the same image quality.« less

High-speed adaptive contact-mode atomic force microscopy imaging with near-minimum-force.

PubMed

Ren, Juan; Zou, Qingze

2014-07-01

In this paper, an adaptive contact-mode imaging approach is proposed to replace the traditional contact-mode imaging by addressing the major concerns in both the speed and the force exerted to the sample. The speed of the traditional contact-mode imaging is largely limited by the need to maintain precision tracking of the sample topography over the entire imaged sample surface, while large image distortion and excessive probe-sample interaction force occur during high-speed imaging. In this work, first, the image distortion caused by the topography tracking error is accounted for in the topography quantification. Second, the quantified sample topography is utilized in a gradient-based optimization method to adjust the cantilever deflection set-point for each scanline closely around the minimal level needed for maintaining stable probe-sample contact, and a data-driven iterative feedforward control that utilizes a prediction of the next-line topography is integrated to the topography feeedback loop to enhance the sample topography tracking. The proposed approach is demonstrated and evaluated through imaging a calibration sample of square pitches at both high speeds (e.g., scan rate of 75 Hz and 130 Hz) and large sizes (e.g., scan size of 30 μm and 80 μm). The experimental results show that compared to the traditional constant-force contact-mode imaging, the imaging speed can be increased by over 30 folds (with the scanning speed at 13 mm/s), and the probe-sample interaction force can be reduced by more than 15% while maintaining the same image quality.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Phuthong, Witchukorn; Huang, Zubin; Wittkopp, Tyler M.

To investigate the dynamics of photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes in vascular plants at high resolution in an aqueous environment, membrane-protruding oxygen-evolving complexes (OECs) associated with photosystem II (PSII) on spinach ( Spinacia oleracea) grana membranes were examined using contact mode atomic force microscopy. This study represents, to our knowledge, the first use of atomic force microscopy to distinguish the putative large extrinsic loop of Photosystem II CP47 reaction center protein (CP47) from the putative oxygen-evolving enhancer proteins 1, 2, and 3 (PsbO, PsbP, and PsbQ) and large extrinsic loop of Photosystem II CP43 reaction center protein (CP43) in the PSII-OEC extrinsicmore » domains of grana membranes under conditions resulting in the disordered arrangement of PSII-OEC particles. Moreover, we observed uncharacterized membrane particles that, based on their physical characteristics and electrophoretic analysis of the polypeptides associated with the grana samples, are hypothesized to be a domain of photosystem I that protrudes from the stromal face of single thylakoid bilayers. Furthermore, our results are interpreted in the context of the results of others that were obtained using cryo-electron microscopy (and single particle analysis), negative staining and freeze-fracture electron microscopy, as well as previous atomic force microscopy studies.« less

A macroscopic non-destructive testing system based on the cantilever-sample contact resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Ji; Lin, Lizhi; Zhou, Xilong; Li, Yingwei; Li, Faxin

2012-12-01

Detecting the inside or buried defects in materials and structures is always a challenge in the field of nondestructive testing (NDT). In this paper, enlightened by the operation principle of the contact resonance force microscopy or atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM), we proposed a macroscopic NDT system based on contact resonance of the cantilever-sample surface to detect the local stiffness variations in materials or structures. We fabricated a piezoelectric unimorph with the dimension typically of 150 mm × 8 mm × 2 mm to act as a macroscopic cantilever, whose flexural mode vibration was driven by a wideband power amplifier together with a signal generator. The vibration signal of the macroscopic cantilever is detected by a high sensitive strain gauge bonded on the cantilever surface which is much more stable than the laser diode sensor in AFAM, thus making it very suitable for outdoor operations. Scanning is realized by a three-dimensional motorized stage with the Z axis for pressing force setting. The whole system is controlled by a LabVIEW-based homemade software. Like the AFAM, this NDT system can also work in two modes, i.e., the single-frequency mode and the resonance-tracking mode. In the latter mode, the contact stiffness at each pixel of the sample can be obtained by using the measured contact resonance frequency and a beam dynamics model. Testing results of this NDT system on a grid structure with an opaque panel show that in both modes the prefabricated defect beneath the panel can be detected and the grid structures can be clearly "seen," which indicates the validity of this NDT system. The sensitivity of this NDT system was also examined.

Nanoscale elasticity mappings of micro-constituents of abalone shell by band excitation-contact resonance force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tao; Zeng, Kaiyang

2014-01-01

The macroscopic mechanical properties of the abalone shell have been studied extensively in the literature, but the in situ nanoscale elasticity of various micro-constituents in the shell have not been characterized and reported yet. In this study, the nanoscale elasticity mappings including different micro-constituents in abalone shell were observed by using the Contact Resonance Force Microscopy (CR-FM) technique. CR-FM is one of the advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques that is able to quantify the local elastic moduli of various materials in a non-destructive manner. Instead of an average value, an elasticity mapping that reveals the nanoscale variations of elastic moduli with location can be extracted and correlated with the topography of the structure. Therefore in this study, by adopting the CR-FM technique that is incorporated with the band excitation technique, the elasticity variations of the abalone shell caused by different micro-constituents and crystal orientations are reported, and the elasticity values of the aragonite and calcite nanograins are quantified.The macroscopic mechanical properties of the abalone shell have been studied extensively in the literature, but the in situ nanoscale elasticity of various micro-constituents in the shell have not been characterized and reported yet. In this study, the nanoscale elasticity mappings including different micro-constituents in abalone shell were observed by using the Contact Resonance Force Microscopy (CR-FM) technique. CR-FM is one of the advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques that is able to quantify the local elastic moduli of various materials in a non-destructive manner. Instead of an average value, an elasticity mapping that reveals the nanoscale variations of elastic moduli with location can be extracted and correlated with the topography of the structure. Therefore in this study, by adopting the CR-FM technique that is incorporated with the band excitation technique, the elasticity variations of the abalone shell caused by different micro-constituents and crystal orientations are reported, and the elasticity values of the aragonite and calcite nanograins are quantified. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05292c

Investigation of laser-fired point contacts on KOH structured laser-crystallized silicon by conductive atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gref, Orman; Weizman, Moshe; Rhein, Holger; Gabriel, Onno; Gernert, Ulrich; Schlatmann, Rutger; Boit, Christian; Friedrich, Felice

2016-06-01

A conductive atomic force microscope is used to study the local topography and conductivity of laser-fired aluminum contacts on KOH-structured multicrystalline silicon surfaces. A significant increase in conductivity is observed in the laser-affected area. The area size and spatial uniformity of this enhanced conductivity depends on the laser energy fluence. The laser-affected area shows three ring-shaped regimes of different conductance depending on the local aluminum and oxygen concentration. Finally, it was found that the topographic surface structure determined by the silicon grain orientation does not significantly affect the laser-firing process.

Nanoscale charge transfer and diffusion at the MoS2/SiO2 interface by atomic force microscopy: contact injection versus triboelectrification.

PubMed

Xu, Rui; Ye, Shili; Xu, Kunqi; Lei, Le; Hussain, Sabir; Zheng, Zhiyue; Pang, Fei; Xing, Shuya; Liu, Xinmeng; Ji, Wei; Cheng, Zhihai

2018-08-31

Understanding the process of charge generation, transfer, and diffusion between two-dimensional (2D) materials and their supporting substrates is very important for potential applications of 2D materials. Compared with the systematic studies of triboelectric charging in a bulk sample, a fundamental understanding of the triboelectrification of the 2D material/insulator system is rather limited. Here, the charge transfer and diffusion of both the SiO 2 surface and MoS 2 /SiO 2 interface through contact electrification and frictional electrification are investigated systematically in situ by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy and dual-harmonic electrostatic force microscopy. Different from the simple static charge transfer between SiO 2 and the PtSi alloy atomic force microscope (AFM) tip, the charge transfer between the tip and the MoS 2 /SiO 2 system is complicated. Triboelectric charges, generated by contact or frictional electrification with the AFM tip, are trapped at the MoS 2 /SiO 2 interface and act as floating gates. The local charge discharge processes can be obtained by monitoring the surface potential. The charge decay time (τ) of the MoS 2 /SiO 2 interface is one (or two) orders of magnitude larger than the decay time τ of the SiO 2 surface. This work facilitates an understanding of the triboelectric and de-electrification of the interface between 2D materials and substrates. In addition to the charge transfer and diffusion, we demonstrate the nanopatterns of surface and interfacial charges, which have great potential for the application of self-assembly of charged nanostructures.

Cell-matrix interactions of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar. A comparative study by electron-, atomic force- and confocal microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Talamás-Lara, Daniel, E-mail: daniel_talamas@hotmail.com; Talamás-Rohana, Patricia, E-mail: ptr@cinvestav.mx; Fragoso-Soriano, Rogelio Jaime, E-mail: rogelio@fis.cinvestav.mx

Invasion of tissues by Entamoeba histolytica is a multistep process that initiates with the adhesion of the parasite to target tissues. The recognition of the non-invasive Entamoeba dispar as a distinct, but closely related protozoan species raised the question as to whether the lack of its pathogenic potential could be related to a weaker adhesion due to limited cytoskeleton restructuring capacity. We here compared the adhesion process of both amebas to fibronectin through scanning, transmission, atomic force, and confocal microscopy. In addition, electrophoretic and western blot assays of actin were also compared. Adhesion of E. histolytica to fibronectin involves amore » dramatic reorganization of the actin network that results in a tighter contact to and the subsequent focal degradation of the fibronectin matrix. In contrast, E. dispar showed no regions of focal adhesion, the cytoskeleton was poorly reorganized and there was little fibronectin degradation. In addition, atomic force microscopy using topographic, error signal and phase modes revealed clear-cut differences at the site of contact of both amebas with the substrate. In spite of the morphological and genetic similarities between E. histolytica and E. dispar the present results demonstrate striking differences in their respective cell-to-matrix adhesion processes, which may be of relevance for understanding the invasive character of E. histolytica. - Highlights: • Striking differences in adhesion to FN between E. histolytica and E. dispar. • A greater degree of cell stiffness in E. histolytica with respect to E. dispar. • E. histolytica but not E. dispar forms regions of close contact with FN. • The actin cytoskeleton is involved in the pathogenicity of E. histolytica.« less

Ultrastructural imaging and molecular modeling of live bacteria using soft x-ray contact microscopy with nanoseconds laser-plasma radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kado, Masataka; Richardson, Martin C.; Gaebel, Kai; Torres, David S.; Rajyaguru, Jayshree; Muszynski, Michael J.

1995-09-01

X-ray images of the various live bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, and micromolecule such as chromosomal DNA from Escherichis coli, and Lipopolysacchride from Burkholderia cepacia, are obtained with soft x-ray contact microscopy. A compact tabletop type glass laser system is used to produce x-rays from Al, Si, and Au targets. The PMMA photoresists are used to record x-ray images. An AFM (atomic force microscope) is used to reproduce the x-ray images from the developed photoresists. The performance of the 50nm spatial resolutions are achieved and images are able to be discussed on the biological view.

HDL particles incorporate into lipid bilayers - a combined AFM and single molecule fluorescence microscopy study.

PubMed

Plochberger, Birgit; Röhrl, Clemens; Preiner, Johannes; Rankl, Christian; Brameshuber, Mario; Madl, Josef; Bittman, Robert; Ros, Robert; Sezgin, Erdinc; Eggeling, Christian; Hinterdorfer, Peter; Stangl, Herbert; Schütz, Gerhard J

2017-11-21

The process, how lipids are removed from the circulation and transferred from high density lipoprotein (HDL) - a main carrier of cholesterol in the blood stream - to cells, is highly complex. HDL particles are captured from the blood stream by the scavenger receptor, class B, type I (SR-BI), the so-called HDL receptor. The details in subsequent lipid-transfer process, however, have not yet been completely understood. The transfer has been proposed to occur directly at the cell surface across an unstirred water layer, via a hydrophobic channel in the receptor, or after HDL endocytosis. The role of the target lipid membrane for the transfer process, however, has largely been overlooked. Here, we studied at the single molecule level how HDL particles interact with synthetic lipid membranes. Using (high-speed) atomic force microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) we found out that, upon contact with the membrane, HDL becomes integrated into the lipid bilayer. Combined force and single molecule fluorescence microscopy allowed us to directly monitor the transfer process of fluorescently labelled amphiphilic lipid probe from HDL particles to the lipid bilayer upon contact.

Probing local bias-induced transitions using photothermal excitation contact resonance atomic force microscopy and voltage spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Li, Qian; Jesse, Stephen; Tselev, Alexander; ...

2015-01-05

In this paper, nanomechanical properties are closely related to the states of matter, including chemical composition, crystal structure, mesoscopic domain configuration, etc. Investigation of these properties at the nanoscale requires not only static imaging methods, e.g., contact resonance atomic force microscopy (CR-AFM), but also spectroscopic methods capable of revealing their dependence on various external stimuli. Here we demonstrate the voltage spectroscopy of CR-AFM, which was realized by combining photothermal excitation (as opposed to the conventional piezoacoustic excitation method) with the band excitation technique. We applied this spectroscopy to explore local bias-induced phenomena ranging from purely physical to surface electromechanical andmore » electrochemical processes. Our measurements show that the changes in the surface properties associated with these bias-induced transitions can be accurately assessed in a fast and dynamic manner, using resonance frequency as a signature. Finally, with many of the advantages offered by photothermal excitation, contact resonance voltage spectroscopy not only is expected to find applications in a broader field of nanoscience but also will provide a basis for future development of other nanoscale elastic spectroscopies.« less

Schottky nanocontact of one-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures probed by using conductive atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jung Ah; Rok Lim, Young; Jung, Chan Su; Choi, Jun Hee; Im, Hyung Soon; Park, Kidong; Park, Jeunghee; Kim, Gyu Tae

2016-10-01

To develop the advanced electronic devices, the surface/interface of each component must be carefully considered. Here, we investigate the electrical properties of metal-semiconductor nanoscale junction using conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). Single-crystalline CdS, CdSe, and ZnO one-dimensional nanostructures are synthesized via chemical vapor transport, and individual nanobelts (or nanowires) are used to fabricate nanojunction electrodes. The current-voltage (I -V) curves are obtained by placing a C-AFM metal (PtIr) tip as a movable contact on the nanobelt (or nanowire), and often exhibit a resistive switching behavior that is rationalized by the Schottky (high resistance state) and ohmic (low resistance state) contacts between the metal and semiconductor. We obtain the Schottky barrier height and the ideality factor through fitting analysis of the I-V curves. The present nanojunction devices exhibit a lower Schottky barrier height and a higher ideality factor than those of the bulk materials, which is consistent with the findings of previous works on nanostructures. It is shown that C-AFM is a powerful tool for characterization of the Schottky contact of conducting channels between semiconductor nanostructures and metal electrodes.

Nanoscale effects in the characterization of viscoelastic materials with atomic force microscopy: coupling of a quasi-three-dimensional standard linear solid model with in-plane surface interactions.

PubMed

Solares, Santiago D

2016-01-01

Significant progress has been accomplished in the development of experimental contact-mode and dynamic-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods designed to measure surface material properties. However, current methods are based on one-dimensional (1D) descriptions of the tip-sample interaction forces, thus neglecting the intricacies involved in the material behavior of complex samples (such as soft viscoelastic materials) as well as the differences in material response between the surface and the bulk. In order to begin to address this gap, a computational study is presented where the sample is simulated using an enhanced version of a recently introduced model that treats the surface as a collection of standard-linear-solid viscoelastic elements. The enhanced model introduces in-plane surface elastic forces that can be approximately related to a two-dimensional (2D) Young's modulus. Relevant cases are discussed for single- and multifrequency intermittent-contact AFM imaging, with focus on the calculated surface indentation profiles and tip-sample interaction force curves, as well as their implications with regards to experimental interpretation. A variety of phenomena are examined in detail, which highlight the need for further development of more physically accurate sample models that are specifically designed for AFM simulation. A multifrequency AFM simulation tool based on the above sample model is provided as supporting information.

The role of cell body density in ruminant retina mechanics assessed by atomic force and Brillouin microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Isabell P.; Yun, Seok Hyun; Scarcelli, Giuliano; Franze, Kristian

2017-12-01

Cells in the central nervous system (CNS) respond to the stiffness of their environment. CNS tissue is mechanically highly heterogeneous, thus providing motile cells with region-specific mechanical signals. While CNS mechanics has been measured with a variety of techniques, reported values of tissue stiffness vary greatly, and the morphological structures underlying spatial changes in tissue stiffness remain poorly understood. We here exploited two complementary techniques, contact-based atomic force microscopy and contact-free Brillouin microscopy, to determine the mechanical properties of ruminant retinae, which are built up by different tissue layers. As in all vertebrate retinae, layers of high cell body densities (‘nuclear layers’) alternate with layers of low cell body densities (‘plexiform layers’). Different tissue layers varied significantly in their mechanical properties, with the photoreceptor layer being the stiffest region of the retina, and the inner plexiform layer belonging to the softest regions. As both techniques yielded similar results, our measurements allowed us to calibrate the Brillouin microscopy measurements and convert the Brillouin shift into a quantitative assessment of elastic tissue stiffness with optical resolution. Similar as in the mouse spinal cord and the developing Xenopus brain, we found a strong correlation between nuclear densities and tissue stiffness. Hence, the cellular composition of retinae appears to strongly contribute to local tissue stiffness, and Brillouin microscopy shows a great potential for the application in vivo to measure the mechanical properties of transparent tissues.

Electrostatic nanolithography in polymer materials: an alternative technique for nanostructures formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyuksyutov, Sergei F.; Paramonov, Pavel B.; Sigalov, Grigori; Vaia, Richard A.; Juhl, Shane; Sancaktar, Erol

2003-10-01

The combination of localized softening attolitres (10^2 -10^4) of polymer film by Jule heating, extremely non-uniform electric field gradients to polarize and manipulate the soften polymer, and single step technique using conventional atomic force microscopy (AFM), establishes a new paradigm for nanolithography in a broad class of polymer materials allowing rapid (order of milliseconds) creation of raised and depressed nanostructures without external heating of a polymer film of AFM tip-film contact [1]. In this work we present recent studies of AFM-assisted electrostatic nanolithography (AFMEN) such as amplitude-modulated AFMEN, and the humidity influence on nanostructures formation during contact mode AFMEN. It has been shown that the aspect ratio of nanostructures grows on the order of magnitude (0.2), while the lateral dimensions of nanodots decreases down to 10-15 nm. [1] S.F. Lyuksyutov, R.A. Vaia, P.B. Paramonov, S. Juhl, L. Waterhouse, R.M. Ralich, G. Sigalov, and E. Sancaktar, "Electrostatic nanolithography in polymers using atomic force microscopy," Nature Materials 2, 468-472 (2003)

Effect of dopant density on contact potential difference across n-type GaAs homojunctions using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boumenou, C. Kameni; Urgessa, Z. N.; Djiokap, S. R. Tankio; Botha, J. R.; Nel, J.

2018-04-01

In this study, cross-sectional surface potential imaging of n+/semi-insulating GaAs junctions is investigated by using amplitude mode kelvin probe force microscopy. The measurements have shown two different potential profiles, related to the difference in surface potential between the semi-insulating (SI) substrate and the epilayers. It is shown that the contact potential difference (CPD) between the tip and the sample is higher on the semi-insulating substrate side than on the n-type epilayer side. This change in CPD across the interface has been explained by means of energy band diagrams indicating the relative Fermi level positions. In addition, it has also been found that the CPD values across the interface are much smaller than the calculated values (on average about 25% of the theoretical values) and increase with the electron density. Therefore, the results presented in study are only in qualitative agreement with the theory.

Force modulation and electrochemical gating of conductance in a cytochrome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Jason J.; Peters, Ben; Xi, Wang

2008-09-01

Scanning probe methods have been used to measure the effect of electrochemical potential and applied force on the tunnelling conductance of the redox metalloprotein yeast iso-1-cytochrome c (YCC) at a molecular level. The interaction of a proximal probe with any sample under test will, at this scale, be inherently perturbative. This is demonstrated with conductive probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM) current-voltage spectroscopy in which YCC, chemically adsorbed onto pristine Au(111) via its surface cysteine residue, is observed to become increasingly compressed as applied load is increased, with concomitant decrease in junction resistance. Electrical contact at minimal perturbation, where probe-molecule coupling is comparable to that in scanning tunnelling microscopy, brings with it the observation of negative differential resistance, assigned to redox-assisted probe-substrate tunnelling. The role of the redox centre in conductance is also resolved in electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy assays where molecular conductance is electrochemically gateable through more than an order of magnitude.

Magnetic force microscopy with frequency-modulated capacitive tip-sample distance control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, X.; Schwenk, J.; Mandru, A. O.; Penedo, M.; Baćani, M.; Marioni, M. A.; Hug, H. J.

2018-01-01

In a step towards routinely achieving 10 nm spatial resolution with magnetic force microscopy, we have developed a robust method for active tip-sample distance control based on frequency modulation of the cantilever oscillation. It allows us to keep a well-defined tip-sample distance of the order of 10 nm within better than +/- 0.4 nm precision throughout the measurement even in the presence of energy dissipative processes, and is adequate for single-passage non-contact operation in vacuum. The cantilever is excited mechanically in a phase-locked loop to oscillate at constant amplitude on its first flexural resonance mode. This frequency is modulated by an electrostatic force gradient generated by tip-sample bias oscillating from a few hundred Hz up to a few kHz. The sum of the side bands’ amplitudes is a proxy for the tip-sample distance and can be used for tip-sample distance control. This method can also be extended to other scanning probe microscopy techniques.

Structural superlubricity of platinum on graphite under ambient conditions: The effects of chemistry and geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özoǧul, Alper; Ipek, Semran; Durgun, Engin; Baykara, Mehmet Z.

2017-11-01

An investigation of the frictional behavior of platinum nanoparticles laterally manipulated on graphite has been conducted to answer the question of whether the recent observation of structural superlubricity under ambient conditions [E. Cihan, S. İpek, E. Durgun, and M. Z. Baykara, Nat. Commun. 7, 12055 (2016)] is exclusively limited to the gold-graphite interface. Platinum nanoparticles have been prepared by e-beam evaporation of a thin film of platinum on graphite, followed by post-deposition annealing. Morphological and structural characterization of the nanoparticles has been performed via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, revealing a crystalline structure with no evidence of oxidation under ambient conditions. Lateral manipulation experiments have been performed via atomic force microscopy under ambient conditions, whereby results indicate the occurrence of structural superlubricity at mesoscopic interfaces of 4000-75 000 nm2, with a noticeably higher magnitude of friction forces when compared with gold nanoparticles of similar contact areas situated on graphite. Ab initio simulations of sliding involving platinum and gold slabs on graphite confirm the experimental observations, whereby the higher magnitude of friction forces is attributed to stronger energy barriers encountered by platinum atoms sliding on graphite, when compared with gold. On the other hand, as predicted by theory, the scaling power between friction force and contact size is found to be independent of the chemical identity of the sliding atoms, but to be determined by the geometric qualities of the interface, as characterized by an average "sharpness score" assigned to the nanoparticles.

Optical properties and surface morphology studies of palladium contacts on mercuric iodide single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, M. A.; Azoulay, M.; Burger, A.; Biao, Y.; Silberman, E.; Nason, D.

1993-04-01

Palladium is chemically suitable for electric contacts on mercuric iodide detectors for photon and nuclear radiation detection, so the understanding of palladium contacts is important for fundamental and practical scientific purposes. A study has been conducted on the surface morphology of evaporated contacts using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical transmission and reflection. Evaporated palladium coatings are typically nonuniform and may deposit selectively on mercuric iodide surface defects. Reflection measurements show that coating thickness and surface treatment affect intensity, position, and shape of a reflected peak characteristic of the mercuric iodide structure. Results indicate that the band gap energy in the surface of the mercuric iodide is lowered by palladium contacts.

Optical and electrical properties of Cu-based all oxide semi-transparent photodetector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Hong-Sik; Patel, Malkeshkumar; Yadav, Pankaj

2016-09-05

Zero-bias operating Cu oxide-based photodetector was achieved by using large-scale available sputtering method. Cu oxide (Cu{sub 2}O or CuO) was used as p-type transparent layer to form a heterojunction by contacting n-type ZnO layer. All metal-oxide materials were employed to realize transparent device at room temperature and showed a high transparency (>75% at 600 nm) with excellent photoresponses. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of Cu oxides of CuO and Cu{sub 2}O are evaluated in depth by UV-visible spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, and Hall measurements. We may suggest a route ofmore » high-functional Cu oxide-based photoelectric devices for the applications in flexible and transparent electronics.« less

Single- and multi-frequency detection of surface displacements via scanning probe microscopy.

PubMed

Romanyuk, Konstantin; Luchkin, Sergey Yu; Ivanov, Maxim; Kalinin, Arseny; Kholkin, Andrei L

2015-02-01

Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) provides a novel opportunity to detect picometer-level displacements induced by an electric field applied through a conducting tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Recently, it was discovered that superb vertical sensitivity provided by PFM is high enough to monitor electric-field-induced ionic displacements in solids, the technique being referred to as electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM). ESM has been implemented only in multi-frequency detection modes such as dual AC resonance tracking (DART) and band excitation, where the response is recorded within a finite frequency range, typically around the first contact resonance. In this paper, we analyze and compare signal-to-noise ratios of the conventional single-frequency method with multi-frequency regimes of measuring surface displacements. Single-frequency detection ESM is demonstrated using a commercial AFM.

Near-field deformation of a liquid interface by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Mortagne, C; Chireux, V; Ledesma-Alonso, R; Ogier, M; Risso, F; Ondarçuhu, T; Legendre, D; Tordjeman, Ph

2017-07-01

We experiment the interaction between a liquid puddle and a spherical probe by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for a probe radius R ranging from 10 nm to 30 μm. We have developed a new experimental setup by coupling an AFM with a high-speed camera and an inverted optical microscope. Interaction force-distance curves (in contact mode) and frequency shift-distance curves (in frequency modulation mode) are measured for different bulk model liquids for which the probe-liquid Hamaker constant H_{pl} is known. The experimental results, analyzed in the frame of the theoretical model developed in Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 106104 (2012)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.108.106104 and Phys. Rev. E 85, 061602 (2012)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.85.061602, allow to determine the "jump-to-contact" critical distance d_{min} below which the liquid jumps and wets the probe. Comparison between theory and experiments shows that the probe-liquid interaction at nanoscale is controlled by the liquid interface deformation. This work shows a very good agreement between the theoretical model and the experiments and paves the way to experimental studies of liquids at the nanoscale.

Near-field deformation of a liquid interface by atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortagne, C.; Chireux, V.; Ledesma-Alonso, R.; Ogier, M.; Risso, F.; Ondarçuhu, T.; Legendre, D.; Tordjeman, Ph.

2017-07-01

We experiment the interaction between a liquid puddle and a spherical probe by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for a probe radius R ranging from 10 nm to 30 μ m . We have developed a new experimental setup by coupling an AFM with a high-speed camera and an inverted optical microscope. Interaction force-distance curves (in contact mode) and frequency shift-distance curves (in frequency modulation mode) are measured for different bulk model liquids for which the probe-liquid Hamaker constant Hp l is known. The experimental results, analyzed in the frame of the theoretical model developed in Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 106104 (2012), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.106104 and Phys. Rev. E 85, 061602 (2012), 10.1103/PhysRevE.85.061602, allow to determine the "jump-to-contact" critical distance dmin below which the liquid jumps and wets the probe. Comparison between theory and experiments shows that the probe-liquid interaction at nanoscale is controlled by the liquid interface deformation. This work shows a very good agreement between the theoretical model and the experiments and paves the way to experimental studies of liquids at the nanoscale.

Amplitude quantification in contact-resonance-based voltage-modulated force spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradler, Stephan; Schirmeisen, André; Roling, Bernhard

2017-08-01

Voltage-modulated force spectroscopy techniques, such as electrochemical strain microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy, are powerful tools for characterizing electromechanical properties on the nanoscale. In order to correctly interpret the results, it is important to quantify the sample motion and to distinguish it from the electrostatic excitation of the cantilever resonance. Here, we use a detailed model to describe the cantilever dynamics in contact resonance measurements, and we compare the results with experimental values. We show how to estimate model parameters from experimental values and explain how they influence the sensitivity of the cantilever with respect to the excitation. We explain the origin of different crosstalk effects and how to identify them. We further show that different contributions to the measured signal can be distinguished by analyzing the correlation between the resonance frequency and the measured amplitude. We demonstrate this technique on two representative test samples: (i) ferroelectric periodically poled lithium niobate, and (ii) the Na+-ion conducting soda-lime float glass. We extend our analysis to higher cantilever bending modes and show that non-local electrostatic excitation is strongly reduced in higher bending modes due to the nodes in the lever shape. Based on our analyses, we present practical guidelines for quantitative imaging.

Decoding the Vertical Phase Separation and Its Impact on C8-BTBT/PS Transistor Properties.

PubMed

Pérez-Rodríguez, Ana; Temiño, Inés; Ocal, Carmen; Mas-Torrent, Marta; Barrena, Esther

2018-02-28

Disentangling the details of the vertical distribution of small semiconductor molecules blended with polystyrene (PS) and the contact properties are issues of fundamental value for designing strategies to optimize small-molecule:polymer blend organic transistors. These questions are addressed here for ultrathin blends of 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT) and PS processed by a solution-shearing technique using three different blend composition ratios. We show that friction force microscopy (FFM) allows the determination of the lateral and vertical distribution of the two materials at the nanoscale. Our results demonstrate a three-layer stratification of the blend: a film of C8-BTBT of few molecular layers with crystalline order sandwiched between a PS-rich layer at the bottom (a few nm thick) acting as a passivating dielectric layer and a PS-rich skin layer on the top (∼1 nm) conferring stability to the devices. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements performed in operating organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) reveal that the devices are strongly contact-limited and suggest contact doping as a route for device optimization. By excluding the effect of the contacts, field-effect mobility values in the channel as high as 10 cm 2 V -1 s -1 are obtained. Our findings, obtained via a combination of FFM and KPFM, provide a satisfactory explanation of the different electrical performances of the OFETs as a function of the blend composition ratio and by doping the contacts.

Measurement of nanoscale molten polymer droplet spreading using atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soleymaniha, Mohammadreza; Felts, Jonathan R.

2018-03-01

We present a technique for measuring molten polymer spreading dynamics with nanometer scale spatial resolution at elevated temperatures using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The experimental setup is used to measure the spreading dynamics of polystyrene droplets with 2 μm diameters at 115-175 °C on sapphire, silicon oxide, and mica. Custom image processing algorithms determine the droplet height, radius, volume, and contact angle of each AFM image over time to calculate the droplet spreading dynamics. The contact angle evolution follows a power law with time with experimentally determined values of -0.29 ± 0.01, -0.08 ± 0.02, and -0.21 ± 0.01 for sapphire, silicon oxide, and mica, respectively. The non-zero steady state contact angles result in a slower evolution of contact angle with time consistent with theories combining molecular kinetic and hydrodynamic models. Monitoring the cantilever phase provides additional information about the local mechanics of the droplet surface. We observe local crystallinity on the molten droplet surface, where crystalline structures appear to nucleate at the contact line and migrate toward the top of the droplet. Increasing the temperature from 115 °C to 175 °C reduced surface crystallinity from 35% to 12%, consistent with increasingly energetically favorable amorphous phase as the temperature approaches the melting temperature. This platform provides a way to measure spreading dynamics of extremely small volumes of heterogeneously complex fluids not possible through other means.

Visualization of Au Nanoparticles Buried in a Polymer Matrix by Scanning Thermal Noise Microscopy

PubMed Central

Yao, Atsushi; Kobayashi, Kei; Nosaka, Shunta; Kimura, Kuniko; Yamada, Hirofumi

2017-01-01

Several researchers have recently demonstrated visualization of subsurface features with a nanometer-scale resolution using various imaging schemes based on atomic force microscopy. Since all these subsurface imaging techniques require excitation of the oscillation of the cantilever and/or sample surface, it has been difficult to identify a key imaging mechanism. Here we demonstrate visualization of Au nanoparticles buried 300 nm into a polymer matrix by measurement of the thermal noise spectrum of a microcantilever with a tip in contact to the polymer surface. We show that the subsurface Au nanoparticles are detected as the variation in the contact stiffness and damping reflecting the viscoelastic properties of the polymer surface. The variation in the contact stiffness well agrees with the effective stiffness of a simple one-dimensional model, which is consistent with the fact that the maximum depth range of the technique is far beyond the extent of the contact stress field. PMID:28210001

Characterization of Cr/6H-SiC(0 0 0 1) nano-contacts by current-sensing AFM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grodzicki, Miłosz; Smolarek, Szymon; Mazur, Piotr; Zuber, Stefan; Ciszewski, Antoni

2009-11-01

The electrical properties and interface chemistry of Cr/6H-SiC(0 0 0 1) contacts have been studied by current-sensing atomic force microscopy (CS-AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cr layers were vapor deposited under ultrahigh vacuum onto both ex situ etched in H 2 and in situ Ar + ion-bombarded samples. The Cr/SiC contacts are electrically non-uniform. Both the measured I- V characteristics and the modeling calculations enabled to estimate changes of the Schottky barrier height caused by Ar + bombardment. Formation of ohmic nano-contacts on Ar +-bombarded surfaces was observed.

Effect of mechanical and electrical stimuli in conductive atomic force microscopy with noble metal-coated tips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zade, Vishal; Kang, Hung-Sen; Lee, Min Hwan

2018-01-01

Conductive atomic force microscopy has been widely employed to study the localized electrical properties of a wide range of substrates in non-vacuum conditions by the use of noble metal-coated tips. However, quantitative characterization of the electrical properties was often precluded by unpredictable changes in the tip apex morphology, and/or electronic transport characteristics of undesired oxide overcoats on the tip. In this paper, the impact of mechanical and electrical stimuli on the apex geometry of gold coated tips and electrical conduction properties at the tip-substrate contact is discussed by choosing gold and highly ordered pyrolytic graphite as the representative tip and substrate materials, respectively.

Probing the compressibility of tumor cell nuclei by combined atomic force-confocal microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krause, Marina; te Riet, Joost; Wolf, Katarina

2013-12-01

The cell nucleus is the largest and stiffest organelle rendering it the limiting compartment during migration of invasive tumor cells through dense connective tissue. We here describe a combined atomic force microscopy (AFM)-confocal microscopy approach for measurement of bulk nuclear stiffness together with simultaneous visualization of the cantilever-nucleus contact and the fate of the cell. Using cantilevers functionalized with either tips or beads and spring constants ranging from 0.06-10 N m-1, force-deformation curves were generated from nuclear positions of adherent HT1080 fibrosarcoma cell populations at unchallenged integrity, and a nuclear stiffness range of 0.2 to 2.5 kPa was identified depending on cantilever type and the use of extended fitting models. Chromatin-decondensating agent trichostatin A (TSA) induced nuclear softening of up to 50%, demonstrating the feasibility of our approach. Finally, using a stiff bead-functionalized cantilever pushing at maximal system-intrinsic force, the nucleus was deformed to 20% of its original height which after TSA treatment reduced further to 5% remaining height confirming chromatin organization as an important determinant of nuclear stiffness. Thus, combined AFM-confocal microscopy is a feasible approach to study nuclear compressibility to complement concepts of limiting nuclear deformation in cancer cell invasion and other biological processes.

Three dimensional force balance of asymmetric droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yeseul; Lim, Su Jin; Cho, Kun; Weon, Byung Mook

2016-11-01

An equilibrium contact angle of a droplet is determined by a horizontal force balance among vapor, liquid, and solid, which is known as Young's law. Conventional wetting law is valid only for axis-symmetric droplets, whereas real droplets are often asymmetric. Here we show that three-dimensional geometry must be considered for a force balance for asymmetric droplets. By visualizing asymmetric droplets placed on a free-standing membrane in air with X-ray microscopy, we are able to identify that force balances in one side and in other side control pinning behaviors during evaporation of droplets. We find that X-ray microscopy is powerful for realizing the three-dimensional force balance, which would be essential in interpretation and manipulation of wetting, spreading, and drying dynamics for asymmetric droplets. This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2016R1D1A1B01007133).

A test method for determining adhesion forces and Hamaker constants of cementitious materials using atomic force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lomboy, Gilson; Sundararajan, Sriram, E-mail: srirams@iastate.edu; Wang Kejin

2011-11-15

A method for determining Hamaker constant of cementitious materials is presented. The method involved sample preparation, measurement of adhesion force between the tested material and a silicon nitride probe using atomic force microscopy in dry air and in water, and calculating the Hamaker constant using appropriate contact mechanics models. The work of adhesion and Hamaker constant were computed from the pull-off forces using the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts and Derjagin-Muller-Toropov models. Reference materials with known Hamaker constants (mica, silica, calcite) and commercially available cementitious materials (Portland cement (PC), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)) were studied. The Hamaker constants of the reference materialsmore » obtained are consistent with those published by previous researchers. The results indicate that PC has a higher Hamaker constant than GGBFS. The Hamaker constant of PC in water is close to the previously predicted value C{sub 3}S, which is attributed to short hydration time ({<=} 45 min) used in this study.« less

Morphological Characterization of Silicone Hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gido, Samuel

2007-03-01

Silicone hydrogel materials are used in the latest generation of extended wear soft contact lenses. To ensure comfort and eye health, these materials must simultaneously exhibit high oxygen permeability and high water permeability / hydrophilicity. The materials achieve these opposing requirements based on bicontinuous composite of nanoscale domains of oxygen permeable (silicones) and hydrophilic (water soluble polymer) materials. The microphase separated morphology of silicone hydrogel contact lens materials was imaged using field emission gun scanning transmission electron microscopy (FEGSTEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Additional morphological information was provided by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). These results all indicate a nanophase separated structure of silicone rich (oxygen permeable) and carbon rich (water soluble polymer) domains separated on a length scale of about 10 nm.

Combined frequency modulated atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy detection for multi-tip scanning probe microscopy applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morawski, Ireneusz; Institute of Experimental Physics, University of Wrocław, pl. M. Borna 9, 50-204 Wrocław; Spiegelberg, Richard

A method which allows scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) tip biasing independent of the sample bias during frequency modulated atomic force microscopy (AFM) operation is presented. The AFM sensor is supplied by an electronic circuit combining both a frequency shift signal and a tunneling current signal by means of an inductive coupling. This solution enables a control of the tip potential independent of the sample potential. Individual tip biasing is specifically important in order to implement multi-tip STM/AFM applications. An extensional quartz sensor (needle sensor) with a conductive tip is applied to record simultaneously topography and conductivity of the sample. Themore » high resonance frequency of the needle sensor (1 MHz) allows scanning of a large area of the surface being investigated in a reasonably short time. A recipe for the amplitude calibration which is based only on the frequency shift signal and does not require the tip being in contact is presented. Additionally, we show spectral measurements of the mechanical vibration noise of the scanning system used in the investigations.« less

Study of adhesion and friction properties on a nanoparticle gradient surface: transition from JKR to DMT contact mechanics.

PubMed

Ramakrishna, Shivaprakash N; Nalam, Prathima C; Clasohm, Lucy Y; Spencer, Nicholas D

2013-01-08

We have previously investigated the dependence of adhesion on nanometer-scale surface roughness by employing a roughness gradient. In this study, we correlate the obtained adhesion forces on nanometer-scale rough surfaces to their frictional properties. A roughness gradient with varying silica particle (diameter ≈ 12 nm) density was prepared, and adhesion and frictional forces were measured across the gradient surface in perfluorodecalin by means of atomic force microscopy with a polyethylene colloidal probe. Similarly to the pull-off measurements, the frictional forces initially showed a reduction with decreasing particle density and later an abrupt increase as the colloidal sphere began to touch the flat substrate beneath, at very low particle densities. The friction-load relation is found to depend on the real contact area (A(real)) between the colloid probe and the underlying particles. At high particle density, the colloidal sphere undergoes large deformations over several nanoparticles, and the contact adhesion (JKR type) dominates the frictional response. However, at low particle density (before the colloidal probe is in contact with the underlying surface), the colloidal sphere is suspended by a few particles only, resulting in local deformations of the colloid sphere, with the frictional response to the applied load being dominated by long-range, noncontact (DMT-type) interactions with the substrate beneath.

Vulnerability of corneal endothelial cells to mechanical trauma from indentation forces assessed using contact mechanics and fluorescence microscopy.

PubMed

Ramirez-Garcia, Manuel A; Khalifa, Yousuf M; Buckley, Mark R

2018-06-05

Corneal endothelial cell (CEC) loss occurs from tissue manipulation during anterior segment surgery and corneal transplantation as well as from contact with synthetic materials like intraocular lenses and tube shunts. While several studies have quantified CEC loss for specific surgical steps, the vulnerability of CECs to isolated, controllable and measurable mechanical forces has not been assessed previously. The purpose of this study was to develop an experimental testing platform where the susceptibility of CECs to controlled mechanical trauma could be measured. The corneal endothelial surfaces of freshly dissected porcine corneas were subjected to a range of indentation forces via a spherical stainless steel bead. A cell viability assay in combination with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize and quantify injured/dead CEC densities before and after mechanical loading. In specimens subjected to an indentation force of 9 mN, the mean ± SD peak contact pressure P 0 was 18.64 ± 3.59 kPa (139.81 ± 26.93 mmHg) in the center of indentation and decreased radially outward. Injured/dead CEC densities were significantly greater (p ≤ 0.001) after mechanical indentation of 9 mN (167 ± 97 cells/mm 2 ) compared to before indentation (39 ± 52 cells/mm 2 ) and compared to the sham group (34 ± 31 cells/mm 2 ). In specimens subjected to "contact only" - defined as an applied indentation force of 0.65 mN - the peak contact pressure P 0 was 7.31 ± 1.5 kPa (54.83 ± 11.25 mmHg). In regions where the contact pressures was below 78% of P 0 (<5.7 kPa or 42.75 mmHg), injured/dead CEC densities were within the range of CEC loss observed in the sham group, suggesting negligible cell death. These findings indicate that CECs are highly susceptible to mechanical trauma via indentation, supporting the established "no-touch" policy for ophthalmological procedures. While CECs can potentially remain viable below contact pressures of 5.7 kPa (42.75 mmHg), this low threshold suggests that prevention of indentation-associated CEC loss may be challenging. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decoupling indirect topographic cross-talk in band excitation piezoresponse force microscopy imaging and spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Mazet, Lucie; Jesse, Stephen; Niu, Gang; ...

2016-06-20

Here, all scanning probe microscopies are subjected to topographic cross-talk, meaning the topography-related contrast in functional images. Here, we investigate the signatures of indirect topographic cross-talk in piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) imaging and spectroscopy and its decoupling using band excitation (BE) method in ferroelectric BaTiO 3 deposited on the Si substrates with free standing nanopillars of diameter 50 nm. Comparison between the single-frequency PFM and BE-PFM results shows that the measured signal can be significantly distorted by topography-induced shifts in the contact resonance frequency and cantilever transfer function. However, with proper correction, such shifts do not affect PFM imaging andmore » hysteresis loop measurements. This suggests the necessity of an advanced approach, such as BE-PFM, for detection of intrinsic sample piezoresponse on the topographically non-uniform surfaces.« less

Nanoscale effects in the characterization of viscoelastic materials with atomic force microscopy: Coupling of a quasi-three-dimensional standard linear solid model with in-plane surface interactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Solares, Santiago D.

Significant progress has been accomplished in the development of experimental contact-mode and dynamic-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods designed to measure surface material properties. However, current methods are based on one-dimensional (1D) descriptions of the tip-sample interaction forces, thus neglecting the intricacies involved in the material behavior of complex samples (such as soft viscoelastic materials) as well as the differences in material response between the surface and the bulk. In order to begin to address this gap, a computational study is presented where the sample is simulated using an enhanced version of a recently introduced model that treats the surfacemore » as a collection of standard-linear-solid viscoelastic elements. The enhanced model introduces in-plane surface elastic forces that can be approximately related to a two-dimensional (2D) Young's modulus. Relevant cases are discussed for single-and multifrequency intermittent-contact AFM imaging, with focus on the calculated surface indentation profiles and tip-sample interaction force curves, as well as their implications with regards to experimental interpretation. A variety of phenomena are examined in detail, which highlight the need for further development of more physically accurate sample models that are specifically designed for AFM simulation. As a result, a multifrequency AFM simulation tool based on the above sample model is provided as supporting information.« less

Nanoscale effects in the characterization of viscoelastic materials with atomic force microscopy: Coupling of a quasi-three-dimensional standard linear solid model with in-plane surface interactions

DOE PAGES

Solares, Santiago D.

2016-04-15

Significant progress has been accomplished in the development of experimental contact-mode and dynamic-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods designed to measure surface material properties. However, current methods are based on one-dimensional (1D) descriptions of the tip-sample interaction forces, thus neglecting the intricacies involved in the material behavior of complex samples (such as soft viscoelastic materials) as well as the differences in material response between the surface and the bulk. In order to begin to address this gap, a computational study is presented where the sample is simulated using an enhanced version of a recently introduced model that treats the surfacemore » as a collection of standard-linear-solid viscoelastic elements. The enhanced model introduces in-plane surface elastic forces that can be approximately related to a two-dimensional (2D) Young's modulus. Relevant cases are discussed for single-and multifrequency intermittent-contact AFM imaging, with focus on the calculated surface indentation profiles and tip-sample interaction force curves, as well as their implications with regards to experimental interpretation. A variety of phenomena are examined in detail, which highlight the need for further development of more physically accurate sample models that are specifically designed for AFM simulation. As a result, a multifrequency AFM simulation tool based on the above sample model is provided as supporting information.« less

Collapse of surface nanobubbles.

PubMed

Chan, Chon U; Chen, Longquan; Arora, Manish; Ohl, Claus-Dieter

2015-03-20

Surface attached nanobubbles populate surfaces submerged in water. These nanobubbles have a much larger contact angle and longer lifetime than predicted by classical theory. Moreover, it is difficult to distinguish them from hydrophobic droplets, e.g., polymeric contamination, using standard atomic force microscopy. Here, we report fast dynamics of a three phase contact line moving over surface nanobubbles, polymeric droplets, and hydrophobic particles. The dynamics is distinct: across polymeric droplets the contact line quickly jumps and hydrophobic particles pin the contact line, while surface nanobubbles rapidly shrink once merging with the contact line, suggesting a method to differentiate nanoscopic gaseous, liquid, and solid structures. Although the collapse process of surface nanobubbles occurs within a few milliseconds, we show that it is dominated by microscopic dynamics rather than bulk hydrodynamics.

Identification of nanoparticles and nanosystems in biological matrices with scanning probe microscopy.

PubMed

Angeloni, Livia; Reggente, Melania; Passeri, Daniele; Natali, Marco; Rossi, Marco

2018-04-17

Identification of nanoparticles and nanosystems into cells and biological matrices is a hot research topic in nanobiotechnologies. Because of their capability to map physical properties (mechanical, electric, magnetic, chemical, or optical), several scanning probe microscopy based techniques have been proposed for the subsurface detection of nanomaterials in biological systems. In particular, atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to reveal stiff nanoparticles in cells and other soft biomaterials by probing the sample mechanical properties through the acquisition of local indentation curves or through the combination of ultrasound-based methods, like contact resonance AFM (CR-AFM) or scanning near field ultrasound holography. Magnetic force microscopy can detect magnetic nanoparticles and other magnetic (bio)materials in nonmagnetic biological samples, while electric force microscopy, conductive AFM, and Kelvin probe force microscopy can reveal buried nanomaterials on the basis of the differences between their electric properties and those of the surrounding matrices. Finally, scanning near field optical microscopy and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy can visualize buried nanostructures on the basis of their optical and chemical properties. Despite at a still early stage, these methods are promising for detection of nanomaterials in biological systems as they could be truly noninvasive, would not require destructive and time-consuming specific sample preparation, could be performed in vitro, on alive samples and in water or physiological environment, and by continuously imaging the same sample could be used to dynamically monitor the diffusion paths and interaction mechanisms of nanomaterials into cells and biological systems. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Towards a unified description of the charge transport mechanisms in conductive atomic force microscopy studies of semiconducting polymers.

PubMed

Moerman, D; Sebaihi, N; Kaviyil, S E; Leclère, P; Lazzaroni, R; Douhéret, O

2014-09-21

In this work, conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) is used to study the local electrical properties in thin films of self-organized fibrillate poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), as a reference polymer semiconductor. Depending on the geometrical confinement in the transport channel, the C-AFM current is shown to be governed either by the charge transport in the film or by the carrier injection at the tip-sample contact, leading to either bulk or local electrical characterization of the semiconducting polymer, respectively. Local I-V profiles allow discrimination of the different dominating electrical mechanisms, i.e., resistive in the transport regime and space charge limited current (SCLC) in the local regime. A modified Mott-Gurney law is analytically derived for the contact regime, taking into account the point-probe geometry of the contact and the radial injection of carriers. Within the SCLC regime, the probed depth is shown to remain below 12 nm with a lateral electrical resolution below 5 nm. This confirms that high resolution is reached in those C-AFM measurements, which therefore allows for the analysis of single organic semiconducting nanostructures. The carrier density and mobility in the volume probed under the tip under steady-state conditions are also determined in the SCLC regime.

Actuation of atomic force microscopy microcantilevers using contact acoustic nonlinearities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Torello, D.; Degertekin, F. Levent, E-mail: levent.degertekin@me.gatech.edu

2013-11-15

A new method of actuating atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilevers is proposed in which a high frequency (>5 MHz) wave modulated by a lower frequency (∼300 kHz) wave passes through a contact acoustic nonlinearity at the contact interface between the actuator and the cantilever chip. The nonlinearity converts the high frequency, modulated signal to a low frequency drive signal suitable for actuation of tapping-mode AFM probes. The higher harmonic content of this signal is filtered out mechanically by the cantilever transfer function, providing for clean output. A custom probe holder was designed and constructed using rapid prototyping technologies and off-the-shelfmore » components and was interfaced with an Asylum Research MFP-3D AFM, which was then used to evaluate the performance characteristics with respect to standard hardware and linear actuation techniques. Using a carrier frequency of 14.19 MHz, it was observed that the cantilever output was cleaner with this actuation technique and added no significant noise to the system. This setup, without any optimization, was determined to have an actuation bandwidth on the order of 10 MHz, suitable for high speed imaging applications. Using this method, an image was taken that demonstrates the viability of the technique and is compared favorably to images taken with a standard AFM setup.« less

Evaluation and optimization of quartz resonant-frequency retuned fork force sensors with high Q factors, and the associated electric circuits, for non-contact atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Ooe, Hiroaki; Fujii, Mikihiro; Tomitori, Masahiko; Arai, Toyoko

2016-02-01

High-Q factor retuned fork (RTF) force sensors made from quartz tuning forks, and the electric circuits for the sensors, were evaluated and optimized to improve the performance of non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) performed under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. To exploit the high Q factor of the RTF sensor, the oscillation of the RTF sensor was excited at its resonant frequency, using a stray capacitance compensation circuit to cancel the excitation signal leaked through the stray capacitor of the sensor. To improve the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio in the detected signal, a small capacitor was inserted before the input of an operational (OP) amplifier placed in an UHV chamber, which reduced the output noise from the amplifier. A low-noise, wideband OP amplifier produced a superior S/N ratio, compared with a precision OP amplifier. The thermal vibrational density spectra of the RTF sensors were evaluated using the circuit. The RTF sensor with an effective spring constant value as low as 1000 N/m provided a lower minimum detection limit for force differentiation. A nc-AFM image of a Si(111)-7 × 7 surface was produced with atomic resolution using the RTF sensor in a constant frequency shift mode; tunneling current and energy dissipation images with atomic resolution were also simultaneously produced. The high-Q factor RTF sensor showed potential for the high sensitivity of energy dissipation as small as 1 meV/cycle and the high-resolution analysis of non-conservative force interactions.

Wettability of natural root mucilage studied by atomic force microscopy and contact angle: Links between nanoscale and macroscale surface properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaltenbach, Robin; Diehl, Dörte; Schaumann, Gabriele E.

2017-04-01

Organic coatings are considered as main cause of soil water repellency (SWR). This phenomenon plays a crucial role in the rhizosphere, at the interface of plant water uptake and soil hydraulics. Still, there is little knowledge about the nanoscale properties of natural soil compounds such as root-mucilage and its mechanistic effect on wettability. In this study, dried films of natural root-mucilage from Sorghum (Sorghum sp., MOENCH) on glass substrates were studied in order to explore experimental and evaluation methods that allow to link between macroscopic wettability and nano-/microscopic surface properties in this model soil system. SWR was assessed by optical contact angle (CA) measurements. The nanostructure of topography and adhesion forces of the mucilage surfaces was revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements in ambient air, using PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PFQNM). Undiluted mucilage formed hydrophobic films on the substrate with CA > 90° and rather homogeneous nanostructure. Contact angles showed reduced water repellency of surfaces, when concentration of mucilage was decreased by dilution. AFM height and adhesion images displayed incomplete mucilage surface coverage for diluted samples. Hole-like structures in the film frequently exhibited increased adhesion forces. Spatial analysis of the AFM data via variograms enabled a numerical description of such 'adhesion holes'. The use of geostatistical approaches in AFM studies of the complex surface structure of soil compounds was considered meaningful in view of the need of comprehensive analysis of large AFM image data sets that exceed the capability of comparative visual inspection. Furthermore, force curves measured with the AFM showed increased break-free distances and pull-off forces inside the observed 'adhesion holes', indicating enhanced capillary forces due to adsorbed water films at hydrophilic domains for ambient RH (40 ± 2 %). This offers the possibility of mapping the nanostructure of water layers on soil surfaces and assessing the consequences for wettability. The collected information on macroscopic wetting properties, nanoscale roughness and adhesion structure of the investigated surfaces in this study are discussed in view of the applicability of the mechanistic wetting models given by Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter.

KPFM/AFM imaging on TiO2(110) surface in O2 gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arima, Eiji; Wen, Huan Fei; Naitoh, Yoshitaka; Li, Yan Jun; Sugawara, Yasuhiro

2018-03-01

We have carried out high-speed imaging of the topography and local contact potential difference (LCPD) on rutile TiO2(110) in O2 gas by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). We succeeded in KPFM/AFM imaging with atomic resolution at 1 frame min-1 and observed the adsorbate on a hydroxylated TiO2(110) surface. The observed adsorbate is considered to be oxygen adatoms (Oa), hydroperoxyls (HO2), or terminal hydroxyls (OHt). After adsorption, changes in the topography and the LCPD of the adsorbate were observed. This phenomenon is thought to be caused by the charge transfer of the adsorbate. This technique has the potential to observe catalytic behavior with atomic resolution.

AFM Colloidal Probe Measurements Implicate Capillary Condensation in Punch-Particle Surface Interactions during Tableting.

PubMed

Badal Tejedor, Maria; Nordgren, Niklas; Schuleit, Michael; Millqvist-Fureby, Anna; Rutland, Mark W

2017-11-21

Adhesion of the powders to the punches is a common issue during tableting. This phenomenon is known as sticking and affects the quality of the manufactured tablets. Defective tablets increase the cost of the manufacturing process. Thus, the ability to predict the tableting performance of the formulation blend before the process is scaled-up is important. The adhesive propensity of the powder to the tableting tools is mostly governed by the surface-surface adhesive interactions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) colloidal probe is a surface characterization technique that allows the measurement of the adhesive interactions between two materials of interest. In this study, AFM steel colloidal probe measurements were performed on ibuprofen, MCC (microcrystalline cellulose), α-lactose monohydrate, and spray-dried lactose particles as an approach to modeling the punch-particle surface interactions during tableting. The excipients (lactose and MCC) showed constant, small, attractive, and adhesive forces toward the steel surface after a repeated number of contacts. In comparison, ibuprofen displayed a much larger attractive and adhesive interaction increasing over time both in magnitude and in jump-in/jump-out separation distance. The type of interaction acting on the excipient-steel interface can be related to a van der Waals force, which is relatively weak and short-ranged. By contrast, the ibuprofen-steel interaction is described by a capillary force profile. Even though ibuprofen is not highly hydrophilic, the relatively smooth surfaces of the crystals allow "contact flooding" upon contact with the steel probe. Capillary forces increase because of the "harvesting" of moisture-due to the fast condensation kinetics-leaving a residual condensate that contributes to increase the interaction force after each consecutive contact. Local asperity contacts on the more hydrophilic surface of the excipients prevent the flooding of the contact zone, and there is no such adhesive effect under the same ambient conditions. The markedly different behavior detected by force measurements clearly shows the sticky and nonsticky propensity of the materials and allows a mechanistic description.

Direct Measurement of the Wettability of Minerals Using Atomic Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Y.; Xu, L.; Lu, H.; Wang, H.; Shi, Y.

2016-12-01

The wettability of reservoir rock plays an essential role in affecting the states of fluids (water, oil, etc) in pores which are constructed with various minerals. The contact angle method, which is based on the optical microscope photographs of millimeter-sized droplets on a smooth mineral surface, is one of the most widely employed methods to evaluate the wettability of a rock. However, the real reservoir rocks are composed of several kinds of minerals and thus nonhomogeneous, which leads to different wettability at different location of the rock. The mineral grains are usually micrometer-sized so that the traditional optical contact angle method cannot obtain the wettability of different minerals in the rock. Here we used a tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM, MFP-3D-BIO, Asylum Research) to measure the contact angles of micrometer-sized water droplets on different minerals in a tight sand rock which is mainly composed of quartz, albite, potash feldspar and anorthite. The water droplets varied from submicron to several tens micron in diameter. With the optimization of tool and operation parameters, the AFM tip was well controlled so that the nanoscale morphology of the contact configuration between water film and the mineral surface can be obtained at high resolution without disturbing the liquid surface. The AFM results showed that the contact angles of water on quartz and albite were 30-40 ° and 37-45 °, respectively. The AFM method provides a new measure for the wettability evaluation of reservoir rocks, and it is with potential to be applied to oil and gas hydrate studies.

True non-contact atomic force microscopy imaging of heterogeneous biological samples in liquids: topography and material contrast.

PubMed

Almonte, Lisa; Colchero, Jaime

2017-02-23

The present work analyses how the tip-sample interaction signals critically determine the operation of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) set-up immersed in liquid. On heterogeneous samples, the conservative tip-sample interaction may vary significantly from point to point - in particular from attractive to repulsive - rendering correct feedback very challenging. Lipid membranes prepared on a mica substrate are analyzed as reference samples which are locally heterogeneous (material contrast). The AFM set-up is operated dynamically at low oscillation amplitude and all available experimental data signals - the normal force, as well as the amplitude and frequency - are recorded simultaneously. From the analysis of how the dissipation (oscillation amplitude) and the conservative interaction (normal force and resonance frequency) vary with the tip-sample distance we conclude that dissipation is the only appropriate feedback source for stable and correct topographic imaging. The normal force and phase then carry information about the sample composition ("chemical contrast"). Dynamic AFM allows imaging in a non-contact regime where essentially no forces are applied, rendering dynamic AFM a truly non-invasive technique.

An in vivo study of electrical charge distribution on the bacterial cell wall by atomic force microscopy in vibrating force mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marlière, Christian; Dhahri, Samia

2015-05-01

We report an in vivo electromechanical atomic force microscopy (AFM) study of charge distribution on the cell wall of Gram+ Rhodococcus wratislaviensis bacteria, naturally adherent to a glass substrate, under physiological conditions. The method presented in this paper relies on a detailed study of AFM approach/retract curves giving the variation of the interaction force versus distance between the tip and the sample. In addition to classical height and mechanical (as stiffness) data, mapping of local electrical properties, such as bacterial surface charge, was proved to be feasible at a spatial resolution better than a few tens of nanometers. This innovative method relies on the measurement of the cantilever's surface stress through its deflection far from (>10 nm) the repulsive contact zone: the variations of surface stress come from the modification of electrical surface charge of the cantilever (as in classical electrocapillary measurements) likely stemming from its charging during contact of both the tip and the sample electrical double layers. This method offers an important improvement in local electrical and electrochemical measurements at the solid/liquid interface, particularly in high-molarity electrolytes when compared to techniques focused on the direct use of electrostatic force. It thus opens a new way to directly investigate in situ biological electrical surface processes involved in numerous practical applications and fundamental problems such as bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, microbial fuel cells, etc.We report an in vivo electromechanical atomic force microscopy (AFM) study of charge distribution on the cell wall of Gram+ Rhodococcus wratislaviensis bacteria, naturally adherent to a glass substrate, under physiological conditions. The method presented in this paper relies on a detailed study of AFM approach/retract curves giving the variation of the interaction force versus distance between the tip and the sample. In addition to classical height and mechanical (as stiffness) data, mapping of local electrical properties, such as bacterial surface charge, was proved to be feasible at a spatial resolution better than a few tens of nanometers. This innovative method relies on the measurement of the cantilever's surface stress through its deflection far from (>10 nm) the repulsive contact zone: the variations of surface stress come from the modification of electrical surface charge of the cantilever (as in classical electrocapillary measurements) likely stemming from its charging during contact of both the tip and the sample electrical double layers. This method offers an important improvement in local electrical and electrochemical measurements at the solid/liquid interface, particularly in high-molarity electrolytes when compared to techniques focused on the direct use of electrostatic force. It thus opens a new way to directly investigate in situ biological electrical surface processes involved in numerous practical applications and fundamental problems such as bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, microbial fuel cells, etc. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr00968e

Conductive atomic force microscopy study of the photoexcitation effect on resistive switching in ZrO2(Y) films with Au nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novikov, A. S.; Filatov, D. O.; Antonov, D. A.; Antonov, I. N.; Shenina, M. E.; Gorshkov, O. N.

2018-03-01

We report on the experimental observation of the effect of optical excitation on resistive switching in ultrathin ZrO2(Y) films with single-layered arrays of Au nanoparticles. The samples were prepared by depositing nanometer-thick Au films sandwiched between two ZrO2(Y) layers by magnetron sputtering followed by annealing. Resistive switching was studied by conductive atomic force microscopy by measuring cyclic current-voltage curves of a probe-to-sample contact. The contact area was illuminated by radiation of a semiconductor laser diode with the wavelength corresponding to the plasmon resonance in an Au nanoparticle array. The enhancement of the hysteresis in cyclic current-voltage curves due to bipolar resistive switching under illumination was observed. The effect was attributed to heating of Au nanoparticles due to plasmonic optical absorption and a plasmon resonance, which enhances internal photoemission of electrons from the Fermi level in Au nanoparticles into the conduction band of ZrO2(Y). Both factors promote resistive switching in a ZrO2(Y) matrix.

Self-assembled monolayers of alkyl-thiols on InAs: A Kelvin probe force microscopy study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szwajca, A.; Wei, J.; Schukfeh, M. I.; Tornow, M.

2015-03-01

We report on the preparation and characterization of self-assembled monolayers from aliphatic thiols with different chain length and termination on InAs (100) planar surfaces. This included as first step the development and investigation of a thorough chemical InAs surface preparation step using a dedicated bromine/NH4OH-based etching process. Ellipsometry, contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated the formation of smooth, surface conforming monolayers. The molecular tilt angles were obtained as 30 ± 10° with respect to the surface normal. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements in hand with Parameterized Model number 5 (PM5) calculations of the involved molecular dipoles allowed for an estimation of the molecular packing densities on the surface. We obtained values of up to n = 1014 cm- 2 for the SAMs under study. These are close to what is predicted from a simple geometrical model that would calculate a maximum density of about n = 2.7 × 1014 cm- 2. We take this as additional conformation of the substrate smoothness and quality of our InAs-SAM hybrid layer systems.

Precise measurement of surface plasmon forces at a metal-dielectric interface using a calibrated evanescent wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lulu; Woolf, Alex

2015-03-01

By observing the motion of an optically trapped microscopic colloid, sub-piconewton static and dynamical forces have been measured using a technique called photonic force microscopy. This technique, though potentially powerful, has in the past struggled to make precise measurements in the vicinity of a reflective or metallic interface, due to distortions of the optical field. We introduce a new in-situ, contact-free calibration method for particle tracking using an evanescent wave, and demonstrate its expanded capability by the precise measurement of forces of interaction between a single colloid and the optical field generated by a propagating surface plasmon polariton on gold.

Keratocytes Generate Traction Forces in Two PhasesV⃞

PubMed Central

Burton, Kevin; Park, Jung H.; Taylor, D. Lansing

1999-01-01

Forces generated by goldfish keratocytes and Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts have been measured with nanonewton precision and submicrometer spatial resolution. Differential interference contrast microscopy was used to visualize deformations produced by traction forces in elastic substrata, and interference reflection microscopy revealed sites of cell-substratum adhesions. Force ranged from a few nanonewtons at submicrometer spots under the lamellipodium to several hundred nanonewtons under the cell body. As cells moved forward, centripetal forces were applied by lamellipodia at sites that remained stationary on the substratum. Force increased and abruptly became lateral at the boundary of the lamellipodium and the cell body. When the cell retracted at its posterior margin, cell-substratum contact area decreased more rapidly than force, so that stress (force divided by area) increased as the cell pulled away. An increase in lateral force was associated with widening of the cell body. These mechanical data suggest an integrated, two-phase mechanism of cell motility: (1) low forces in the lamellipodium are applied in the direction of cortical flow and cause the cell body to be pulled forward; and (2) a component of force at the flanks pulls the rear margins forward toward the advancing cell body, whereas a large lateral component contributes to detachment of adhesions without greatly perturbing forward movement. PMID:10564269

Keratocytes generate traction forces in two phases.

PubMed

Burton, K; Park, J H; Taylor, D L

1999-11-01

Forces generated by goldfish keratocytes and Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts have been measured with nanonewton precision and submicrometer spatial resolution. Differential interference contrast microscopy was used to visualize deformations produced by traction forces in elastic substrata, and interference reflection microscopy revealed sites of cell-substratum adhesions. Force ranged from a few nanonewtons at submicrometer spots under the lamellipodium to several hundred nanonewtons under the cell body. As cells moved forward, centripetal forces were applied by lamellipodia at sites that remained stationary on the substratum. Force increased and abruptly became lateral at the boundary of the lamellipodium and the cell body. When the cell retracted at its posterior margin, cell-substratum contact area decreased more rapidly than force, so that stress (force divided by area) increased as the cell pulled away. An increase in lateral force was associated with widening of the cell body. These mechanical data suggest an integrated, two-phase mechanism of cell motility: (1) low forces in the lamellipodium are applied in the direction of cortical flow and cause the cell body to be pulled forward; and (2) a component of force at the flanks pulls the rear margins forward toward the advancing cell body, whereas a large lateral component contributes to detachment of adhesions without greatly perturbing forward movement.

Band Excitation Kelvin probe force microscopy utilizing photothermal excitation

DOE PAGES

Collins, Liam; Jesse, Stephen; Balke, Nina; ...

2015-03-13

A multifrequency open loop Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) approach utilizing photothermal as opposed to electrical excitation is developed. Photothermal band excitation (PthBE)-KPFM is implemented here in a grid mode on a model test sample comprising a metal-insulator junction with local charge-patterned regions. Unlike the previously described open loop BE-KPFM, which relies on capacitive actuation of the cantilever, photothermal actuation is shown to be highly sensitive to the electrostatic force gradient even at biases close to the contact potential difference (CPD). PthBE-KPFM is further shown to provide a more localized measurement of true CPD in comparison to the gold standardmore » ambient KPFM approach, amplitude modulated KPFM. In conclusion, PthBE-KPFM data contain information relating to local dielectric properties and electronic dissipation between tip and sample unattainable using conventional single frequency KPFM approaches.« less

Evaluating the potential energy landscape over single molecules at room temperature with lateral force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weymouth, Alfred J.; Riegel, Elisabeth; Matencio, Sonia; Giessibl, Franz J.

2018-04-01

One of the challenges of AFM, in contrast to STM, is that the measured signal includes both long-range and short-range components. The most accurate method for removing long-range components is to measure both on and off an adsorbate and to subtract the difference. This on-off method is challenging at room temperature due to thermal drift. By moving to a non-contact scheme in which the lateral component of the force interaction is probed, the measurement is dominated by short-range interactions. We use frequency-modulation lateral force microscopy to measure individual PTCDA molecules adsorbed on Ag/Si(111)-( √{3 }×√{3 } ). By fitting the data to a model potential, we can extract the depth and width of the potential. When the tip is closer to the sample, a repulsive feature can be observed in the data.

Characterizing the surface forces between two individual nanowires using optical microscopy based nanomanipulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Hongtao; Mead, James L.; Wang, Shiliang; Fatikow, Sergej; Huang, Han

2018-06-01

The adhesion and friction between two Al2O3 nanowires (NWs) was characterized by the use of optical microscopy based nanomanipulation, with which peeling, shearing and sliding was performed. The elastically deformed shape of the NWs during peeling and shearing was used to calculate the adhesion and frictional forces; force sensing was not required. The obtained adhesion stress between two Al2O3 NWs varied from 0.14 to 0.25 MPa, lower than that observed for carbon nanotube junctions, and was attributed to van der Waals attraction. Stick-slip was observed during the shearing and sliding of two NWs, and was the consequence of discrete contact between surface asperities. The obtained static and kinetic frictional stresses varied from 0.7 to 1.3 MPa and 0.4 to 0.8 MPa, respectively; significantly greater than the obtained adhesion stress.

Characterizing the surface forces between two individual nanowires using optical microscopy based nanomanipulation.

PubMed

Xie, Hongtao; Mead, James L; Wang, Shiliang; Fatikow, Sergej; Huang, Han

2018-06-01

The adhesion and friction between two Al 2 O 3 nanowires (NWs) was characterized by the use of optical microscopy based nanomanipulation, with which peeling, shearing and sliding was performed. The elastically deformed shape of the NWs during peeling and shearing was used to calculate the adhesion and frictional forces; force sensing was not required. The obtained adhesion stress between two Al 2 O 3 NWs varied from 0.14 to 0.25 MPa, lower than that observed for carbon nanotube junctions, and was attributed to van der Waals attraction. Stick-slip was observed during the shearing and sliding of two NWs, and was the consequence of discrete contact between surface asperities. The obtained static and kinetic frictional stresses varied from 0.7 to 1.3 MPa and 0.4 to 0.8 MPa, respectively; significantly greater than the obtained adhesion stress.

Controlled mechnical modification of manganite surface with nanoscale resolution

DOE PAGES

Kelly, Simon J.; Kim, Yunseok; Eliseev, Eugene; ...

2014-11-07

We investigated the surfaces of magnetoresistive manganites, La1-xCaxMnO3 and La2-2xSr1+2xMn2O7, using a combination of ultrahigh vacuum conductive, electrostatic and magnetic force microscopy methods. Scanning as-grown film with a metal tip, even with zero applied bias, was found to modify the surface electronic properties such that in subsequent scans, the conductivity is reduced below the noise level of conductive probe microscopy. Scanned areas also reveal a reduced contact potential difference relative to the pristine surface by ~0.3 eV. We propose that contact-pressure of the tip modifies the electrochemical potential of oxygen vacancies via the Vegard effect, causing vacancy motion and concomitantmore » changes of the electronic properties.« less

Dissipative and electrostatic force spectroscopy of indium arsenide quantum dots by non-contact atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stomp, Romain-Pierre

This thesis is devoted to the studies of self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QD) by low-temperature Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in frequency modulation mode. Several spectroscopic methods are developed to investigate single electron charging from a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) to an individual InAs QD. Furthermore, a new technique to measure the absolute tip-sample capacitance is also demonstrated. The main observables are the electrostatic force between the metal-coated AFM tip and sample as well as the sample-induced energy dissipation, and therefore no tunneling current has to be collected at the AFM tip. Measurements were performed by recording simultaneously the shift in the resonant frequency and the Q-factor degradation of the oscillating cantilever either as a function of tip-sample voltage or distance. The signature of single electron charging was detected as an abrupt change in the frequency shift as well as corresponding peaks in the dissipation. The main experimental features in the force agree well with the semi-classical theory of Coulomb blockade by considering the free energy of the system. The observed dissipation peaks can be understood as a back-action effect on the oscillating cantilever beam due to the fluctuation in time of electrons tunneling back and forth between the 2DEG and the QD. It was also possible to extract the absolute value of the tip-sample capacitance, as a consequence of the spectroscopic analysis of the electrostic force as a function of tip-sample distance for different values of the applied voltage. At the same time, the contact potential difference and the residual non-capacitive force could also be determined as a function of tip-sample distance.

Nanoscale Subsurface Imaging of Nanocomposites via Resonant Difference-Frequency Atomic Force Ultrasonic Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cantrell, Sean A.; Cantrell, John H.; Lillehei, Peter T.

2007-01-01

A scanning probe microscope methodology, called resonant difference-frequency atomic force ultrasonic microscopy (RDF-AFUM), has been developed. The method employs an ultrasonic wave launched from the bottom of a sample while the cantilever of an atomic force microscope engages the sample top surface. The cantilever is driven at a frequency differing from the ultrasonic frequency by one of the contact resonance frequencies of the cantilever. The nonlinear mixing of the oscillating cantilever and the ultrasonic wave at the sample surface generates difference-frequency oscillations at the cantilever contact resonance. The resonance-enhanced difference-frequency signals are used to create amplitude and phase-generated images of nanoscale near-surface and subsurface features. RDF-AFUM phase images of LaRC-CP2 polyimide polymer containing embedded nanostructures are presented. A RDF-AFUM micrograph of a 12.7 micrometer thick film of LaRC-CP2 containing a monolayer of gold nanoparticles embedded 7 micrometers below the specimen surface reveals the occurrence of contiguous amorphous and crystalline phases within the bulk of the polymer and a preferential growth of the crystalline phase in the vicinity of the gold nanoparticles. A RDF-AFUM micrograph of LaRC-CP2 film containing randomly dispersed carbon nanotubes reveals the growth of an interphase region at certain nanotube-polymer interfaces.

Breaking the Time Barrier in Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy: Fast Free Force Reconstruction Using the G-Mode Platform

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Collins, Liam; Ahmadi, Mahshid; Wu, Ting

The atomic force microscope (AFM) offers unparalleled insight into structure and material functionality across nanometer length scales. However, the spatial resolution afforded by the AFM tip is counterpoised by slow detection speeds compared to other common microscopy techniques (e.g. optical, scanning electron microscopy etc.). In this work, we develop an AFM imaging approach allowing ultrafast reconstruction of the tip-sample forces having ~2 orders of magnitude higher time resolution than standard detection methods. Fast free force recovery (F3R) overcomes the widely-viewed temporal bottleneck in AFM, i.e. the mechanical bandwidth of the cantilever, enabling time-resolved imaging at sub-bandwidth speeds. We demonstrate quantitativemore » recovery of electrostatic forces with ~10 µs temporal resolution, free from cantilever ring-down effects. We further apply the F3R method to Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements. F3R-KPFM is an open loop imaging approach (i.e. no bias feedback), allowing ultrafast surface potential measurements (e.g. < 20 µs) to be performed at regular KPFM scan speeds. F3R-KPFM is demonstrated for exploration of ion migration in organometallic halide perovskites materials and shown to allow spatio-temporal imaging of positively charged ion migration under applied electric field, as well as subsequent formation of accumulated charges at the perovskite/electrode interface. In this work we demonstrate quantitative F3R-KPFM measurements – however, we fully expect the F3R approach to be valid for all modes of non-contact AFM operation, including non-invasive probing of ultrafast electrical and magnetic dynamics.« less

Breaking the Time Barrier in Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy: Fast Free Force Reconstruction Using the G-Mode Platform

DOE PAGES

Collins, Liam; Ahmadi, Mahshid; Wu, Ting; ...

2017-08-06

The atomic force microscope (AFM) offers unparalleled insight into structure and material functionality across nanometer length scales. However, the spatial resolution afforded by the AFM tip is counterpoised by slow detection speeds compared to other common microscopy techniques (e.g. optical, scanning electron microscopy etc.). In this work, we develop an AFM imaging approach allowing ultrafast reconstruction of the tip-sample forces having ~2 orders of magnitude higher time resolution than standard detection methods. Fast free force recovery (F3R) overcomes the widely-viewed temporal bottleneck in AFM, i.e. the mechanical bandwidth of the cantilever, enabling time-resolved imaging at sub-bandwidth speeds. We demonstrate quantitativemore » recovery of electrostatic forces with ~10 µs temporal resolution, free from cantilever ring-down effects. We further apply the F3R method to Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements. F3R-KPFM is an open loop imaging approach (i.e. no bias feedback), allowing ultrafast surface potential measurements (e.g. < 20 µs) to be performed at regular KPFM scan speeds. F3R-KPFM is demonstrated for exploration of ion migration in organometallic halide perovskites materials and shown to allow spatio-temporal imaging of positively charged ion migration under applied electric field, as well as subsequent formation of accumulated charges at the perovskite/electrode interface. In this work we demonstrate quantitative F3R-KPFM measurements – however, we fully expect the F3R approach to be valid for all modes of non-contact AFM operation, including non-invasive probing of ultrafast electrical and magnetic dynamics.« less

Lactobacilli require physical contact to reduce staphylococcal TSST-1 secretion and vaginal epithelial inflammatory response.

PubMed

Younes, Jessica A; Reid, Gregor; van der Mei, Henny C; Busscher, Henk J

2016-06-01

ITALIC! Staphylococcus aureusbiofilms can be found on vaginal epithelia, secreting toxins and causing inflammation. The co-vaginal species ITALIC! Lactobacilluscan alter staphylococcal-induced epithelial secretion of inflammatory cytokines and quench staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 secretion. It is hypothesized that these effects of lactobacilli require direct physical contact between lactobacilli, staphylococci and the epithelium. Indeed, lactobacilli only reduced ITALIC! S. aureus-induced inflammatory cytokine expression when allowed physical contact with vaginal epithelial cells. Furthermore, a reduction in toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 secretion only occurred when a probiotic ITALIC! Lactobacillusstrain was allowed contact, but not when being physically separated from ITALIC! S. aureus Bacterial-probe atomic force microscopy demonstrated that lactobacilli and staphylococci strongly adhere to epithelial cells, while lactobacilli adhere stronger to staphylococci than staphylococci to each other, giving lactobacilli opportunity to penetrate and reside in staphylococcal biofilms, as visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy with fluorescence ITALIC! in situhybridization probes. These results identify that physical contact and biochemical signaling by lactobacilli are intrinsically linked mechanisms that reduce virulence of ITALIC! S. aureusbiofilm. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

New method for evaluation of hard contact lens materials with regard to cell injury by dynamic contact.

PubMed

Iguchi, I; Kamiyama, K; Ohashi, T; Wang, X; Imanishi, J

1996-11-01

To establish a new method for evaluation of contact lens materials, we studied the porcine endothelial cell injury caused by dynamic contact (rotatory rubbing) with three kinds of hard contact lenses (HCL). The HCLs used were 1) PMMA HCL, 2) oxygen-permeable HCL composed of a graft copolymer of dextran derivative and methylmethacrylate (MMA) (Suncon Mild II, 12 Dk), and 3) oxygen-permeable-HCL composed of a copolymer of a monomer containing silicone, a monomer containing fluorine, and MMA (RGPL-A, 216 Dk). Cell injury rates were significantly different among these HCLs (Suncon Mild II < PMMA < RGPL-A) although there were no differences in rotatory rubbing forces. The smoothness of HCL surface, the qualities of injured cell layers observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the water wettability of HCLs were not correlated with cell injury rate. These results suggest that physicochemical properties of materials other than rotatory rubbing force, smoothness, and water wettability were involved in the cell injury. Our evaluation method for biomaterials that injure the corneal endothelial cells by dynamic contact should be very useful for the development of biomaterials or medical devices, including HCLs and intracardiac and urethral catheters.

Friction and Wear on the Atomic Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnecco, Enrico; Bennewitz, Roland; Pfeiffer, Oliver; Socoliuc, Anisoara; Meyer, Ernst

Friction has long been the subject of research: the empirical da Vinci-Amontons friction laws have been common knowledge for centuries. Macroscopic experiments performed by the school of Bowden and Tabor revealed that macroscopic friction can be related to the collective action of small asperities. Over the last 15 years, experiments performed with the atomic force microscope have provided new insights into the physics of single asperities sliding over surfaces. This development, together with the results from complementary experiments using surface force apparatus and the quartz microbalance, have led to the new field of nanotribology. At the same time, increasing computing power has permitted the simulation of processes that occur during sliding contact involving several hundreds of atoms. It has become clear that atomic processes cannot be neglected when interpreting nanotribology experiments. Even on well-defined surfaces, experiments have revealed that atomic structure is directly linked to friction force. This chapter will describe friction force microscopy experiments that reveal, more or less directly, atomic processes during sliding contact.

The Effect of Pile-Up and Contact Area on Hardness Test by Nanoindentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, Koji; Fujisawa, Satoru; Korenaga, Atsushi; Ishida, Takao; Sasaki, Shinya

2004-07-01

We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the indentation test evaluating the indentation hardness of materials in the nanometer range. BK7, fused silica, and single-crystal silicon were used as test sample materials. The data analysis processes used to determine the contact area were important in evaluating the indentation hardness of the materials. The direct measurement of the size of the residual hardness impression was useful in evaluating the contact area even in the nanometer region. The results led us to conclude that AFM indentation using a sharp indenter is a powerful method for estimating the indentation hardness in the nanometer range.

Analysis of dynamic cantilever behavior in tapping mode atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Deng, Wenqi; Zhang, Guang-Ming; Murphy, Mark F; Lilley, Francis; Harvey, David M; Burton, David R

2015-10-01

Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides phase images in addition to height and amplitude images. Although the behavior of tapping mode AFM has been investigated using mathematical modeling, comprehensive understanding of the behavior of tapping mode AFM still poses a significant challenge to the AFM community, involving issues such as the correct interpretation of the phase images. In this paper, the cantilever's dynamic behavior in tapping mode AFM is studied through a three dimensional finite element method. The cantilever's dynamic displacement responses are firstly obtained via simulation under different tip-sample separations, and for different tip-sample interaction forces, such as elastic force, adhesion force, viscosity force, and the van der Waals force, which correspond to the cantilever's action upon various different representative computer-generated test samples. Simulated results show that the dynamic cantilever displacement response can be divided into three zones: a free vibration zone, a transition zone, and a contact vibration zone. Phase trajectory, phase shift, transition time, pseudo stable amplitude, and frequency changes are then analyzed from the dynamic displacement responses that are obtained. Finally, experiments are carried out on a real AFM system to support the findings of the simulations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Random three-dimensional jammed packings of elastic shells acting as force sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jose, Jissy; van Blaaderen, Alfons; Imhof, Arnout

2016-06-01

In a jammed solid of granular particles, the applied stress is in-homogeneously distributed within the packing. A full experimental characterization requires measurement of all the interparticle forces, but so far such measurements are limited to a few systems in two and even fewer in three dimensions. Particles with the topology of (elastic) shells are good local force sensors as relatively large deformations of the shells result from relatively small forces. We recently introduced such fluorescent shells as a model granular system in which force distributions can be determined in three dimensions using confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis. An interesting aspect about these shells that differentiates them from other soft deformable particles is their buckling behavior at higher compression. This leads to deformations that do not conserve the inner volume of the particle. Here we use this system to accurately measure the contact forces in a three-dimensional packing of shells subjected to a static anisotropic compression and to shear. At small deformations forces are linear, however, for a buckled contact, the restoring force is related to the amount of deformation by a square root law, as follows from the theory of elasticity of shells. Near the unjamming-jamming transition (point J ), we found the probability distribution of the interparticle forces P (f ) to decay nearly exponentially at large forces, with little evidence of long-range force chains in the packings. As the packing density is increased, the tail of the distribution was found to crossover to a Gaussian, in line with other experimental and simulation studies. Under a small shear strain, up to 0.216, applied at an extremely low shear rate, we observed a shear-induced anisotropy in both the pair correlation function and contact force network; however, no appreciable change was seen in the number of contacts per particle.

The effect of different chemical agents on human enamel: an atomic force and scanning electron microscopy study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rominu, Roxana O.; Rominu, Mihai; Negrutiu, Meda Lavinia; Sinescu, Cosmin; Pop, Daniela; Petrescu, Emanuela

2010-12-01

PURPOSE: The goal of our study was to investigate the changes in enamel surface roughess induced by the application of different chemical substances by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. METHOD: Five sound human first upper premolar teeth were chosen for the study. The buccal surface of each tooth was treated with a different chemical agent as follows: Sample 1 - 38% phosphoric acid etching (30s) , sample 2 - no surface treatment (control sample), 3 - bleaching with 37.5 % hydrogen peroxide (according to the manufacturer's instructions), 4 - conditioning with a self-etching primer (15 s), 5 - 9.6 % hydrofluoric acid etching (30s). All samples were investigated by atomic force microscopy in a non-contact mode and by scanning electron microscopy. Several images were obtained for each sample, showing evident differences regarding enamel surface morphology. The mean surface roughness and the mean square roughness were calculated and compared. RESULTS: All chemical substances led to an increased surface roughness. Phosphoric acid led to the highest roughness while the control sample showed the lowest. Hydrofluoric acid also led to an increase in surface roughness but its effects have yet to be investigated due to its potential toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: By treating the human enamel with the above mentioned chemical compounds a negative microretentive surface is obtained, with a morphology depending on the applied substance.

Effect of spherical Au nanoparticles on nanofriction and wear reduction in dry and liquid environments

PubMed Central

Maharaj, Dave

2012-01-01

Summary Nano-object additives are used in tribological applications as well as in various applications in liquids requiring controlled manipulation and targeting. On the macroscale, nanoparticles in solids and liquids have been shown to reduce friction and wear. On the nanoscale, atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies have been performed in single- and multiple-nanoparticle contact, in dry environments, to characterize friction forces and wear. However, limited studies in submerged liquid environments have been performed and further studies are needed. In this paper, spherical Au nanoparticles were studied for their effect on friction and wear under dry conditions and submerged in water. In single-nanoparticle contact, individual nanoparticles, deposited on silicon, were manipulated with a sharp tip and the friction force was determined. Multiple-nanoparticle contact sliding experiments were performed on nanoparticle-coated silicon with a glass sphere. Wear tests were performed on the nanoscale with AFM as well as on the macroscale by using a ball-on-flat tribometer to relate friction and wear reduction on the nanoscale and macroscale. Results indicate that the addition of Au nanoparticles reduces friction and wear. PMID:23213639

Non-contact quantification of laser micro-impulse in water by atomic force microscopy and its application for biomechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosokawa, Yoichiroh

2011-12-01

We developed a local force measurement system of a femtosecond laser-induced impulsive force, which is due to shock and stress waves generated by focusing an intense femtosecond laser into water with a highly numerical aperture objective lens. In this system, the force localized in micron-sized region was detected by bending movement of a cantilever of atomic force microscope (AFM). Here we calculated the bending movement of the AFM cantilever when the femtosecond laser is focused in water at the vicinity of the cantilever and the impulsive force is loaded on the cantilever. From the result, a method to estimate the total of the impulsive force at the laser focal point was suggested and applied to estimate intercellular adhesion strength.

Charge gradient microscopy

DOEpatents

Roelofs, Andreas; Hong, Seungbum

2018-02-06

A method for rapid imaging of a material specimen includes positioning a tip to contact the material specimen, and applying a force to a surface of the material specimen via the tip. In addition, the method includes moving the tip across the surface of the material specimen while removing electrical charge therefrom, generating a signal produced by contact between the tip and the surface, and detecting, based on the data, the removed electrical charge induced through the tip during movement of the tip across the surface. The method further includes measuring the detected electrical charge.

Low-temperature post-deposition annealing investigation for 3D charge trap flash memory by Kelvin probe force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Zongliang; Jin, Lei; Han, Yulong; Li, Xinkai; Ye, Tianchun; Liu, Ming

2015-01-01

The influence of post-deposition annealing (PDA) temperature condition on charge distribution behavior of HfO2 thin films was systematically investigated by various-temperature Kelvin probe force microscopy technology. Contact potential difference profiles demonstrated that charge storage capability shrinks with decreasing annealing temperature from 1,000 to 500 °C and lower. Compared to 1,000 °C PDA, it was found that 500 °C PDA causes deeper effective trap energy level, suppresses lateral charge spreading, and improves the retention characteristics. It is concluded that low-temperature PDA can be adopted in 3D HfO2-based charge trap flash memory to improve the thermal treatment compatibility of the bottom peripheral logic and upper memory arrays.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Jong Hun; Park, Jeong Young, E-mail: jhjung@inha.ac.kr, E-mail: jeongypark@kaist.ac.kr; Graduate School of EEWS, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Study of the triboelectric charging effect has recently gained much attraction by proposing a new potential technical application in the field of energy harvesting. Transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has some advantages in employing the triboelectric effect due to good conformity at nanometer scale and the simple fabrication process. In this study, we demonstrate that UV irradiation can enhance the performance of a PDMS-based nanotribogenerator. Contact atomic force microscopy combined with Kelvin probe force microscopy enables an in-depth investigation of the effect of UV illumination on local triboelectric charge generation and its decay in PDMS. We found that UV exposure not onlymore » facilitates triboelectric charge generation but also enhances charge redistribution, which is related to the wettability of the PDMS surface. This study provides insights into the fundamental understanding and design of triboelectric generator devices.« less

An atomic-force-microscopy study of the structure of surface layers of intact fibroblasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalisov, M. M.; Ankudinov, A. V.; Penniyaynen, V. A.; Nyapshaev, I. A.; Kipenko, A. V.; Timoshchuk, K. I.; Podzorova, S. A.; Krylov, B. V.

2017-02-01

Intact embryonic fibroblasts on a collagen-treated substrate have been studied by atomic-force microscopy (AFM) using probes of two types: (i) standard probes with tip curvature radii of 2-10 nm and (ii) special probes with a calibrated 325-nm SiO2 ball radius at the tip apex. It is established that, irrespective of probe type, the average maximum fibroblast height is on a level of 1.7 μm and the average stiffness of the probe-cell contact amounts to 16.5 mN/m. The obtained AFM data reveal a peculiarity of the fibroblast structure, whereby its external layers move as a rigid shell relative to the interior and can be pressed inside to a depth dependent on the load only.

Influence of the Metal-MoS2 interface on MoS2 Transistor Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Hui; Cheng, Guangjun; Hight Walker, Angela; You, Lin; Kopanski, Joseph J.; Li, Qiliang; Richter, Curt A.

2015-03-01

We compare the electrical characteristics of MoS2 field-effect transistors (FETS) with Ag source/drain contacts with transistors with Ti contacts, and we demonstrate that the metal-MoS2 interface is crucial to the final device performance. The topography of 5nm Au/5nm Ag (contact layer) and 5nm Au/5nm Ti metal films deposited onto mono- and few-layer MoS2 was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The surface morphology of the Au/Ti films on MoS2 shows a rough, dewetting pattern while Au/Ag forms smooth, dense films. These smoother and denser Au/Ag contacts lead to improved carrier transport efficiency. FETs with Ag contacts show more than 60 times higher on-state current and a steeper subthreshold slope. Raman spectroscopy of MoS2 covered with Au/Ag or Au/Ti films revealed that the contact layer is Ag or Ti, respectively. In addition, there is a dramatic difference in the heat transfer between the MoS2 and the two metals: while laser heating is observed in Au/Ti covered MoS2, no heating effects are seen in Au/Ag covered MoS2. It is reasonable to conclude that the smoother and denser Ag contact leads to higher carrier transport efficiency and contributes to the improved thermal properties.

Analysis of the axisymmetric indentation of a semi-infinite piezoelectric material: The evaluation of the contact stiffness and the effective piezoelectric constant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fuqian

2008-04-01

A general solution of the axisymmetric indentation is obtained in the closed form for a semi-infinite, transverse isotropic piezoelectric material by a rigid-conducting indenter of arbitrary-axisymmetric profile. Explicit relationships are derived for dependences of the indentation depth and the indentation-induced charge on indentation force and applied electrical potential. Simple formulas are obtained for contact stiffness and effective piezoelectric constant, which can be used in indentation test and piezoresponse force microscopy to analyze the elastic and piezoelectric responses of piezoelectric materials. Depending on the direction of electric field (the potential difference), the electric field can either increase or suppress indentation deformation. The corresponding results are given for cylindrical, conical, and paraboloidal indenters.

The possibility of multi-layer nanofabrication via atomic force microscope-based pulse electrochemical nanopatterning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Uk Su; Morita, Noboru; Lee, Deug Woo; Jun, Martin; Park, Jeong Woo

2017-05-01

Pulse electrochemical nanopatterning, a non-contact scanning probe lithography process using ultrashort voltage pulses, is based primarily on an electrochemical machining process using localized electrochemical oxidation between a sharp tool tip and the sample surface. In this study, nanoscale oxide patterns were formed on silicon Si (100) wafer surfaces via electrochemical surface nanopatterning, by supplying external pulsed currents through non-contact atomic force microscopy. Nanoscale oxide width and height were controlled by modulating the applied pulse duration. Additionally, protruding nanoscale oxides were removed completely by simple chemical etching, showing a depressed pattern on the sample substrate surface. Nanoscale two-dimensional oxides, prepared by a localized electrochemical reaction, can be defined easily by controlling physical and electrical variables, before proceeding further to a layer-by-layer nanofabrication process.

Viscoelastic properties of normal and cancerous human breast cells are affected differently by contact to adjacent cells.

PubMed

Schierbaum, Nicolas; Rheinlaender, Johannes; Schäffer, Tilman E

2017-06-01

Malignant transformation drastically alters the mechanical properties of the cell and its response to the surrounding cellular environment. We studied the influence of the physical contact between adjacent cells in an epithelial monolayer on the viscoelastic behavior of normal MCF10A, non-invasive cancerous MCF7, and invasive cancerous MDA-MB-231 human breast cells. Using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging technique termed force clamp force mapping (FCFM) to record images of the viscoelastic material properties, we found that normal MCF10A cells are stiffer and have a lower fluidity at confluent than at sparse density. Contrarily, cancerous MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells do not stiffen and do not decrease their fluidity when progressing from sparse to confluent density. The behavior of normal MCF10A cells appears to be governed by the formation of stable cell-cell contacts, because their disruption with a calcium-chelator (EGTA) causes the stiffness and fluidity values to return to those at sparse density. In contrast, EGTA-treatment of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells does not change their viscoelastic properties. Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that the change of the viscoelastic behavior in MCF10A cells when going from sparse to confluent density is accompanied by a remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton into thick stress fiber bundles, while in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells the actin cytoskeleton is only composed of thin and short fibers, regardless of cell density. While the observed behavior of normal MCF10A cells might be crucial for providing mechanical stability and thus in turn integrity of the epithelial monolayer, the dysregulation of this behavior in cancerous MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells is possibly a central aspect of cancer progression in the epithelium. We measured the viscoelastic properties of normal and cancerous human breast epithelial cells in different states of confluency using atomic force microscopy. We found that confluent normal cells are stiffer and have lower fluidity than sparse normal cells, which appears to be governed by the formation of cell-cell contacts. Contrarily, confluent cancer cells do not stiffen and not have a decreased fluidity compared to sparse cancer cells and their viscoelastic properties are independent of cell-cell contact formation. While the observed behavior of normal cells appears to be crucial for providing the mechanical stability and therefore the integrity of the epithelial monolayer, the dysregulation of this behavior in cancer cells might be a central aspect of early stage cancer progression and metastasis in the epithelium. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabricating Ohmic contact on Nb-doped SrTiO{sub 3} surface in nanoscale

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Yuhang; National Key Laboratory of Shock Wave and Detonation Physics, Institute of Fluid Physics, Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan 621999; Shi, Xiaolan

2016-05-09

Fabricating reliable nano-Ohmic contact on wide gap semiconductors is an important yet difficult step in oxide nanoelectronics. We fabricated Ohmic contact on the n-type wide gap oxide Nb-doped SrTiO{sub 3} in nanoscale by mechanically scratching the surface using an atomic force microscopy tip. Although contacted to high work function metal, the scratched area exhibits nearly linear IV behavior with low contact resistance, which maintains for hours in vacuum. In contrast, the unscratched area shows Fowler–Nordheim tunneling dominated Schottky rectifying behavior with high contact resistance. It was found that the Ohmic conductivity in the scratched area was drastically suppressed by oxygenmore » gas indicating the oxygen vacancy origin of the Ohmic behavior. The surface oxygen vacancy induced barrier width reduction was proposed to explain the phenomena. The nanoscale approach is also applicable to macroscopic devices and has potential application in all-oxide devices.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lazauskas, A., E-mail: Algirdas.LAZAUSKAS@stud.ktu.lt; Guobienė, A., E-mail: Asta.GUOBIENE@ktu.lt; Prosyčevas, I., E-mail: IGORPROS@mail.ru

This work investigates water droplet behavior on superhydrophobic (water contact angle value of 162 ± 1°) SiO{sub 2} nanocomposite films subjected to repetitive icing/deicing treatments, changes in SiO{sub 2} nanocomposite film surface morphology and their non-wetting characteristics. During the experiment, water droplets on SiO{sub 2} nanocomposite film surface are subjected to a series of icing and deicing cycles in a humid (∼ 70% relative humidity) atmosphere and the resulting morphological changes are monitored and characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements. Our data show that the formation of the frozen or thawed water droplet, with no furthermore » shape change, on superhydrophobic SiO{sub 2} nanocomposite film, is obtained faster within each cycle as the number of the icing/deicing cycles increases. After 10 icing and deicing cycles, the superhydrophobic SiO{sub 2} nanocomposite film had a water contact angle value of 146 ± 2° which is effectively non-superhydrophobic. AFM analysis showed that the superhydrophobic SiO{sub 2} nanocomposite film surface area under the water droplet undergoes gradual mechanical damage during the repetitive icing/deicing cycles. We propose a possible mechanism of the morphological changes to the film surface that take place during the consecutive icing/deicing experiments. - Highlights: • Superhydrophobic film is subjected to repetitive icing/deicing treatments. • Water droplet shape transition is recorded and characterized thereafter. • Atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurements are performed. • The surface undergoes gradual mechanical damage during repetitive icing/deicing. • Mechanism for the observed surface morphological changes is suggested.« less

A numerical analysis of forces exerted by laminar flow on spreading cells in a parallel plate flow chamber assay.

PubMed

Olivier, L A; Truskey, G A

1993-10-01

Exposure of spreading anchorage-dependent cells to laminar flow is a common technique to measure the strength of cell adhesion. Since cells protrude into the flow stream, the force exerted by the fluid on the cells is a function of cell shape. To assess the relationship between cell shape and the hydrodynamic force on adherent cells, we obtained numerical solutions of the velocity and stress fields around bovine aortic endothelial cells during various stages of spreading and calculated the force required to detach the cells. Morphometric parameters were obtained from light and scanning electron microscopy measurements. Cells were assumed to have a constant volume, but the surface area increased during spreading until the membrane was stretched taut. Two-dimensional models of steady flow were generated using the software packages ANSYS (mesh generation) and FIDAP (problem solution). The validity of the numerical results was tested by comparison with published results for a semicircle in contact with the surface. The drag force and torque were greatest for round cells making initial contact with the surface. During spreading, the drag force and torque declined by factors of 2 and 20, respectively. The calculated forces and moments were used in adhesion models to predict the wall shear stress at which the cells detached. Based upon published values for the bond force and receptor number, round cells should detach at shear stresses between 2.5 and 6 dyn/cm(2), whereas substantially higher stresses are needed to detach spreading and fully spread cells. Results from the simulations indicate that (1) the drag force varies little with cell shape whereas the torque is very sensitive to cell shape, and (2) the increase in the strength of adhesion during spreading is due to increased contact area and receptor densities within the contact area. (c) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Effect of current compliance and voltage sweep rate on the resistive switching of HfO{sub 2}/ITO/Invar structure as measured by conductive atomic force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, You-Lin, E-mail: ylwu@ncnu.edu.tw; Liao, Chun-Wei; Ling, Jing-Jenn

2014-06-16

The electrical characterization of HfO{sub 2}/ITO/Invar resistive switching memory structure was studied using conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a semiconductor parameter analyzer, Agilent 4156C. The metal alloy Invar was used as the metal substrate to ensure good ohmic contact with the substrate holder of the AFM. A conductive Pt/Ir AFM tip was placed in direct contact with the HfO{sub 2} surface, such that it acted as the top electrode. Nanoscale current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the HfO{sub 2}/ITO/Invar structure were measured by applying a ramp voltage through the conductive AFM tip at various current compliances and ramp voltage sweep rates.more » It was found that the resistance of the low resistance state (RLRS) decreased with increasing current compliance value, but resistance of high resistance state (RHRS) barely changed. However, both the RHRS and RLRS decreased as the voltage sweep rate increased. The reasons for this dependency on current compliance and voltage sweep rate are discussed.« less

Effects of surface wettability and contact time on protein adhesion to biomaterial surfaces

PubMed Central

Xu, Li-Chong; Siedlecki, Christopher A.

2013-01-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to directly measure the adhesion forces between three test proteins and low density polyethylene (LDPE) surfaces treated by glow discharge plasma to yield various levels of water wettability. The adhesion of proteins to the LDPE substrates showed a step dependence on the wettability of surfaces as measured by the water contact angle (θ). For LDPE surfaces with θ > ∼60–65°, stronger adhesion forces were observed for bovine serum albumin, fibrinogen and human FXII than for the surfaces with θ < 60°. Smaller adhesion forces were observed for FXII than for the other two proteins on all surfaces although trends were identical. Increasing the contact time from 0 to 50 s for each protein–surface combination increased the adhesion force regardless of surface wettability. Time varying adhesion data was fit to an exponential model and free energies of protein unfolding were calculated. This data, viewed in light of previously published studies, suggests a 2-step model of protein denaturation, an early stage on the order of seconds to minutes where the outer surface of the protein interacts with the substrate and a second stage involving movement of hydrophobic amino acids from the protein core to the protein/surface interface. Impact statement The work described in this manuscript shows a stark transition between protein adherent and protein non-adherent materials in the range of water contact angles 60–65°, consistent with known changes in protein adsorption and activity. Time-dependent changes in adhesion force were used to calculate unfolding energies relating to protein–surface interactions. This analysis provides justification for a 2-step model of protein denaturation on surfaces. PMID:17466368

Strategies for alignment and e-beam contact to buried atomic-precision devices in Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyrick, Jonathan; Namboodiri, Pradeep; Wang, Xiqiao; Murray, Roy; Hagmann, Joseph; Li, Kai; Stewart, Michael; Richter, Curt; Silver, Richard

STM based hydrogen lithography has proven to be a viable route to fabrication of atomic-precision electronic devices. The strength of this technique is the ability to control the lateral placement of phosphorus atoms in a single atomic layer of Si with sub-nanometer resolution. However, because of limitations in the rate at which a scanning probe can pattern a device, as well as the ultimate size of contacts that can be fabricated (on the order of a micron in length), making electrical contact to STM fabricated devices encased in Si is nontrivial. One commonly implemented solution to this challenge is to choose the exact location on a Si surface where a device is to be patterned by STM and to design fiducials to aid in navigating the probe to that predetermined location. We present results from an alternate strategy for contacting buried devices based on performing the STM lithography fabrication first, and determination of the buried structure location after the fact using topographically identifiable STM fabricated fiducials. AFM, scanning capacitance, and peak force Kelvin microscopy as well as optical microscopy techniques are evaluated as a means for device relocation and to quantify the comparative accuracy of these techniques.

Preparation of polystyrene brush film by radical chain-transfer polymerization and micromechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jing; Chen, Miao; An, Yanqing; Liu, Jianxi; Yan, Fengyuan

2008-12-01

A radical chain-transfer polymerization technique has been applied to graft-polymerize brushes of polystyrene (PSt) on single-crystal silicon substrates. 3-Mercapto-propyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS), as a chain-transfer agent for grafting, was immobilized on the silicon surface by a self-assembling process. The structure and morphology of the graft-functionalized silicon surfaces were characterized by the means of contact-angle measurement, ellipsometric thickness measurement, Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nanotribological and micromechanical properties of the as-prepared polymer brush films were investigated by frictional force microscopy (FFM), force-volume analysis and scratch test. The results indicate that the friction properties of the grafted polymer films can be improved significantly by the treatment of toluene, and the chemically bonded polystyrene film exhibits superior scratch resistance behavior compared with the spin-coated polystyrene film. The resultant polystyrene brush film is expected to develop as a potential lubrication coating for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

The importance of cantilever dynamics in the interpretation of Kelvin probe force microscopy.

PubMed

Satzinger, Kevin J; Brown, Keith A; Westervelt, Robert M

2012-09-15

A realistic interpretation of the measured contact potential difference (CPD) in Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is crucial in order to extract meaningful information about the sample. Central to this interpretation is a method to include contributions from the macroscopic cantilever arm, as well as the cone and sharp tip of a KPFM probe. Here, three models of the electrostatic interaction between a KPFM probe and a sample are tested through an electrostatic simulation and compared with experiment. In contrast with previous studies that treat the KPFM cantilever as a rigid object, we allow the cantilever to bend and rotate; accounting for cantilever bending provides the closest agreement between theory and experiment. We demonstrate that cantilever dynamics play a major role in CPD measurements and provide a simulation technique to explore this phenomenon.

Atomic Force Microscopy Techniques for Nanomechanical Characterization: A Polymeric Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reggente, Melania; Rossi, Marco; Angeloni, Livia; Tamburri, Emanuela; Lucci, Massimiliano; Davoli, Ivan; Terranova, Maria Letizia; Passeri, Daniele

2015-04-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a versatile tool to perform mechanical characterization of surface samples at the nanoscale. In this work, we review two of such methods, namely contact resonance AFM (CR-AFM) and torsional harmonics AFM (TH-AFM). First, such techniques are illustrated and their applicability on materials with elastic moduli in different ranges are discussed, together with their main advantages and limitations. Then, a case study is presented in which we report the mechanical characterization using both CR-AFM and TH-AFM of polyaniline and polyaniniline doped with nanodiamond particles tablets prepared by a pressing process. We determined the indentation modulus values of their surfaces, which were found in fairly good agreement, thus demonstrating the accuracy of the techniques. Finally, the determined surface elastic moduli have been compared with the bulk ones measured through standard indentation testing.

Imaging modes of atomic force microscopy for application in molecular and cell biology.

PubMed

Dufrêne, Yves F; Ando, Toshio; Garcia, Ricardo; Alsteens, David; Martinez-Martin, David; Engel, Andreas; Gerber, Christoph; Müller, Daniel J

2017-04-06

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful, multifunctional imaging platform that allows biological samples, from single molecules to living cells, to be visualized and manipulated. Soon after the instrument was invented, it was recognized that in order to maximize the opportunities of AFM imaging in biology, various technological developments would be required to address certain limitations of the method. This has led to the creation of a range of new imaging modes, which continue to push the capabilities of the technique today. Here, we review the basic principles, advantages and limitations of the most common AFM bioimaging modes, including the popular contact and dynamic modes, as well as recently developed modes such as multiparametric, molecular recognition, multifrequency and high-speed imaging. For each of these modes, we discuss recent experiments that highlight their unique capabilities.

Probing viscoelastic surfaces with bimodal tapping-mode atomic force microscopy: Underlying physics and observables for a standard linear solid model.

PubMed

Solares, Santiago D

2014-01-01

This paper presents computational simulations of single-mode and bimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM) with particular focus on the viscoelastic interactions occurring during tip-sample impact. The surface is modeled by using a standard linear solid model, which is the simplest system that can reproduce creep compliance and stress relaxation, which are fundamental behaviors exhibited by viscoelastic surfaces. The relaxation of the surface in combination with the complexities of bimodal tip-sample impacts gives rise to unique dynamic behaviors that have important consequences with regards to the acquisition of quantitative relationships between the sample properties and the AFM observables. The physics of the tip-sample interactions and its effect on the observables are illustrated and discussed, and a brief research outlook on viscoelasticity measurement with intermittent-contact AFM is provided.

Optimizing atomic force microscopy for characterization of diamond-protein interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezek, Bohuslav; Ukraintsev, Egor; Kromka, Alexander

2011-12-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) in contact mode and tapping mode is employed for high resolution studies of soft organic molecules (fetal bovine serum proteins) on hard inorganic diamond substrates in solution and air. Various effects in morphology and phase measurements related to the cantilever spring constant, amplitude of tip oscillations, surface approach, tip shape and condition are demonstrated and discussed based on the proposed schematic models. We show that both diamond and proteins can be mechanically modified by Si AFM cantilever. We propose how to choose suitable cantilever type, optimize scanning parameters, recognize and minimize various artifacts, and obtain reliable AFM data both in solution and in air to reveal microscopic characteristics of protein-diamond interfaces. We also suggest that monocrystalline diamond is well defined substrate that can be applicable for fundamental studies of molecules on surfaces in general.

Atomic force microscopy analysis of different surface treatments of Ti dental implant surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bathomarco, Ti R. V.; Solorzano, G.; Elias, C. N.; Prioli, R.

2004-06-01

The surface of commercial unalloyed titanium, used in dental implants, was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The morphology, roughness, and surface area of the samples, submitted to mechanically-induced erosion, chemical etching and a combination of both, were compared. The results show that surface treatments strongly influence the dental implant physical and chemical properties. An analysis of the length dependence of the implant surface roughness shows that, for scan sizes larger than 50 μm, the average surface roughness is independent of the scanning length and that the surface treatments lead to average surface roughness in the range of 0.37 up to 0.48 μm. It is shown that the implant surface energy is sensitive to the titanium surface area. As the area increases there is a decrease in the surface contact angle.

A Facile All-Solution-Processed Surface with High Water Contact Angle and High Water Adhesive Force.

PubMed

Chen, Mei; Hu, Wei; Liang, Xiao; Zou, Cheng; Li, Fasheng; Zhang, Lanying; Chen, Feiwu; Yang, Huai

2017-07-12

A series of sticky superhydrophobicity surfaces with high water contact angle and high water adhesive force is facilely prepared via an all-solution-processed method based on polymerization-induced phase separation between liquid crystals (LCs) and epoxy resin, which produces layers of epoxy microspheres (EMSs) with nanofolds on the surface of a substrate. The morphologies and size distributions of EMSs are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Results reveal that the obtained EMS coated-surface exhibits high apparent contact angle of 152.0° and high water adhesive force up to 117.6 μN. By varying the composition of the sample or preparing conditions, the sizes of the produced EMSs can be artificially regulated and, thus, control the wetting properties and water adhesive behaviors. Also, the sticky superhydrophobic surface exhibits excellent chemical stability, as well as long-term durability. Water droplet transportation experiments further prove that the as-made surface can be effectively used as a mechanical hand for water transportation applications. Based on this, it is believed that the simple method proposed in this paper will pave a new way for producing a sticky superhydrophobic surface and obtain a wide range of use.

Contact stiffness and damping of liquid films in dynamic atomic force microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Rong-Guang; Leng, Yongsheng, E-mail: leng@gwu.edu

2016-04-21

The mechanical properties and dissipation behaviors of nanometers confined liquid films have been long-standing interests in surface force measurements. The correlation between the contact stiffness and damping of the nanoconfined film is still not well understood. We establish a novel computational framework through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for the first time to study small-amplitude dynamic atomic force microscopy (dynamic AFM) in a simple nonpolar liquid. Through introducing a tip driven dynamics to mimic the mechanical oscillations of the dynamic AFM tip-cantilever assembly, we find that the contact stiffness and damping of the confined film exhibit distinct oscillations within 6-7 monolayermore » distances, and they are generally out-of-phase. For the solid-like film with integer monolayer thickness, further compression of the film before layering transition leads to higher stiffness and lower damping, while much lower stiffness and higher damping occur at non-integer monolayer distances. These two alternating mechanisms dominate the mechanical properties and dissipation behaviors of simple liquid films under cyclic elastic compression and inelastic squeeze-out. Our MD simulations provide a direct picture of correlations between the structural property, mechanical stiffness, and dissipation behavior of the nanoconfined film.« less

Atomic force microscopy studies of human rhinovirus topology and molecular forces.

PubMed

Kienberger, Ferry; Zhu, Rong; Rankl, Christian; Gruber, Hermann J; Blaas, Dieter; Hinterdorfer, Peter

2010-01-01

Dynamic force microscopy (DFM) allows for imaging of the structure and assessment of the function of biological specimens in their physiological environment. In DFM, the cantilever is oscillated at a given frequency and touches the sample only at the end of its downward movement. Accordingly, the problem of lateral forces displacing or even destroying biomolecules is virtually inexistent as the contact time and friction forces are greatly reduced. Here, we describe the use of DFM in studies of human rhinovirus serotype 2 (HRV2). The capsid of HRV2 was reproducibly imaged without any displacement of the virus. Release of the genomic RNA from the virions was initiated by exposure to low-pH buffer and snapshots of the extrusion process were obtained. DFM of the single-stranded RNA genome of an HRV showed loops protruding from a condensed RNA core, 20-50 nm in height. The mechanical rigidity of the RNA was determined by single molecule pulling experiments. From fitting RNA stretching curves to the worm-like-chain (WLC) model a persistence length of 1.0+/-0.17 nm was obtained. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bipolar charge storage characteristics in copper and cobalt co-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film.

PubMed

Kumar, Amit; Herng, Tun Seng; Zeng, Kaiyang; Ding, Jun

2012-10-24

The bipolar charge phenomenon in Cu and Co co-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) film samples has been studied using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Those ZnO samples are made using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. It is found that the addition of Cu and Co dopants suppresses the electron density in ZnO and causes a significant change in the work function (Fermi level) value of the ZnO film; this results in the ohmic nature of the contact between the electrode (probe tip) and codoped sample, whereas this contact exhibits a Schottky nature in the undoped and single-element-doped samples. These results are verified by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) measurements. It is also found that the co-doping (Cu and Co) can stabilize the bipolar charge, whereas Cu doping only stabilizes the positive charge in ZnO thin films.

Tapping mode imaging with an interfacial force microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, O. L.; Graham, J. F.; Norton, P. R.

1997-11-01

In their present embodiment, sensors used in interfacial force microscopy do not have the necessary mechanical bandwidth to be employed as free-running tapping mode devices. We describe an extremely stable method of obtaining tapping mode images using feedback on the sensor. Our method is immune to small dc drifts in the force signal, and the prospect of diminishing the risk of damaging fragile samples is realized. The feasibility of the technique is demonstrated by our imaging work on a Kevlar fiber-epoxy composite. We also present a model which accounts for the frequency dependence of the sensor in air when operating under closed loop control. A simplified force modulation model is investigated to explore the effect of contact on the closed loop response of the sensor.

Surfaces wettability and morphology modulation in a fluorene derivative self-assembly system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Xinhua; Gao, Aiping; Zhao, Na; Yuan, Fangyuan; Liu, Chenxi; Li, Ruru

2016-04-01

A new organogelator based on fluorene derivative (gelator 1) was designed and synthesized. Organogels could be obtained via the self-assembly of the derivative in acetone, toluene, ethyl acetate, hexane, DMSO and petroleum ether. The self-assembly process was thoroughly characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis, FT-IR and the contact angle. Surfaces with different morphologies and wetting properties were formed via the self-assembly of gelator 1 in the six different solvents. Interestingly, a superhydrophobic surface with a contact angle of 150° was obtained from organogel 1 in DMSO and exhibited the lotus-effect. The sliding angle necessary for a water droplet to move on the glass was only 15°. Hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces were attributed as the main driving forces for gel formation.

Surface adhesion and confinement variation of Staphylococcus aurius on SAM surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amroski, Alicia; Olsen, Morgan; Calabrese, Joseph; Senevirathne, Reshani; Senevirathne, Indrajith

2012-02-01

Controlled surface adhesion of non - pathogenic gram positive strain, Staphylococcus aureus is interesting as a model system due to possible development of respective biosensors for prevention and detection of the pathogenic strain methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and further as a study for bio-machine interfacing. Self Assembled Monolayers (SAM) with engineered surfaces of linear thiols on Au(111) were used as the substrate. Sub cultured S. aureus were used for the analysis. The SAM layered surfaces were dipped in 2 -- 4 Log/ml S. aureus solution. Subsequent surface adhesion at different bacterial dilutions on surfaces will be discussed, and correlated with quantitative and qualitative adhesion properties of bacteria on the engineered SAM surfaces. The bacteria adhered SAM surfaces were investigated using intermittent contact, noncontact, lateral force and contact modes of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).

The effect of PeakForce tapping mode AFM imaging on the apparent shape of surface nanobubbles.

PubMed

Walczyk, Wiktoria; Schön, Peter M; Schönherr, Holger

2013-05-08

Until now, TM AFM (tapping mode or intermittent contact mode atomic force microscopy) has been the most often applied direct imaging technique to analyze surface nanobubbles at the solid-aqueous interface. While the presence and number density of nanobubbles can be unequivocally detected and estimated, it remains unclear how much the a priori invasive nature of AFM affects the apparent shapes and dimensions of the nanobubbles. To be able to successfully address the unsolved questions in this field, the accurate knowledge of the nanobubbles' dimensions, radii of curvature etc is necessary. In this contribution we present a comparative study of surface nanobubbles on HOPG (highly oriented pyrolytic graphite) in water acquired with (i) TM AFM and (ii) the recently introduced PFT (PeakForce tapping) mode, in which the force exerted on the nanobubbles rather than the amplitude of the resonating cantilever is used as the AFM feedback parameter during imaging. In particular, we analyzed how the apparent size and shape of nanobubbles depend on the maximum applied force in PFT AFM. Even for forces as small as 73 pN, the nanobubbles appeared smaller than their true size, which was estimated from an extrapolation of the bubble height to zero applied force. In addition, the size underestimation was found to be more pronounced for larger bubbles. The extrapolated true nanoscopic contact angles for nanobubbles on HOPG, measured in PFT AFM, ranged from 145° to 175° and were only slightly underestimated by scanning with non-zero forces. This result was comparable to the nanoscopic contact angles of 160°-175° measured using TM AFM in the same set of experiments. Both values disagree, in accordance with the literature, with the macroscopic contact angle of water on HOPG, measured here to be 63° ± 2°.

Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy in liquid using Electrochemical Force Microscopy

DOE PAGES

Collins, Liam; Jesse, Stephen; Kilpatrick, J.; ...

2015-01-19

Conventional closed loop-Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) has emerged as a powerful technique for probing electric and transport phenomena at the solid-gas interface. The extension of KPFM capabilities to probe electrostatic and electrochemical phenomena at the solid–liquid interface is of interest for a broad range of applications from energy storage to biological systems. However, the operation of KPFM implicitly relies on the presence of a linear lossless dielectric in the probe-sample gap, a condition which is violated for ionically-active liquids (e.g., when diffuse charge dynamics are present). Here, electrostatic and electrochemical measurements are demonstrated in ionically-active (polar isopropanol, milli-Q watermore » and aqueous NaCl) and ionically-inactive (non-polar decane) liquids by electrochemical force microscopy (EcFM), a multidimensional (i.e., bias- and time-resolved) spectroscopy method. In the absence of mobile charges (ambient and non-polar liquids), KPFM and EcFM are both feasible, yielding comparable contact potential difference (CPD) values. In ionically-active liquids, KPFM is not possible and EcFM can be used to measure the dynamic CPD and a rich spectrum of information pertaining to charge screening, ion diffusion, and electrochemical processes (e.g., Faradaic reactions). EcFM measurements conducted in isopropanol and milli-Q water over Au and highly ordered pyrolytic graphite electrodes demonstrate both sample- and solvent-dependent features. Finally, the feasibility of using EcFM as a local force-based mapping technique of material-dependent electrostatic and electrochemical response is investigated. The resultant high dimensional dataset is visualized using a purely statistical approach that does not require a priori physical models, allowing for qualitative mapping of electrostatic and electrochemical material properties at the solid–liquid interface.« less

A coating of silane modified silica nanoparticles on PET substrate film for inkjet printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, J.; Liu, L.; Jiang, B.; Hu, Z.; Wang, X. Q.; Huang, Y. D.; Lin, D. R.; Zhang, Q. H.

2012-04-01

The paper aims to design nanoporous coatings for inkjet printing and study its microstructure influence on the ink absorption. In the present work, two inkjet materials were prepared: one with unmodified nano-SiO2 (S_1), the other with silica coupling agent modified nano-SiO2 (S_2). The surface characteristic changing after modification was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM). Wetting with contact angles was determined by the dynamic contact angle analysis test (DCAT). Through measurements, the dispersion of modified nano-SiO2 particles in the coating was superior to the dispersion of unmodified nano-SiO2 particles, surface roughness value (Ra) of S_1 was significantly higher than that of S_2, dynamic contact angle of S_2 is smaller than that of S_1 and ink droplet absorption in S_2 was much faster than in S_1. These results also reveal that the modification method is effective and offers a potential way to fabricate inkjet material with the advantages of microstructure and ink absorption over traditional methods.

Effect of dielectric barrier discharge treatment on surface nanostructure and wettability of polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Yu; Xu, Lin; Wang, Chunxia; Wang, Xiaona; Ding, Zhirong; Chen, Yuyue

2017-12-01

Polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabrics are treated with atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma to improve surface wettability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) show that micro- to nano-scale textures appear on the treated PLA surfaces dependent on the treatment time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that the DBD plasma treatments result in decreased carbon contents and increased oxygen contents as well as slightly increased nitrogen contents. The water contact angle decreases sharply with the increase of the DBD plasma treatment time. The super hydrophilic PLA surfaces (the water contact angle reached 0°) are obtained when the treatment time is longer than 90 s. Ninety days after the DBD plasma treatment, the XPS analysis shows that Csbnd O/Csbnd N and Cdbnd O/Osbnd Cdbnd O percentages decline for all treatment groups. However, the water contact angle is kept constant at 0° for the groups treated above 90 s, which could be due to the oxidized nano-structured layer on the DBD plasma treated PLA surfaces.

Atomic Structures of Silicene Layers Grown on Ag(111): Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Noncontact Atomic Force Microscopy Observations

PubMed Central

Resta, Andrea; Leoni, Thomas; Barth, Clemens; Ranguis, Alain; Becker, Conrad; Bruhn, Thomas; Vogt, Patrick; Le Lay, Guy

2013-01-01

Silicene, the considered equivalent of graphene for silicon, has been recently synthesized on Ag(111) surfaces. Following the tremendous success of graphene, silicene might further widen the horizon of two-dimensional materials with new allotropes artificially created. Due to stronger spin-orbit coupling, lower group symmetry and different chemistry compared to graphene, silicene presents many new interesting features. Here, we focus on very important aspects of silicene layers on Ag(111): First, we present scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and non-contact Atomic Force Microscopy (nc-AFM) observations of the major structures of single layer and bi-layer silicene in epitaxy with Ag(111). For the (3 × 3) reconstructed first silicene layer nc-AFM represents the same lateral arrangement of silicene atoms as STM and therefore provides a timely experimental confirmation of the current picture of the atomic silicene structure. Furthermore, both nc-AFM and STM give a unifying interpretation of the second layer (√3 × √3)R ± 30° structure. Finally, we give support to the conjectured possible existence of less stable, ~2% stressed, (√7 × √7)R ± 19.1° rotated silicene domains in the first layer. PMID:23928998

Adhesion of cellulose fibers in paper.

PubMed

Persson, Bo N J; Ganser, Christian; Schmied, Franz; Teichert, Christian; Schennach, Robert; Gilli, Eduard; Hirn, Ulrich

2013-01-30

The surface topography of paper fibers is studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and thus the surface roughness power spectrum is obtained. Using AFM we have performed indentation experiments and measured the effective elastic modulus and the penetration hardness as a function of humidity. The influence of water capillary adhesion on the fiber-fiber binding strength is studied. Cellulose fibers can absorb a significant amount of water, resulting in swelling and a strong reduction in the elastic modulus and the penetration hardness. This will lead to closer contact between the fibers during the drying process (the capillary bridges pull the fibers into closer contact without storing up a lot of elastic energy at the contacting interface). In order for the contact to remain good in the dry state, plastic flow must occur (in the wet state) so that the dry surface profiles conform to each other (forming a key-and-lock type of contact).

Finite element based contact analysis of radio frequency MEMs switch membrane surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jin-Ya; Chalivendra, Vijaya; Huang, Wenzhen

2017-10-01

Finite element simulations were performed to determine the contact behavior of radio frequency (RF) micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) switch contact surfaces under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to capture the topography of RF-MEM switch membranes and later they were analyzed for multi-scale regular as well as fractal structures. Frictionless, non-adhesive contact 3D finite element analysis was carried out at different length scales to investigate the contact behavior of the regular-fractal surface using an elasto-plastic material model. Dominant micro-scale regular patterns were found to significantly change the contact behavior. Contact areas mainly cluster around the regular pattern. The contribution from the fractal structure is not significant. Under cyclic loading conditions, plastic deformation in the 1st loading/unloading cycle smooth the surface. The subsequent repetitive loading/unloading cycles undergo elastic contact without changing the morphology of the contacting surfaces. The work is expected to shed light on the quality of the switch surface contact as well as the optimum design of RF MEM switch surfaces.

Taking nanomedicine teaching into practice with atomic force microscopy and force spectroscopy.

PubMed

Carvalho, Filomena A; Freitas, Teresa; Santos, Nuno C

2015-12-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a useful and powerful tool to study molecular interactions applied to nanomedicine. The aim of the present study was to implement a hands-on atomic AFM course for graduated biosciences and medical students. The course comprises two distinct practical sessions, where students get in touch with the use of an atomic force microscope by performing AFM scanning images of human blood cells and force spectroscopy measurements of the fibrinogen-platelet interaction. Since the beginning of this course, in 2008, the overall rating by the students was 4.7 (out of 5), meaning a good to excellent evaluation. Students were very enthusiastic and produced high-quality AFM images and force spectroscopy data. The implementation of the hands-on AFM course was a success, giving to the students the opportunity of contact with a technique that has a wide variety of applications on the nanomedicine field. In the near future, nanomedicine will have remarkable implications in medicine regarding the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of different diseases. AFM enables students to observe single molecule interactions, enabling the understanding of molecular mechanisms of different physiological and pathological processes at the nanoscale level. Therefore, the introduction of nanomedicine courses in bioscience and medical school curricula is essential. Copyright © 2015 The American Physiological Society.

Enhancement of the Laser Transmission Weldability between Polyethylene and Polyoxymethylene by Plasma Surface Treatment

PubMed Central

Tan, Wensheng; Wang, Xiao

2017-01-01

Due to their large compatibility difference, polyethylene (PE) and polyoxymethylene (POM) cannot be welded together by laser transmission welding. In this study, PE and POM are pretreated using plasma that significantly enhances their laser transmission welding strength. To understand the mechanism underlying the laser welding strength enhancement, surface modification is analyzed using contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization results show that the plasma surface treatment improves the surface free energy, significantly enhancing the wettability of the materials. The increase in surface roughness and the generation of homogeneous bubbles contribute to the formation of mechanical micro-interlocking. The oxygen-containing groups introduced by the oxygen plasma treatment improve the compatibility of PE and POM, and facilitate the diffusion and entanglement of molecular chains and the formation of van der Waals force. PMID:29278367

Surface nanobubbles studied by atomic force microscopy techniques: Facts, fiction, and open questions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schönherr, Holger; Hain, Nicole; Walczyk, Wiktoria; Wesner, Daniel; Druzhinin, Sergey I.

2016-08-01

In this review surface nanobubbles, which are presumably gas-filled enclosures found at the solid-liquid interface, are introduced and discussed together with key experimental findings that suggest that these nanoscale features indeed exist and are filled with gas. The most prominent technique used thus far has been atomic force microscopy (AFM). However, due to its potentially invasive nature, AFM data must be interpreted with great care. Owing to their curved interface, the Laplace internal pressure of surface nanobubbles exceeds substantially the outside ambient pressure, and the experimentally observed long term stability is in conflict with estimates of gas transport rates and predicted surface nanobubble lifetimes. Despite recent explanations of both the stability and the unusual nanoscopic contact angles, the development of new co-localization approaches and the adequate analysis of AFM data of surface nanobubbles are important as a means to confirm the gaseous nature and correctly estimate the interfacial curvature.

Enhancement of the Laser Transmission Weldability between Polyethylene and Polyoxymethylene by Plasma Surface Treatment.

PubMed

Liu, Huixia; Jiang, Yingjie; Tan, Wensheng; Wang, Xiao

2017-12-26

Due to their large compatibility difference, polyethylene (PE) and polyoxymethylene (POM) cannot be welded together by laser transmission welding. In this study, PE and POM are pretreated using plasma that significantly enhances their laser transmission welding strength. To understand the mechanism underlying the laser welding strength enhancement, surface modification is analyzed using contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization results show that the plasma surface treatment improves the surface free energy, significantly enhancing the wettability of the materials. The increase in surface roughness and the generation of homogeneous bubbles contribute to the formation of mechanical micro-interlocking. The oxygen-containing groups introduced by the oxygen plasma treatment improve the compatibility of PE and POM, and facilitate the diffusion and entanglement of molecular chains and the formation of van der Waals force.

Elastic modulus measurements at variable temperature: Validation of atomic force microscopy techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Natali, Marco; Reggente, Melania; Passeri, Daniele; Rossi, Marco

2016-06-01

The development of polymer-based nanocomposites to be used in critical thermal environments requires the characterization of their mechanical properties, which are related to their chemical composition, size, morphology and operating temperature. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been proven to be a useful tool to develop techniques for the mechanical characterization of these materials, thanks to its nanometer lateral resolution and to the capability of exerting ultra-low loads, down to the piconewton range. In this work, we demonstrate two techniques, one quasi-static, i.e., AFM-based indentation (I-AFM), and one dynamic, i.e., contact resonance AFM (CR-AFM), for the mechanical characterization of compliant materials at variable temperature. A cross-validation of I-AFM and CR-AFM has been performed by comparing the results obtained on two reference materials, i.e., low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polycarbonate (PC), which demonstrated the accuracy of the techniques.

Indentation of poroviscoelastic vocal fold tissue using an atomic force microscope.

PubMed

Heris, Hossein K; Miri, Amir K; Tripathy, Umakanta; Barthelat, Francois; Mongeau, Luc

2013-12-01

The elastic properties of the vocal folds (VFs) vary as a function of depth relative to the epithelial surface. The poroelastic anisotropic properties of porcine VFs, at various depths, were measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based indentation. The minimum tip diameter to effectively capture the local properties was found to be 25µm, based on nonlinear laser scanning microscopy data and image analysis. The effects of AFM tip dimensions and AFM cantilever stiffness were systematically investigated. The indentation tests were performed along the sagittal and coronal planes for an evaluation of the VF anisotropy. Hertzian contact theory was used along with the governing equations of linear poroelasticity to calculate the diffusivity coefficient of the tissue from AFM indentation creep testing. The permeability coefficient of the porcine VF was found to be 1.80±0.32×10(-15)m(4)/Ns. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Indentation of poroviscoelastic vocal fold tissue using an atomic force microscope☆

PubMed Central

Heris, Hossein K.; Miri, Amir K.; Tripathy, Umakanta; Barthelat, Francois; Mongeau, Luc

2013-01-01

The elastic properties of the vocal folds (VFs) vary as a function of depth relative to the epithelial surface. The poroelastic anisotropic properties of porcine VFs, at various depths, were measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based indentation. The minimum tip diameter to effectively capture the local properties was found to be 25 µm, based on nonlinear laser scanning microscopy data and image analysis. The effects of AFM tip dimensions and AFM cantilever stiffness were systematically investigated. The indentation tests were performed along the sagittal and coronal planes for an evaluation of the VF anisotropy. Hertzian contact theory was used along with the governing equations of linear poroelasticity to calculate the diffusivity coefficient of the tissue from AFM indentation creep testing. The permeability coefficient of the porcine VF was found to be 1.80 ± 0.32 × 10−15 m4/N s. PMID:23829979

Surface electrical properties of stainless steel fibres: An AFM-based study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Jun; D'Haese, Cécile; Nysten, Bernard

2015-03-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) electrical modes were used to study the surface electrical properties of stainless steel fibres. The surface electrical conductivity was studied by current sensing AFM and I-V spectroscopy. Kelvin probe force microscopy was used to measure the surface contact potential. The oxide film, known as passivation layer, covering the fibre surface gives rise to the observation of an apparently semiconducting behaviour. The passivation layer generally exhibits a p-type semiconducting behaviour, which is attributed to the predominant formation of chromium oxide on the surface of the stainless steel fibres. At the nanoscale, different behaviours are observed from points to points, which may be attributed to local variations of the chemical composition and/or thickness of the passivation layer. I-V curves are well fitted with an electron tunnelling model, indicating that electron tunnelling may be the predominant mechanism for electron transport.

Conductive-probe atomic force microscopy characterization of silicon nanowire

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The electrical conduction properties of lateral and vertical silicon nanowires (SiNWs) were investigated using a conductive-probe atomic force microscopy (AFM). Horizontal SiNWs, which were synthesized by the in-plane solid-liquid-solid technique, are randomly deployed into an undoped hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer. Local current mapping shows that the wires have internal microstructures. The local current-voltage measurements on these horizontal wires reveal a power law behavior indicating several transport regimes based on space-charge limited conduction which can be assisted by traps in the high-bias regime (> 1 V). Vertical phosphorus-doped SiNWs were grown by chemical vapor deposition using a gold catalyst-driving vapor-liquid-solid process on higly n-type silicon substrates. The effect of phosphorus doping on the local contact resistance between the AFM tip and the SiNW was put in evidence, and the SiNWs resistivity was estimated. PMID:21711623

Probing viscoelastic surfaces with bimodal tapping-mode atomic force microscopy: Underlying physics and observables for a standard linear solid model

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Summary This paper presents computational simulations of single-mode and bimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM) with particular focus on the viscoelastic interactions occurring during tip–sample impact. The surface is modeled by using a standard linear solid model, which is the simplest system that can reproduce creep compliance and stress relaxation, which are fundamental behaviors exhibited by viscoelastic surfaces. The relaxation of the surface in combination with the complexities of bimodal tip–sample impacts gives rise to unique dynamic behaviors that have important consequences with regards to the acquisition of quantitative relationships between the sample properties and the AFM observables. The physics of the tip–sample interactions and its effect on the observables are illustrated and discussed, and a brief research outlook on viscoelasticity measurement with intermittent-contact AFM is provided. PMID:25383277

Nonadhesive, silica nanoparticles-based brush-coated contact lens cases--compromising between ease of cleaning and microbial transmission to contact lenses.

PubMed

Qu, Wenwen; Hooymans, Johanna M M; Qiu, Jun; de-Bont, Nik; Gelling, Onko-Jan; van der Mei, Henny C; Busscher, Henk J

2013-05-01

Surface properties of lens cases are determinant for their cleanability and for microbial transmission from lens cases to contact lenses (CLs). PEG-polymer-brush-coatings are known to decrease microbial adhesion more than other surface-coatings. Here, we applied a robust, silica nanoparticles-based brush-coating to polypropylene cases to evaluate their ease of cleaning and probability of bacterial transmission to CLs. Adhesion forces of nine bacterial strains (Pseudomonas, Staphylococci, and Serratia) to rigid CLs, polypropylene, and silica nanoparticles-based brush-coated polypropylene were measured using atomic-force-microscopy and subjected to Weibull analyses to yield bacterial transmission probabilities. Biofilms of each strain were grown in coated and uncoated cases and rinsed with a NaCl or antimicrobial lens care solution. Residual, viable organisms were quantified. Bacterial adhesion forces of all strains were significantly, up to tenfold smaller on brush-coated than on uncoated polypropylene. This yielded, higher transmission probabilities to a CL, but mild-rinsing yielded 10-100 fold higher removal of bacteria from brush-coated than from polypropylene cases. Moreover, due to weak adhesion forces, bacteria on brush-coated cases were two-to-three fold more susceptible to an antimicrobial lens care solution than on polypropylene cases. Therewith, the design of lens case surfaces is a compromise between ease of cleaning and transmission probability to CLs. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In Vitro Spoilation of Silicone-Hydrogel Soft Contact Lenses in a Model-Blink Cell.

PubMed

Peng, Cheng-Chun; Fajardo, Neil P; Razunguzwa, Trust; Radke, Clayton J

2015-07-01

We developed an in vitro model-blink cell that reproduces the mechanism of in vivo fouling of soft contact lenses. In the model-blink cell, model tear lipid directly contacts the lens surface after forced aqueous rupture, mirroring the pre-lens tear-film breakup during interblink. Soft contact lenses are attached to a Teflon holder and immersed in artificial tear solution with protein, salts, and mucins. Artificial tear-lipid solution is spread over the air/tear interface as a duplex lipid layer. The aqueous tear film is periodically ruptured and reformed by withdrawing and reinjecting tear solution into the cell, mimicking the blink-rupture process. Fouled deposits appear on the lenses after cycling, and their compositions and spatial distributions are subsequently analyzed by optical microscopy, laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and two-photon fluorescence confocal scanning laser microscopy. Discrete deposit (white) spots with an average size of 20 to 300 μm are observed on the studied lenses, confirming what is seen in vivo and validating the in vitro model-blink cell. Targeted lipids (cholesterol) and proteins (albumin from bovine serum) are identified in the discrete surface deposits. Both lipid and protein occur simultaneously in the surface deposits and overlap with the white spots observed by optical microscopy. Additionally, lipid and protein penetrate into the bulk of tested silicone-hydrogel lenses, likely attributed to the bicontinuous microstructure of oleophilic silicone and hydrophilic polymer phases of the lens. In vitro spoilation of soft contact lenses is successfully achieved by the model-blink cell confirming the tear rupture/deposition mechanism of lens fouling. The model-blink cell provides a reliable laboratory tool for screening new antifouling lens materials, surface coatings, and care solutions.

Chiral Nematic Structure of Cellulose Nanocrystal Suspensions and Films; Polarized Light and Atomic Force Microscopy

PubMed Central

Gray, Derek G.; Mu, Xiaoyue

2015-01-01

Cellulosic liquid crystalline solutions and suspensions form chiral nematic phases that show a rich variety of optical textures in the liquid crystalline state. These ordered structures may be preserved in solid films prepared by evaporation of solvent or suspending medium. Film formation from aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) was investigated by polarized light microscopy, optical profilometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). An attempt is made to interpret qualitatively the observed textures in terms of the orientation of the cellulose nanocrystals in the suspensions and films, and the changes in orientation caused by the evaporative process. Mass transfer within the evaporating droplet resulted in the formation of raised rings whose magnitude depended on the degree of pinning of the receding contact line. AFM of dry films at short length scales showed a radial orientation of the CNC at the free surface of the film, along with a radial height variation with a period of approximately P/2, ascribed to the anisotropic shrinkage of the chiral nematic structure. PMID:28793684

A beginner's guide to atomic force microscopy probing for cell mechanics

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Abstract Atomic Force microscopy (AFM) is becoming a prevalent tool in cell biology and biomedical studies, especially those focusing on the mechanical properties of cells and tissues. The newest generation of bio‐AFMs combine ease of use and seamless integration with live‐cell epifluorescence or more advanced optical microscopies. As a unique feature with respect to other bionanotools, AFM provides nanometer‐resolution maps for cell topography, stiffness, viscoelasticity, and adhesion, often overlaid with matching optical images of the probed cells. This review is intended for those about to embark in the use of bio‐AFMs, and aims to assist them in designing an experiment to measure the mechanical properties of adherent cells. In addition to describing the main steps in a typical cell mechanics protocol and explaining how data is analysed, this review will also discuss some of the relevant contact mechanics models available and how they have been used to characterize specific features of cellular and biological samples. Microsc. Res. Tech. 80:75–84, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:27676584

Auditing the use and assessing the clinical utility of microscopy as a point-of-care test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a Sexual Health clinic.

PubMed

Mensforth, Sarah; Thorley, Nicola; Radcliffe, Keith

2018-02-01

We assessed whether urethral microscopy was performed as per clinic protocol for male clinic attendees reporting contact with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), urethral symptoms or given a diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis (EO) over a 12-month period (9732 patients). Prevalence of gonorrhoea in the contacts, urethral symptoms and EO groups was 50, 12.7 and 1.6%, respectively. Microscopy was performed reliably for contacts (96%), those with discharge/dysuria with evidence of urethritis on examination (98%), but not those with EO (43%). We explored the clinical utility of microscopy as a point-of-care test for identifying urethral GC in each subgroup, using the APTIMA Combo 2 CT/GC nucleic acid amplification test as the comparator (1710 patients). Sensitivity of microscopy for each subgroup was good; there was no statistical difference between subgroup sensitivity using Fisher's exact test. Microscopy is valuable to ensure prompt diagnosis and contact tracing. All GC contacts were treated 'epidemiologically'; however, half of GC contacts did not have GC. Microscopy identified the majority of GC cases, including amongst contacts (71% of heterosexual contacts, 66% of contacts reporting sex with men). We propose that epidemiological treatment for GC contacts should be reconsidered on the grounds of antibiotic stewardship, favouring use of microscopy to guide treatment decisions.

Chemical Phenomena of Atomic Force Microscopy Scanning

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ievlev, Anton V.; Brown, Chance; Burch, Matthew J.

Atomic force microscopy is widely used for nanoscale characterization of materials by scientists worldwide. The long-held belief of ambient AFM is that the tip is generally chemically inert but can be functionalized with respect to the studied sample. This implies that basic imaging and scanning procedures do not affect surface and bulk chemistry of the studied sample. However, an in-depth study of the confined chemical processes taking place at the tip–surface junction and the associated chemical changes to the material surface have been missing as of now. Here, we used a hybrid system that combines time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometrymore » with an atomic force microscopy to investigate the chemical interactions that take place at the tip–surface junction. Investigations showed that even basic contact mode AFM scanning is able to modify the surface of the studied sample. In particular, we found that the silicone oils deposited from the AFM tip into the scanned regions and spread to distances exceeding 15 μm from the tip. These oils were determined to come from standard gel boxes used for the storage of the tips. In conclusion, the explored phenomena are important for interpreting and understanding results of AFM mechanical and electrical studies relying on the state of the tip–surface junction.« less

Chemical Phenomena of Atomic Force Microscopy Scanning

DOE PAGES

Ievlev, Anton V.; Brown, Chance; Burch, Matthew J.; ...

2018-01-30

Atomic force microscopy is widely used for nanoscale characterization of materials by scientists worldwide. The long-held belief of ambient AFM is that the tip is generally chemically inert but can be functionalized with respect to the studied sample. This implies that basic imaging and scanning procedures do not affect surface and bulk chemistry of the studied sample. However, an in-depth study of the confined chemical processes taking place at the tip–surface junction and the associated chemical changes to the material surface have been missing as of now. Here, we used a hybrid system that combines time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometrymore » with an atomic force microscopy to investigate the chemical interactions that take place at the tip–surface junction. Investigations showed that even basic contact mode AFM scanning is able to modify the surface of the studied sample. In particular, we found that the silicone oils deposited from the AFM tip into the scanned regions and spread to distances exceeding 15 μm from the tip. These oils were determined to come from standard gel boxes used for the storage of the tips. In conclusion, the explored phenomena are important for interpreting and understanding results of AFM mechanical and electrical studies relying on the state of the tip–surface junction.« less

Investigation of local ferroelectric and piezoelectric effects on mats of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durgaprasad, P.; Hemalatha, J.

2018-04-01

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fiber mat was synthesized by using electrospinning technique by using DMF/Acetone as mixed solvent. Structural and functional group studies were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy respectively. The morphology of the fiber mat was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which revealed the formation of uniform fibers with an average diameter of 500nm. The local ferroelectric, piezo electric properties and also the domain switching of the fiber mats were investigated by Dynamic Contact Electrostatic Force Microscopy (DC-EFM) studies. The peizoelectric/ferroelectric response was recorded and analyzed.

Failure Surface Analysis of Polyimide/Titanium Notched Coating Adhesion Specimens

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

GIUNTA,RACHEL K.; KANDER,RONALD G.

2000-12-18

Adhesively bonded joints of LaRC{trademark} PETI-5, a phenylethynyl-terminated polyimide, with chromic acid anodized titanium were fabricated and debonded interfacially. The adhesive-substrate failure surfaces were investigated using several surface analysis techniques. From Auger spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy studies, polymer appears to be penetrating the pores of the anodized substrate to a depth of approximately 100 nm. From x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, the polymer penetrating the pores appears to be in electrical contact with the titanium substrate, leading to differential charging. These analyses confirm that the polymer is becoming mechanically interlocked within the substrate surface.

Sensing mode atomic force microscope

DOEpatents

Hough, Paul V. C.; Wang, Chengpu

2006-08-22

An atomic force microscope is described having a cantilever comprising a base and a probe tip on an end opposite the base; a cantilever drive device connected to the base; a magnetic material coupled to the probe tip, such that when an incrementally increasing magnetic field is applied to the magnetic material an incrementally increasing force will be applied to the probe tip; a moveable specimen base; and a controller constructed to obtain a profile height of a specimen at a point based upon a contact between the probe tip and a specimen, and measure an adhesion force between the probe tip and the specimen by, under control of a program, incrementally increasing an amount of a magnetic field until a release force, sufficient to break the contact, is applied. An imaging method for atomic force microscopy involving measuring a specimen profile height and adhesion force at multiple points within an area and concurrently displaying the profile and adhesion force for each of the points is also described. A microscope controller is also described and is constructed to, for a group of points, calculate a specimen height at a point based upon a cantilever deflection, a cantilever base position and a specimen piezo position; calculate an adhesion force between a probe tip and a specimen at the point by causing an incrementally increasing force to be applied to the probe tip until the probe tip separates from a specimen; and move the probe tip to a new point in the group.

Sensing mode atomic force microscope

DOEpatents

Hough, Paul V.; Wang, Chengpu

2004-11-16

An atomic force microscope is described having a cantilever comprising a base and a probe tip on an end opposite the base; a cantilever drive device connected to the base; a magnetic material coupled to the probe tip, such that when an incrementally increasing magnetic field is applied to the magnetic material an incrementally increasing force will be applied to the probe tip; a moveable specimen base; and a controller constructed to obtain a profile height of a specimen at a point based upon a contact between the probe tip and a specimen, and measure an adhesion force between the probe tip and the specimen by, under control of a program, incrementally increasing an amount of a magnetic field until a release force, sufficient to break the contact, is applied. An imaging method for atomic force microscopy involving measuring a specimen profile height and adhesion force at multiple points within an area and concurrently displaying the profile and adhesion force for each of the points is also described. A microscope controller is also described and is constructed to, for a group of points, calculate a specimen height at a point based upon a cantilever deflection, a cantilever base position and a specimen piezo position; calculate an adhesion force between a probe tip and a specimen at the point by causing an incrementally increasing force to be applied to the probe tip until the probe tip separates from a specimen; and move the probe tip to a new point in the group.

Failure Mechanisms of the Coating/Metal Interface in Waterborne Coatings: The Effect of Bonding

PubMed Central

Wan, Hongxia; Song, Dongdong; Li, Xiaogang; Zhang, Dawei; Gao, Jin; Du, Cuiwei

2017-01-01

Waterborne coating is the most popular type of coating, and improving its performance is a key point of research. Cathodic delamination is one of the major modes of failure for organic coatings. It refers to the weakening or loss of adhesion between the coating and substrate. Physical and chemical characteristics of coatings have been studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Early heterogeneous swelling at the metal-coating interface in non-defective coated metals was elucidated using frequency-dependent alternating-current scanning electrochemical microscopy. Two types of coatings (styrene-acrylic coating and terpolymer coating) were compared. The effects of thickness, surface roughness, and chemical bonding on cathodic delamination were investigated. PMID:28772757

Rapid quantitative chemical mapping of surfaces with sub-2 nm resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Chia-Yun; Perri, Saverio; Santos, Sergio; Garcia, Ricardo; Chiesa, Matteo

2016-05-01

We present a theory that exploits four observables in bimodal atomic force microscopy to produce maps of the Hamaker constant H. The quantitative H maps may be employed by the broader community to directly interpret the high resolution of standard bimodal AFM images as chemical maps while simultaneously quantifying chemistry in the non-contact regime. We further provide a simple methodology to optimize a range of operational parameters for which H is in the closest agreement with the Lifshitz theory in order to (1) simplify data acquisition and (2) generalize the methodology to any set of cantilever-sample systems.We present a theory that exploits four observables in bimodal atomic force microscopy to produce maps of the Hamaker constant H. The quantitative H maps may be employed by the broader community to directly interpret the high resolution of standard bimodal AFM images as chemical maps while simultaneously quantifying chemistry in the non-contact regime. We further provide a simple methodology to optimize a range of operational parameters for which H is in the closest agreement with the Lifshitz theory in order to (1) simplify data acquisition and (2) generalize the methodology to any set of cantilever-sample systems. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00496b

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kasper, M.; Gramse, G.; Hoffmann, J.

We measured the DC and RF impedance characteristics of micrometric metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors and Schottky diodes using scanning microwave microscopy (SMM). The SMM consisting of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) interfaced with a vector network analyser (VNA) was used to measure the reflection S11 coefficient of the metallic MOS and Schottky contact pads at 18 GHz as a function of the tip bias voltage. By controlling the SMM biasing conditions, the AFM tip was used to bias the Schottky contacts between reverse and forward mode. In reverse bias direction, the Schottky contacts showed mostly a change in the imaginary part ofmore » the admittance while in forward bias direction the change was mostly in the real part of the admittance. Reference MOS capacitors which are next to the Schottky diodes on the same sample were used to calibrate the SMM S11 data and convert it into capacitance values. Calibrated capacitance between 1–10 fF and 1/C{sup 2} spectroscopy curves were acquired on the different Schottky diodes as a function of the DC bias voltage following a linear behavior. Additionally, measurements were done directly with the AFM-tip in contact with the silicon substrate forming a nanoscale Schottky contact. Similar capacitance-voltage curves were obtained but with smaller values (30–300 aF) due to the corresponding smaller AFM-tip diameter. Calibrated capacitance images of both the MOS and Schottky contacts were acquired with nanoscale resolution at different tip-bias voltages.« less

Mapping in vitro local material properties of intact and disrupted virions at high resolution using multi-harmonic atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Cartagena, Alexander; Hernando-Pérez, Mercedes; Carrascosa, José L; de Pablo, Pedro J; Raman, Arvind

2013-06-07

Understanding the relationships between viral material properties (stiffness, strength, charge density, adhesion, hydration, viscosity, etc.), structure (protein sub-units, genome, surface receptors, appendages), and functions (self-assembly, stability, disassembly, infection) is of significant importance in physical virology and nanomedicine. Conventional Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) methods have measured a single physical property such as the stiffness of the entire virus from nano-indentation at a few points which severely limits the study of structure-property-function relationships. We present an in vitro dynamic AFM technique operating in the intermittent contact regime which synthesizes anharmonic Lorentz-force excited AFM cantilevers to map quantitatively at nanometer resolution the local electro-mechanical force gradient, adhesion, and hydration layer viscosity within individual φ29 virions. Furthermore, the changes in material properties over the entire φ29 virion provoked by the local disruption of its shell are studied, providing evidence of bacteriophage depressurization. The technique significantly generalizes recent multi-harmonic theory (A. Raman, et al., Nat. Nanotechnol., 2011, 6, 809-814) and enables high-resolution in vitro quantitative mapping of multiple material properties within weakly bonded viruses and nanoparticles with complex structure that otherwise cannot be observed using standard AFM techniques.

Atomic force-multi-optical imaging integrated microscope for monitoring molecular dynamics in live cells.

PubMed

Trache, Andreea; Meininger, Gerald A

2005-01-01

A novel hybrid imaging system is constructed integrating atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a combination of optical imaging techniques that offer high spatial resolution. The main application of this instrument (the NanoFluor microscope) is the study of mechanotransduction with an emphasis on extracellular matrix-integrin-cytoskeletal interactions and their role in the cellular responses to changes in external chemical and mechanical factors. The AFM allows the quantitative assessment of cytoskeletal changes, binding probability, adhesion forces, and micromechanical properties of the cells, while the optical imaging applications allow thin sectioning of the cell body at the coverslip-cell interface, permitting the study of focal adhesions using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and internal reflection microscopy (IRM). Combined AFM-optical imaging experiments show that mechanical stimulation at the apical surface of cells induces a force-generating cytoskeletal response, resulting in focal contact reorganization on the basal surface that can be monitored in real time. The NanoFluor system is also equipped with a novel mechanically aligned dual camera acquisition system for synthesized Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The integrated NanoFluor microscope system is described, including its characteristics, applications, and limitations.

Surface mechanical properties of pHEMA contact lenses: viscoelastic and adhesive property changes on exposure to controlled humidity.

PubMed

Opdahl, Aric; Kim, Seong H; Koffas, Telly S; Marmo, Chris; Somorjai, Gabor A

2003-10-01

The surface mechanical properties of poly(hydroxyethyl)methacrylate (pHEMA)-based contact lenses were monitored as a function of humidity by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface viscoelastic and adhesion values were extracted from AFM force versus distance interaction curves and were found to be strongly dependent on the bulk water content of the lens and on the relative humidity. At low relative humidity, 40-50%, the dehydration rate from the surface is faster than the hydration rate from the bulk, leading to a rigid surface region that has mechanical properties similar to those measured on totally dehydrated lenses. At relative humidity values > 60%, the dehydration rate from the lens surface rapidly decreases, leading to higher surface water content and a softer surface region. The results indicate that, in an ocular environment, although the bulk of the pHEMA contact lens is hydrated, the surface region may be in a transition between a dehydrated glassy state and a hydrated rubbery state. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 350-356, 2003

Increased imaging speed and force sensitivity for bio-applications with small cantilevers using a conventional AFM setup

PubMed Central

Leitner, Michael; Fantner, Georg E.; Fantner, Ernest J.; Ivanova, Katerina; Ivanov, Tzvetan; Rangelow, Ivo; Ebner, Andreas; Rangl, Martina; Tang, Jilin; Hinterdorfer, Peter

2012-01-01

In this study, we demonstrate the increased performance in speed and sensitivity achieved by the use of small AFM cantilevers on a standard AFM system. For this, small rectangular silicon oxynitride cantilevers were utilized to arrive at faster atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging times and more sensitive molecular recognition force spectroscopy (MRFS) experiments. The cantilevers we used had lengths between 13 and 46 μm, a width of about 11 μm, and a thickness between 150 and 600 nm. They were coated with chromium and gold on the backside for a better laser reflection. We characterized these small cantilevers through their frequency spectrum and with electron microscopy. Due to their small size and high resonance frequency we were able to increase the imaging speed by a factor of 10 without any loss in resolution for images from several μm scansize down to the nanometer scale. This was shown on bacterial surface layers (s-layer) with tapping mode under aqueous, near physiological conditions and on nuclear membranes in contact mode in ambient environment. In addition, we showed that single molecular forces can be measured with an up to 5 times higher force sensitivity in comparison to conventional cantilevers with similar spring constants. PMID:22721963

Slip-mediated dewetting of polymer microdroplets

PubMed Central

McGraw, Joshua D.; Chan, Tak Shing; Maurer, Simon; Salez, Thomas; Benzaquen, Michael; Raphaël, Elie; Brinkmann, Martin; Jacobs, Karin

2016-01-01

Classical hydrodynamic models predict that infinite work is required to move a three-phase contact line, defined here as the line where a liquid/vapor interface intersects a solid surface. Assuming a slip boundary condition, in which the liquid slides against the solid, such an unphysical prediction is avoided. In this article, we present the results of experiments in which a contact line moves and where slip is a dominating and controllable factor. Spherical cap-shaped polystyrene microdroplets, with nonequilibrium contact angle, are placed on solid self-assembled monolayer coatings from which they dewet. The relaxation is monitored using in situ atomic force microscopy. We find that slip has a strong influence on the droplet evolutions, both on the transient nonspherical shapes and contact line dynamics. The observations are in agreement with scaling analysis and boundary element numerical integration of the governing Stokes equations, including a Navier slip boundary condition. PMID:26787903

Modular apparatus for electrostatic actuation of common atomic force microscope cantilevers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Long, Christian J., E-mail: christian.long@nist.gov; Maryland Nanocenter, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742; Cannara, Rachel J.

2015-07-15

Piezoelectric actuation of atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilevers often suffers from spurious mechanical resonances in the loop between the signal driving the cantilever and the actual tip motion. These spurious resonances can reduce the accuracy of AFM measurements and in some cases completely obscure the cantilever response. To address these limitations, we developed a specialized AFM cantilever holder for electrostatic actuation of AFM cantilevers. The holder contains electrical contacts for the AFM cantilever chip, as well as an electrode (or electrodes) that may be precisely positioned with respect to the back of the cantilever. By controlling the voltages on themore » AFM cantilever and the actuation electrode(s), an electrostatic force is applied directly to the cantilever, providing a near-ideal transfer function from drive signal to tip motion. We demonstrate both static and dynamic actuations, achieved through the application of direct current and alternating current voltage schemes, respectively. As an example application, we explore contact resonance atomic force microscopy, which is a technique for measuring the mechanical properties of surfaces on the sub-micron length scale. Using multiple electrodes, we also show that the torsional resonances of the AFM cantilever may be excited electrostatically, opening the door for advanced dynamic lateral force measurements with improved accuracy and precision.« less

Traction Stresses Exerted by Adherent Cells: From Angiogenesis to Metastasis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinhart-King, Cynthia

2010-03-01

Cells exert traction stresses against their substrate that mediate their ability to sense the mechanical properties of their microenvironment. These same forces mediate cell adhesion, migration and the formation of stable cell-cell contacts during tissue formation. In this talk, I will present our data on the traction stresses generated by endothelial cells and metastatic breast cancer cells focused on understanding the processes of angiogenesis and metastasis, respectively. In the context of capillary formation, our data indicate that the mechanics of the substrate play a critical role in establishing endothelial cell-cell contacts. On more compliant substrates, endothelial cell shape and traction stresses polarize and promote the formation of stable cell-cell contacts. On stiffer substrates, traction stresses are less polarized and cell connectivity is disrupted. These data indicate that the mechanical properties of the microenvironment may drive cell connectivity and the formation of stable cell-cell contacts through the reorientation of traction stresses. In our studies of metastatic cell migration, we have found that traction stresses increase with increasing metastatic potential. We investigated three lines of varying metastatic potential (MCF10A, MCF7 and MDAMB231). MDAMB231, which are the most invasive, exert the most significant forces as measured by Traction Force Microscopy. These data present the possibility that cellular traction stress generation aids in the ability of metastatic cells to migrate through the matrix-dense tumor microenvironment. Such measurements are integral to link the mechanical and chemical microenvironment with the resulting response of the cell in health and disease.

Interaction of thrombocytes with poly(ether imide): The influence of processing.

PubMed

Braune, S; Lange, M; Richau, K; Lützow, K; Weigel, T; Jung, F; Lendlein, A

2010-01-01

The processing of polymers for blood contacting devices can have a major influence on surface properties. In this study, we fabricated poly(ether imide) (PEI) membranes and films to investigate the effects of the processing on physicochemical surface properties by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy, contact angle as well as zeta potential measurements. A static platelet adhesion test was performed to analyze the thrombogenicity of both devices. While contact angle measurements showed similar levels of hydrophobicity and zeta potential values were equivalent, mean surface roughness as well as surface energies in the dispersive part were found to be increased for the PEI membrane. The static platelet adhesion test showed a significantly decreased number of adherent platelets per surface area on the PEI film (178.98 ± 102.70/45000 μm2) compared to the PEI membrane (504 ± 314.27/45000μm2) and, consequently, revealed evidence for higher thrombogenicity of the PEI membrane. This study shows that processing can have a significant effect on platelet adhesion to biomaterials, even though, molar weight was identical. Thrombogenicity of polymer-based cardiovascular devices, therefore, have to be evaluated at the final product level, following the entire processing procedure.

Topography and surface free energy of DPPC layers deposited on a glass, mica, or PMMA support.

PubMed

Jurak, Malgorzata; Chibowski, Emil

2006-08-15

An investigation of energetic properties of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) layers deposited on glass, mica, and PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)) surfaces was carried out by means of contact angles measurements (advancing and receding) for three probe liquids (diiodomethane, water, and formamide). DPPC was deposited on the surfaces from water (on glass and mica) or methanol (on PMMA) solutions. The topography of the tested surfaces was determined with a help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Using the measured contact angles, the total apparent surface free energy and its components of the studied layers were determined from van Oss et al.'s (Lifshitz-van der Waals and acid-base components, LWAB) and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) approaches. It allowed us to learn about changes in the surface free energy of the layers (hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) depending on their number and kind of support. It was found that the changes in the energy greatly depended on the surface properties of the substrate as well as the statistical number of monolayers of DPPC. However, principal changes took place for first three monolayers.

Microstructure and physical properties of nano-biocomposite films based on cassava starch and laponite.

PubMed

Valencia, Germán Ayala; Luciano, Carla Giovana; Lourenço, Rodrigo Vinicius; do Amaral Sobral, Paulo José

2018-02-01

The aim of this research was to study the effects of laponite concentrations on some properties of nano-biocomposite films based on cassava starch, focusing mainly the relation between the properties of the surface microstructure and roughness, water contact angle and gloss. Nano-biocomposite films were produced by casting. We analyzed gloss, color, opacity, water contact angle, crystallinity by X-ray diffraction, and microstructure by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Texture parameters (energy, entropy and fractal dimension) were extracted from micrographs. We observed a great impact of laponite in the morphology of nano-biocomposite films. Texture parameters correlated with surface heterogeneity and roughness. Finally, surface roughness affected the surface hydrophilicity of nano-biocomposite films. Laponite platelets were exfoliated and/or intercalated with amylose and amylopectin chains. This research reports new information on the effects of laponite concentrations on the morphological, optical and wetting properties of nano-biocomposite films aiming future industrial applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kimura, Tomoharu; Yamada, Hirofumi, E-mail: h-yamada@kuee.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Kobayashi, Kei

The device performances of organic thin film transistors are often limited by the metal–organic interface because of the disordered molecular layers at the interface and the energy barriers against the carrier injection. It is important to study the local impedance at the interface without being affected by the interface morphology. We combined frequency modulation atomic force microscopy with scanning impedance microscopy (SIM) to sensitively measure the ac responses of the interface to an ac voltage applied across the interface and the dc potential drop at the interface. By using the frequency-modulation SIM (FM-SIM) technique, we characterized the interface impedance ofmore » a Pt electrode and a single pentacene grain as a parallel circuit of a contact resistance and a capacitance. We found that the reduction of the contact resistance was caused by the reduction of the energy level mismatch at the interface by the FM-SIM measurements, demonstrating the usefulness of the FM-SIM technique for investigation of the local interface impedance without being affected by its morphology.« less

Charged residues in the H-NS linker drive DNA binding and gene silencing in single cells.

PubMed

Gao, Yunfeng; Foo, Yong Hwee; Winardhi, Ricksen S; Tang, Qingnan; Yan, Jie; Kenney, Linda J

2017-11-21

Nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs) facilitate chromosome organization in bacteria, but the precise mechanism remains elusive. H-NS is a NAP that also plays a major role in silencing pathogen genes. We used genetics, single-particle tracking in live cells, superresolution microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations to examine H-NS/DNA interactions in single cells. We discovered a role for the unstructured linker region connecting the N-terminal oligomerization and C-terminal DNA binding domains. In the present work we demonstrate that linker amino acids promote engagement with DNA. In the absence of linker contacts, H-NS binding is significantly reduced, although no change in chromosome compaction is observed. H-NS is not localized to two distinct foci; rather, it is scattered all around the nucleoid. The linker makes DNA contacts that are required for gene silencing, while chromosome compaction does not appear to be an important H-NS function.

Direct Observation of 2D Electrostatics and Ohmic Contacts in Template-Grown Graphene/WS2 Heterostructures.

PubMed

Zheng, Changxi; Zhang, Qianhui; Weber, Bent; Ilatikhameneh, Hesameddin; Chen, Fan; Sahasrabudhe, Harshad; Rahman, Rajib; Li, Shiqiang; Chen, Zhen; Hellerstedt, Jack; Zhang, Yupeng; Duan, Wen Hui; Bao, Qiaoliang; Fuhrer, Michael S

2017-03-28

Large-area two-dimensional (2D) heterojunctions are promising building blocks of 2D circuits. Understanding their intriguing electrostatics is pivotal but largely hindered by the lack of direct observations. Here graphene-WS 2 heterojunctions are prepared over large areas using a seedless ambient-pressure chemical vapor deposition technique. Kelvin probe force microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy characterize the doping in graphene-WS 2 heterojunctions as-grown on sapphire and transferred to SiO 2 with and without thermal annealing. Both p-n and n-n junctions are observed, and a flat-band condition (zero Schottky barrier height) is found for lightly n-doped WS 2 , promising low-resistance ohmic contacts. This indicates a more favorable band alignment for graphene-WS 2 than has been predicted, likely explaining the low barriers observed in transport experiments on similar heterojunctions. Electrostatic modeling demonstrates that the large depletion width of the graphene-WS 2 junction reflects the electrostatics of the one-dimensional junction between two-dimensional materials.

Deposition of an Ultraflat Graphene Oxide Nanosheet on Atomically Flat Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, M. Z. H.; Shahed, S. M. F.; Yuta, N.; Komeda, T.

2017-07-01

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) sheets produced in the form of stable aqueous dispersions were deposited on Au (111), freshly cleaved mica, and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrates. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the presence and distinct contact of GO sheets on the substrates. It was revealed from the topography images that high-quality ultraflat GO monolayer sheets formed on the substrates without distinct cracking/wrinkling or folding. GO sheets with apparent height variation observed by microscopy also indicate ultraflat deposition with clear underlying steps. It was observed that ultrasonication and centrifuge steps prior to deposition were very effective for getting oxidation debris (OD)-free ultraflat single monolayer GO nanosheets onto substrates and that the process depends on the concentration of supplied GO solutions.

Surface functionalized nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) film as a platform for immunoassays and diagnostics.

PubMed

Orelma, Hannes; Filpponen, Ilari; Johansson, Leena-Sisko; Osterberg, Monika; Rojas, Orlando J; Laine, Janne

2012-12-01

We introduce a new method to modify films of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) to produce non-porous, water-resistant substrates for diagnostics. First, water resistant NFC films were prepared from mechanically disintegrated NFC hydrogel, and then their surfaces were carboxylated via TEMPO-mediated oxidation. Next, the topologically functionalized film was activated via EDS/NHS chemistry, and its reactivity verified with bovine serum albumin and antihuman IgG. The surface carboxylation, EDC/NHS activation and the protein attachment were confirmed using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, contact angle measurements, conductometric titrations, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The surface morphology of the prepared films was investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Finally, we demonstrate that antihuman IgG can be immobilized on the activated NFC surface using commercial piezoelectric inkjet printing.

Atomic force microscope image contrast mechanisms on supported lipid bilayers.

PubMed

Schneider, J; Dufrêne, Y F; Barger, W R; Lee, G U

2000-08-01

This work presents a methodology to measure and quantitatively interpret force curves on supported lipid bilayers in water. We then use this method to correlate topographic imaging contrast in atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of phase-separated Langmuir-Blodgett bilayers with imaging load. Force curves collected on pure monolayers of both distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) and monogalactosylethanolamine (MGDG) and dioleoylethanolamine (DOPE) deposited at similar surface pressures onto a monolayer of DSPE show an abrupt breakthrough event at a repeatable, material-dependent force. The breakthrough force for DSPE and MGDG is sizable, whereas the breakthrough force for DOPE is too small to measure accurately. Contact-mode AFM images on 1:1 mixed monolayers of DSPE/DOPE and MGDG/DOPE have a high topographic contrast at loads between the breakthrough force of each phase, and a low topographic contrast at loads above the breakthrough force of both phases. Frictional contrast is inverted and magnified at loads above the breakthrough force of both phases. These results emphasize the important role that surface forces and mechanics can play in imaging multicomponent biomembranes with AFM.

Movement of fine particles on an air bubble surface studied using high-speed video microscopy.

PubMed

Nguyen, Anh V; Evans, Geoffrey M

2004-05-01

A CCD high-speed video microscopy system operating at 1000 frames per second was used to obtain direct quantitative measurements of the trajectories of fine glass spheres on the surface of air bubbles. The glass spheres were rendered hydrophobic by a methylation process. Rupture of the intervening water film between a hydrophobic particle and an air bubble with the consequent formation of a three-phase contact was observed. The bubble-particle sliding attachment interaction is not satisfactorily described by the available theories. Surface forces had little effect on the particle sliding with a water film, which ruptured probably due to the submicrometer-sized gas bubbles existing at the hydrophobic particle-water interface.

Evolution of nano-rheological properties of Nafion¯ thin films during pH modification by strong base treatment: A static and dynamic force spectroscopy study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eslami, Babak; López-Guerra, Enrique A.; Raftari, Maryam; Solares, Santiago D.

2016-04-01

Addition of a strong base to Nafion® proton exchange membranes is a common practice in industry to increase their overall performance in fuel cells. Here, we investigate the evolution of the nano-rheological properties of Nafion thin films as a function of the casting pH, via characterization with static and dynamic, contact and intermittent-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The addition of KOH causes non-monotonic changes in the viscoelastic properties of the films, which behave as highly dissipative, softer materials near neutral pH values, and as harder, more elastic materials at extreme pH values. We quantify this behavior through calculation of the temporal evolution of the compliance and the glassy compliance under static AFM measurements. We complement these observations with dynamic AFM metrics, including dissipated power and virial (for intermittent-contact-mode measurements), and contact resonance frequency and quality factor (for dynamic contact-mode measurements). We explain the non-monotonic material property behavior in terms of the degree of ionic crosslinking and moisture content of the films, which vary with the addition of KOH. This work focuses on the special case study of the addition of strong bases, but the observed mechanical property changes are broadly related to water plasticizing effects and ionic crosslinking, which are also important in other types of films.

Atomic force microscopy of red-light photoreceptors using peakforce quantitative nanomechanical property mapping.

PubMed

Kroeger, Marie E; Sorenson, Blaire A; Thomas, J Santoro; Stojković, Emina A; Tsonchev, Stefan; Nicholson, Kenneth T

2014-10-24

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) uses a pyramidal tip attached to a cantilever to probe the force response of a surface. The deflections of the tip can be measured to ~10 pN by a laser and sectored detector, which can be converted to image topography. Amplitude modulation or "tapping mode" AFM involves the probe making intermittent contact with the surface while oscillating at its resonant frequency to produce an image. Used in conjunction with a fluid cell, tapping-mode AFM enables the imaging of biological macromolecules such as proteins in physiologically relevant conditions. Tapping-mode AFM requires manual tuning of the probe and frequent adjustments of a multitude of scanning parameters which can be challenging for inexperienced users. To obtain high-quality images, these adjustments are the most time consuming. PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Property Mapping (PF-QNM) produces an image by measuring a force response curve for every point of contact with the sample. With ScanAsyst software, PF-QNM can be automated. This software adjusts the set-point, drive frequency, scan rate, gains, and other important scanning parameters automatically for a given sample. Not only does this process protect both fragile probes and samples, it significantly reduces the time required to obtain high resolution images. PF-QNM is compatible for AFM imaging in fluid; therefore, it has extensive application for imaging biologically relevant materials. The method presented in this paper describes the application of PF-QNM to obtain images of a bacterial red-light photoreceptor, RpBphP3 (P3), from photosynthetic R. palustris in its light-adapted state. Using this method, individual protein dimers of P3 and aggregates of dimers have been observed on a mica surface in the presence of an imaging buffer. With appropriate adjustments to surface and/or solution concentration, this method may be generally applied to other biologically relevant macromolecules and soft materials.

The study on the nanomachining property and cutting model of single-crystal sapphire by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Huang, Jen-Ching; Weng, Yung-Jin

2014-01-01

This study focused on the nanomachining property and cutting model of single-crystal sapphire during nanomachining. The coated diamond probe is used to as a tool, and the atomic force microscopy (AFM) is as an experimental platform for nanomachining. To understand the effect of normal force on single-crystal sapphire machining, this study tested nano-line machining and nano-rectangular pattern machining at different normal force. In nano-line machining test, the experimental results showed that the normal force increased, the groove depth from nano-line machining also increased. And the trend is logarithmic type. In nano-rectangular pattern machining test, it is found when the normal force increases, the groove depth also increased, but rather the accumulation of small chips. This paper combined the blew by air blower, the cleaning by ultrasonic cleaning machine and using contact mode probe to scan the surface topology after nanomaching, and proposed the "criterion of nanomachining cutting model," in order to determine the cutting model of single-crystal sapphire in the nanomachining is ductile regime cutting model or brittle regime cutting model. After analysis, the single-crystal sapphire substrate is processed in small normal force during nano-linear machining; its cutting modes are ductile regime cutting model. In the nano-rectangular pattern machining, due to the impact of machined zones overlap, the cutting mode is converted into a brittle regime cutting model. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of surface roughness and bacterial adhesion between cosmetic contact lenses and conventional contact lenses.

PubMed

Ji, Yong Woo; Cho, Young Joo; Lee, Chul Hee; Hong, Soon Ho; Chung, Dong Yong; Kim, Eung Kweon; Lee, Hyung Keun

2015-01-01

To compare physical characteristics of cosmetic contact lenses (Cos-CLs) and conventional contact lenses (Con-CLs) that might affect susceptibility to bacterial adhesion on the contact lens (CL) surface. Surface characteristics of Cos-CLs and Con-CLs made from the same material by the same manufacturer were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy. To determine the extent and rate of bacterial adhesion, Cos-CL and Con-CL were immersed in serum-free Roswell Park Memorial Institute media containing Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the rate of removal of adherent bacteria was evaluated using hand rubbing or immersion in multipurpose disinfecting solutions (MPDS). The mean surface roughness (root mean square and peak-to-valley value) measured by AFM was significantly higher for Cos-CL than for Con-CL. At each time point, significantly more S. aureus and P. aeruginosa adhered to Cos-CL than to Con-CL, which correlated with the surface roughness of CL. In Cos-CL, bacteria were mainly found on the tinted surface rather than on the noncolored or convex areas. Pseudomonas aeruginosa attached earlier than S. aureus to all types of CL. However, P. aeruginosa was more easily removed from the surface of CL than S. aureus by hand rubbing or MPDS soaking. Increased surface roughness is an important physical factor for bacterial adhesion in Cos-CL, which may explain why rates of bacterial keratitis rates are higher in Cos-CL users in CL physical characteristics.

Experimental studies of contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces – Toward the understanding and control of wettability for different applications.

PubMed

Grundke, K; Pöschel, K; Synytska, A; Frenzel, R; Drechsler, A; Nitschke, M; Cordeiro, A L; Uhlmann, P; Welzel, P B

2015-08-01

Contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces have been studied by contact angle measurements using sessile liquid droplets and captive air bubbles in conjunction with a drop shape method known as Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis - Profile (ADSA-P). In addition, commercially available sessile drop goniometer techniques were used. The polymer surfaces were characterized with respect to their surface structure (morphology, roughness, swelling) and surface chemistry (elemental surface composition, acid-base characteristics) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning force microscopy (SFM), ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and streaming potential measurements. Heterogeneous polymer surfaces with controlled roughness and chemical composition were prepared by different routes using plasma etching and subsequent dip coating or grafting of polymer brushes, anodic oxidation of aluminium substrates coated with thin polymer films, deposition techniques to create regular patterned and rough fractal surfaces from core-shell particles, and block copolymers. To reveal the effects of swelling and reorientation at the solid/liquid interface contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polyimide surfaces, cellulose membranes, and thermo-responsive hydrogels have been studied. The effect of different solutes in the liquid (electrolytes, surfactants) and their impact on contact angle hysteresis were characterized for solid polymers without and with ionizable functional surface groups in aqueous electrolyte solutions of different ion concentrations and pH and for photoresist surfaces in cationic aqueous surfactant solutions. The work is an attempt toward the understanding of contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces aimed at the control of wettability for different applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Realization of improved metallization-Ti/Al/Ti/W/Au ohmic contacts to n-GaN for high temperature application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motayed, A.; Davydov, A. V.; Boettinger, W. J.; Josell, D.; Shapiro, A. J.; Levin, I.; Zheleva, T.; Harris, G. L.

2005-05-01

Tungsten metal layer was used for the first time as an effective diffusion barrier for the standard Ti/Al/Ti/Au ohmic metallization scheme to obtain thermally stable ohmic contact suitable for high temperature applications. Comparative studies were performed on three distinct metallization schemes: 1) standard GaN/Ti/Al/Ti/Au, 2) GaN/Ti/Al/W/Au, and 3) GaN/Ti/Al/Ti/W/Au. For the GaN with doping level of 5 × 1017 cm-3, the lowest specific contact resistance for the Ti/Al/Ti/W/Au metallization scheme annealed in argon at 750 °C for 30 sec was 5 × 10-6 .cm2, which is comparable to the standard Ti/Al/Ti/Au scheme. X-ray diffractions (XRD), auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the Ti/Al/Ti/W/Au metallization has superior morphology and microstructural properties compared to standard Ti/Al/Ti/Au metallizations. Remarkably, this metallization was able to withstand thermal aging at 500 °C for 50 hrs with only marginal morphological and electrical deterioration. These studies revealed that the utilization of a compound diffusion barrier stack, as in the Ti/Al/Ti/W/Au metallization, yields electrically, structurally, and morphologically superior metallizations with exceptional thermal stability.

Correlation between surface properties and wettability of multi-scale structured biocompatible surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorodzha, S. N.; Surmeneva, M. A.; Prymak, O.; Wittmar, A.; Ulbricht, M.; Epple, M.; Teresov, A.; Koval, N.; Surmenev, R. A.

2015-11-01

The influence of surface properties of radio-frequency (RF) magnetron deposited hydroxyapatite (HA) and Si-containing HA coatings on wettability was studied. The composition and morphology of the coatings fabricated on titanium (Ti) were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface wettability was studied using contact angle analysis. Different geometric parameters of acid-etched (AE) and pulse electron beam (PEB)-treated Ti substrates and silicate content in the HA films resulted in the different morphology of the coatings at micro- and nano- length scales. Water contact angles for the HA coated Ti samples were evaluated as a combined effect of micro roughness of the substrate and nano-roughness of the HA films resulting in higher water contact angles compared with acid-etched (AE) or pulse electron beam (PEB) treated Ti substrates.

Sensing of silver nanoparticles on/in endothelial cells using atomic force spectroscopy.

PubMed

Kolodziejczyk, Agnieszka; Jakubowska, Aleksandra; Kucinska, Magdalena; Wasiak, Tomasz; Komorowski, Piotr; Makowski, Krzysztof; Walkowiak, Bogdan

2018-05-10

Endothelial cells, due to their location, are interesting objects for atomic force spectroscopy study. They constitute a barrier between blood and vessel tissues located deeper, and therefore they are the first line of contact with various substances present in blood, eg, drugs or nanoparticles. This work intends to verify whether the mechanical response of immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926), when exposed to silver nanoparticles, as measured using force spectroscopy, could be effectively used as a bio-indicator of the physiological state of the cells. Silver nanoparticles were characterized with transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques. Tetrazolium salt reduction test was used to determine cell viability after treatment with silver nanoparticles. An elasticity of native cells was examined in the Hanks' buffer whereas fixed cells were softly fixed with formaldehyde. Additional aspect of the work is the comparative force spectroscopy utilizing AFM probes of ball-shape and conical geometries, in order to understand what changes in cell elasticity, caused by SNPs, were detectable with each probe. As a supplement to elasticity studies, cell morphology observation by atomic force microscopy and detection of silver nanoparticles inside cells using transmission electron microscopy were also performed. Cells exposed to silver nanoparticles at the highest selected concentrations (3.6 μg/mL, 16 μg/mL) are less elastic. It may be associated with the reorganization of the cellular cytoskeleton and the "strengthening" of the cell cortex caused by presence of silver nanoparticles. This observation does not depend on cell fixation. Agglomerates of silver nanoparticles were observed on the cell membrane as well as inside the cells. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The performance and clinical utility of cervical microscopy for the diagnosis of gonorrhoea in women in the era of the NAAT.

PubMed

Thorley, Nicola; Radcliffe, Keith

2015-08-01

We evaluated the performance and clinical utility of cervical microscopy for diagnosing genital gonorrhoea (GC) in women, using the APTIMA Combo 2 dual GC/Chlamydia trachomatis assay as the gold standard. Test performance was assessed overall and for patient subgroups (symptomatic, GC contacts, pelvic inflammatory disease [PID] diagnosis). It was found that 93 women had positive GC genital NAAT results; 15 had positive cervical microscopy (8 were GC contacts). In all subgroups except GC contacts, the PPV of cervical microscopy was below the nationally accepted target of 90%. Compared to APTIMA Combo 2, cervical microscopy has poor sensitivity for diagnosing GC in women (16.1% overall, 17.3% symptomatic, 25% GC contacts, 10.5% PID). GC contacts accounted for over 50% of the positive microscopy results and would have received epidemiological treatment for GC, regardless of the microscopy result. Discontinuing the routine use of cervical microscopy would improve patient flow through the sexual health clinic and resources could be utilised more effectively. © The Author(s) 2014.

Nanomechanical and topographical imaging of living cells by atomic force microscopy with colloidal probes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Puricelli, Luca; Galluzzi, Massimiliano; Schulte, Carsten

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has a great potential as a tool to characterize mechanical and morphological properties of living cells; these properties have been shown to correlate with cells’ fate and patho-physiological state in view of the development of novel early-diagnostic strategies. Although several reports have described experimental and technical approaches for the characterization of cellular elasticity by means of AFM, a robust and commonly accepted methodology is still lacking. Here, we show that micrometric spherical probes (also known as colloidal probes) are well suited for performing a combined topographic and mechanical analysis of living cells, with spatial resolution suitablemore » for a complete and accurate mapping of cell morphological and elastic properties, and superior reliability and accuracy in the mechanical measurements with respect to conventional and widely used sharp AFM tips. We address a number of issues concerning the nanomechanical analysis, including the applicability of contact mechanical models and the impact of a constrained contact geometry on the measured Young’s modulus (the finite-thickness effect). We have tested our protocol by imaging living PC12 and MDA-MB-231 cells, in order to demonstrate the importance of the correction of the finite-thickness effect and the change in Young’s modulus induced by the action of a cytoskeleton-targeting drug.« less

The ring structure and organization of light harvesting 2 complexes in a reconstituted lipid bilayer, resolved by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Stamouli, Amalia; Kafi, Sidig; Klein, Dionne C G; Oosterkamp, Tjerk H; Frenken, Joost W M; Cogdell, Richard J; Aartsma, Thijs J

2003-04-01

The main function of the transmembrane light-harvesting complexes in photosynthetic organisms is the absorption of a light quantum and its subsequent rapid transfer to a reaction center where a charge separation occurs. A combination of freeze-thaw and dialysis methods were used to reconstitute the detergent-solubilized Light Harvesting 2 complex (LH2) of the purple bacterium Rhodopseudomonas acidophila strain 10050 into preformed egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes, without the need for extra chemical agents. The LH2-containing liposomes opened up to a flat bilayer, which were imaged with tapping and contact mode atomic force microscopy under ambient and physiological conditions, respectively. The LH2 complexes were packed in quasicrystalline domains. The endoplasmic and periplasmic sides of the LH2 complexes could be distinguished by the difference in height of the protrusions from the lipid bilayer. The results indicate that the complexes entered in intact liposomes. In addition, it was observed that the most hydrophilic side, the periplasmic, enters first in the membrane. In contact mode the molecular structure of the periplasmic side of the transmembrane pigment-protein complex was observed. Using Föster's theory for describing the distance dependent energy transfer, we estimate the dipole strength for energy transfer between two neighboring LH2s, based on the architecture of the imaged unit cell.

Modeling viscoelasticity through spring–dashpot models in intermittent-contact atomic force microscopy

PubMed Central

López-Guerra, Enrique A

2014-01-01

Summary We examine different approaches to model viscoelasticity within atomic force microscopy (AFM) simulation. Our study ranges from very simple linear spring–dashpot models to more sophisticated nonlinear systems that are able to reproduce fundamental properties of viscoelastic surfaces, including creep, stress relaxation and the presence of multiple relaxation times. Some of the models examined have been previously used in AFM simulation, but their applicability to different situations has not yet been examined in detail. The behavior of each model is analyzed here in terms of force–distance curves, dissipated energy and any inherent unphysical artifacts. We focus in this paper on single-eigenmode tip–sample impacts, but the models and results can also be useful in the context of multifrequency AFM, in which the tip trajectories are very complex and there is a wider range of sample deformation frequencies (descriptions of tip–sample model behaviors in the context of multifrequency AFM require detailed studies and are beyond the scope of this work). PMID:25551043

A new non-destructive readout by using photo-recovered surface potential contrast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Le; Jin, Kui-Juan; Gu, Jun-Xing; Ma, Chao; He, Xu; Zhang, Jiandi; Wang, Can; Feng, Yu; Wan, Qian; Shi, Jin-An; Gu, Lin; He, Meng; Lu, Hui-Bin; Yang, Guo-Zhen

2014-11-01

Ferroelectric random access memory is still challenging in the feature of combination of room temperature stability, non-destructive readout and high intensity storage. As a non-contact and non-destructive information readout method, surface potential has never been paid enough attention because of the unavoidable decay of the surface potential contrast between oppositely polarized domains. That is mainly due to the recombination of the surface movable charges around the domain walls. Here, by introducing a laser beam into the combination of piezoresponse force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy, we demonstrate that the surface potential contrast of BiFeO3 films can be recovered under light illumination. The recovering mechanism is understood based on the redistribution of the photo-induced charges driven by the internal electric field. Furthermore, we have created a 12-cell memory pattern based on BiFeO3 films to show the feasibility of such photo-assisted non-volatile and non-destructive readout of the ferroelectric memory.

Surface kinetic roughening caused by dental erosion: An atomic force microscopy study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quartarone, Eliana; Mustarelli, Piercarlo; Poggio, Claudio; Lombardini, Marco

2008-05-01

Surface kinetic roughening takes place both in case of growth and erosion processes. Teeth surfaces are eroded by contact with acid drinks, such as those used to supplement mineral salts during sporting activities. Calcium-phosphate based (CPP-ACP) pastes are known to reduce the erosion process, and to favour the enamel remineralization. In this study we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the surface roughening during dental erosion, and the mechanisms at the basis of the protection role exerted by a commercial CPP-ACP paste. We found a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) in the roughness of surfaces exposed and not exposed to the acid solutions. The treatment with the CPP-ACP paste determined a statistically significant reduction of the roughness values. By interpreting the AFM results in terms of fractal scaling concepts and continuum stochastic equations, we showed that the protection mechanism of the paste depends on the chemical properties of the acid solution.

Structural, magnetic, and transport properties of Permalloy for spintronic experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nahrwold, Gesche; Scholtyssek, Jan M.; Motl-Ziegler, Sandra

2010-07-15

Permalloy (Ni{sub 80}Fe{sub 20}) is broadly used to prepare magnetic nanostructures for high-frequency experiments where the magnetization is either excited by electrical currents or magnetic fields. Detailed knowledge of the material properties is mandatory for thorough understanding its magnetization dynamics. In this work, thin Permalloy films are grown by dc-magnetron sputtering on heated substrates and by thermal evaporation with subsequent annealing. The specific resistance is determined by van der Pauw methods. Point-contact Andreev reflection is employed to determine the spin polarization of the films. The topography is imaged by atomic-force microscopy, and the magnetic microstructure by magnetic-force microscopy. Transmission-electron microscopymore » and transmission-electron diffraction are performed to determine atomic composition, crystal structure, and morphology. From ferromagnetic resonance absorption spectra the saturation magnetization, the anisotropy, and the Gilbert damping parameter are determined. Coercive fields and anisotropy are measured by magneto-optical Kerr magnetometry. The sum of the findings enables optimization of Permalloy for spintronic experiments.« less

Visualization of Bacterial Microcompartment Facet Assembly Using High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

DOE PAGES

Sutter, Markus; Faulkner, Matthew; Aussignargues, Clément; ...

2015-11-30

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are proteinaceous organelles widespread among bacterial phyla. They compartmentalize enzymes within a selectively permeable shell and play important roles in CO 2 fixation, pathogenesis, and microbial ecology. Here, we combine X-ray crystallography and high-speed atomic force microscopy to characterize, at molecular resolution, the structure and dynamics of BMC shell facet assembly. Our results show that preformed hexamers assemble into uniformly oriented shell layers, a single hexamer thick. We also observe the dynamic process of shell facet assembly. Shell hexamers can dissociate from and incorporate into assembled sheets, indicating a flexible intermolecular interaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that themore » self-assembly and dynamics of shell proteins are governed by specific contacts at the interfaces of shell proteins. Our study provides novel insights into the formation, interactions, and dynamics of BMC shell facets, which are essential for the design and engineering of self-assembled biological nanoreactors and scaffolds based on BMC architectures.« less

Morphology and force probing of primary murine liver sinusoidal endothelial cells.

PubMed

Zapotoczny, B; Owczarczyk, K; Szafranska, K; Kus, E; Chlopicki, S; Szymonski, M

2017-07-01

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) represent unique type of endothelial cells featured by their characteristic morphology, ie, lack of a basement membrane and presence of fenestrations-transmembrane pores acting as a dynamic filter between the vascular space and the liver parenchyma. Delicate structure of LSECs membrane combined with a submicron size of fenestrations hinders their visualization in live cells. In this work, we apply atomic force microscopy contact mode to characterize fenestrations in LSECs. We reveal the structure of fenestrations in live LSECs. Moreover, we show that the high-resolution imaging of fenestrations is possible for the glutaraldehyde-fixed LSECs. Finally, thorough information about the morphology of LSECs including great contrast in visualization of sieve plates and fenestrations is provided using Force Modulation mode. We show also the ability to precisely localize the cell nuclei in fixed LSECs. It can be helpful for more precise description of nanomechanical properties of cell nuclei using atomic force microscopy. Presented methodology combining high-quality imaging of fixed cells with an additional nanomechanical information of both live and fixed LSECs provides a unique approach to study LSECs morphology and nanomechanics that could foster understanding of the role of LSECs in maintaining liver homeostasis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Origin of phase shift in atomic force microscopic investigation of the surface morphology of NR/NBR blend film.

PubMed

Thanawan, S; Radabutra, S; Thamasirianunt, P; Amornsakchai, T; Suchiva, K

2009-01-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the morphology and surface properties of NR/NBR blend. Blends at 1/3, 1/1 and 3/1 weight ratios were prepared in benzene and formed film by casting. AFM phase images of these blends in tapping mode displayed islands in the sea morphology or matrix-dispersed structures. For blend 1/3, NR formed dispersed phase while in blends 1/1 and 3/1 phase inversion was observed. NR showed higher phase shift angle in AFM phase imaging for all blends. This circumstance was governed by adhesion energy hysteresis between the device tip and the rubber surface rather than surface stiffness of the materials, as proved by force distance measurements in the AFM contact mode.

Control of Nanoscale Friction on Gold in an Ionic Liquid by a Potential-Dependent Ionic Lubricant Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, James; Hausen, Florian; Hayes, Robert; Webber, Grant B.; Endres, Frank; Rutland, Mark W.; Bennewitz, Roland; Atkin, Rob

2012-10-01

The lubricating properties of an ionic liquid on gold surfaces can be controlled through application of an electric potential to the sliding contact. A nanotribology approach has been used to study the frictional behavior of 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl) trifluorophosphate ([Py1,4]FAP) confined between silica colloid probes or sharp silica tips and a Au(111) substrate using atomic force microscopy. Friction forces vary with potential because the composition of a confined ion layer between the two surfaces changes from cation-enriched (at negative potentials) to anion-enriched (at positive potentials). This offers a new approach to tuning frictional forces reversibly at the molecular level without changing the substrates, employing a self-replenishing boundary lubricant of low vapor pressure.

Superstrong encapsulated monolayer graphene by the modified anodic bonding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Wonsuk; Yoon, Taeshik; Choi, Jongho; Kim, Soohyun; Kim, Yong Hyup; Kim, Taek-Soo; Han, Chang-Soo

2013-12-01

We report a superstrong adhesive of monolayer graphene by modified anodic bonding. In this bonding, graphene plays the role of a superstrong and ultra-thin adhesive between SiO2 and glass substrates. As a result, monolayer graphene presented a strong adhesion energy of 1.4 J m-2 about 310% that of van der Waals bonding (0.45 J m-2) to SiO2 and glass substrates. This flexible solid state graphene adhesive can tremendously decrease the adhesive thickness from about several tens of μm to 0.34 nm for epoxy or glue at the desired bonding area. As plausible causes of this superstrong adhesion, we suggest conformal contact with the rough surface of substrates and generation of C-O chemical bonding between graphene and the substrate due to the bonding process, and characterized these properties using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.We report a superstrong adhesive of monolayer graphene by modified anodic bonding. In this bonding, graphene plays the role of a superstrong and ultra-thin adhesive between SiO2 and glass substrates. As a result, monolayer graphene presented a strong adhesion energy of 1.4 J m-2 about 310% that of van der Waals bonding (0.45 J m-2) to SiO2 and glass substrates. This flexible solid state graphene adhesive can tremendously decrease the adhesive thickness from about several tens of μm to 0.34 nm for epoxy or glue at the desired bonding area. As plausible causes of this superstrong adhesion, we suggest conformal contact with the rough surface of substrates and generation of C-O chemical bonding between graphene and the substrate due to the bonding process, and characterized these properties using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03822j

Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy of Live Keratinocytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegde, V.; Mason, A.; Saliev, T.; Smith, F. J. D.; McLean, W. H. I.; Campbell, P. A.

2012-07-01

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) is perhaps the least well known technique from the scanning probe microscopy (SPM) family of instruments. As with its more familiar counterpart, atomic force microscopy (AFM), the technique provides high-resolution topographic imaging, with the caveat that target structures must be immersed in a conducting solution so that a controllable ion current may be utilised as the basis for feedback. In operation, this non-contact characteristic of SICM makes it ideal for the study of delicate structures, such as live cells. Moreover, the intrinsic architecture of the instrument, incorporating as it does, a scanned micropipette, lends itself to combination approaches with complementary techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology: SICM therefore boasts the capability for both structural and functional imaging. For the present observations, an ICnano S system (Ionscope Ltd., Melbourn, UK) operating in 'hopping mode' was used, with the objective of assessing the instrument's utility for imaging live keratinocytes under physiological buffers. In scans employing cultured HaCaT cells (spontaneously immortalised, human keratinocytes), we compared the qualitative differences of live cells imaged with SICM and AFM, and also with their respective counterparts after chemical fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde. Characteristic surface microvilli were particularly prominent in live cell imaging by SICM. Moreover, time lapse SICM imaging on live cells revealed that changes in the pattern of microvilli could be tracked over time. By comparison, AFM imaging on live cells, even at very low contact forces (

A new measure of molecular attractions between nanoparticles near kT adhesion energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendall, Kevin; Dhir, Aman; Du, Shangfeng

2009-07-01

The weak molecular attractions of nanoparticles are important because they drive self-assembly mechanisms, allow processing in dispersions e.g. of pigments, catalysts or device structures, influence disease through the attraction of viruses to cells and also cause potential toxic effects through nanoparticle interference with biomolecules and organs. The problem is to understand these small forces which pull nanoparticles into intimate contact; forces which are comparable with 3kT/2z the thermal impact force experienced by an average Brownian particle hitting a linear repulsive potential of range z. Here we describe a new method for measuring the atomic attractions of nanoparticles based on the observation of aggregates produced by these small forces. The method is based on the tracking of individual monosize nanoparticles whose diameter can be calculated from the Stokes-Einstein analysis of the tracks in aqueous suspensions. Then the doublet aggregates are distinguished because they move slower and are also very much brighter than the dispersed nanoparticles. By finding the ratio of doublets to singlets, the adhesive energy between the particles can be calculated from known statistical thermodynamic theory using assumptions about the shape of the interaction potential. In this way, very small adhesion energies of 2kT have been measured, smaller than those seen previously by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).

Estimating Colloidal Contact Model Parameters Using Quasi-Static Compression Simulations.

PubMed

Bürger, Vincent; Briesen, Heiko

2016-10-05

For colloidal particles interacting in suspensions, clusters, or gels, contact models should attempt to include all physical phenomena experimentally observed. One critical point when formulating a contact model is to ensure that the interaction parameters can be easily obtained from experiments. Experimental determinations of contact parameters for particles either are based on bulk measurements for simulations on the macroscopic scale or require elaborate setups for obtaining tangential parameters such as using atomic force microscopy. However, on the colloidal scale, a simple method is required to obtain all interaction parameters simultaneously. This work demonstrates that quasi-static compression of a fractal-like particle network provides all the necessary information to obtain particle interaction parameters using a simple spring-based contact model. These springs provide resistances against all degrees of freedom associated with two-particle interactions, and include critical forces or moments where such springs break, indicating a bond-breakage event. A position-based cost function is introduced to show the identifiability of the two-particle contact parameters, and a discrete, nonlinear, and non-gradient-based global optimization method (simplex with simulated annealing, SIMPSA) is used to minimize the cost function calculated from deviations of particle positions. Results show that, in principle, all necessary contact parameters for an arbitrary particle network can be identified, although numerical efficiency as well as experimental noise must be addressed when applying this method. Such an approach lays the groundwork for identifying particle-contact parameters from a position-based particle analysis for a colloidal system using just one experiment. Spring constants also directly influence the time step of the discrete-element method, and a detailed knowledge of all necessary interaction parameters will help to improve the efficiency of colloidal particle simulations.

Jammed elastic shells - a 3D experimental soft frictionless granular system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jose, Jissy; Blab, Gerhard A.; van Blaaderen, Alfons; Imhof, Arnout

2015-03-01

We present a new experimental system of monodisperse, soft, frictionless, fluorescent labelled elastic shells for the characterization of structure, universal scaling laws and force networks in 3D jammed matter. The interesting fact about these elastic shells is that they can reversibly deform and therefore serve as sensors of local stress in jammed matter. Similar to other soft particles, like emulsion droplets and bubbles in foam, the shells can be packed to volume fractions close to unity, which allows us to characterize the contact force distribution and universal scaling laws as a function of volume fraction, and to compare them with theoretical predictions and numerical simulations. However, our shells, unlike other soft particles, deform rather differently at large stresses. They deform without conserving their inner volume, by forming dimples at contact regions. At each contact one of the shells buckled with a dimple and the other remained spherical, closely resembling overlapping spheres. We conducted 3D quantitative analysis using confocal microscopy and image analysis routines specially developed for these particles. In addition, we analysed the randomness of the process of dimpling, which was found to be volume fraction dependent.

Noninvasive determination of optical lever sensitivity in atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higgins, M. J.; Proksch, R.; Sader, J. E.; Polcik, M.; Mc Endoo, S.; Cleveland, J. P.; Jarvis, S. P.

2006-01-01

Atomic force microscopes typically require knowledge of the cantilever spring constant and optical lever sensitivity in order to accurately determine the force from the cantilever deflection. In this study, we investigate a technique to calibrate the optical lever sensitivity of rectangular cantilevers that does not require contact to be made with a surface. This noncontact approach utilizes the method of Sader et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 70, 3967 (1999)] to calibrate the spring constant of the cantilever in combination with the equipartition theorem [J. L. Hutter and J. Bechhoefer, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 64, 1868 (1993)] to determine the optical lever sensitivity. A comparison is presented between sensitivity values obtained from conventional static mode force curves and those derived using this noncontact approach for a range of different cantilevers in air and liquid. These measurements indicate that the method offers a quick, alternative approach for the calibration of the optical lever sensitivity.

Silica nano-particle super-hydrophobic surfaces: the effects of surface morphology and trapped air pockets on hydrodynamic drainage forces.

PubMed

Chan, Derek Y C; Uddin, Md Hemayet; Cho, Kwun L; Liaw, Irving I; Lamb, Robert N; Stevens, Geoffrey W; Grieser, Franz; Dagastine, Raymond R

2009-01-01

We used atomic force microscopy to study dynamic forces between a rigid silica sphere (radius approximately 45 microm) and a silica nano-particle super-hydrophobic surface (SNP-SHS) in aqueous electrolyte, in the presence and absence of surfactant. Characterization of the SNP-SHS surface in air showed a surface roughness of up to two microns. When in contact with an aqueous phase, the SNP-SHS traps large, soft and stable air pockets in the surface interstices. The inherent roughness of the SNP-SHS together with the trapped air pockets are responsible for the superior hydrophobic properties of SNP-SHS such as high equilibrium contact angle (> 140 degrees) of water sessile drops on these surfaces and low hydrodynamic friction as observed in force measurements. We also observed that added surfactants adsorbed at the surface of air pockets magnified hydrodynamic interactions involving the SNP-SHS. The dynamic forces between the same silica sphere and a laterally smooth mica surface showed that the fitted Navier slip lengths using the Reynolds lubrication model were an order of magnitude larger than the length scale of the sphere surface roughness. The surface roughness and the lateral heterogeneity of the SNP-SHS hindered attempts to characterize the dynamic response using the Reynolds lubrication model even when augmented with a Navier slip boundary.

Theoretical, thermodynamic and electrochemical analysis of biotin drug as an impending corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 15% hydrochloric acid

PubMed Central

Xu, Xihua; Sun, Zhipeng; Ansari, K. R.; Lin, Yuanhua

2017-01-01

The corrosion mitigation efficiency of biotin drug for mild steel in 15% hydrochloric acid was thoroughly investigated by weight loss and electrochemical methods. The surface morphology was studied by the contact angle, scanning electrochemical microscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. Quantum chemical calculation and Fukui analysis were done to correlate the experimental and theoretical data. The influence of the concentration of inhibitor, immersion time, temperature, activation energy, enthalpy and entropy has been reported. The mitigation efficiency of biotin obtained by all methods was in good correlation with each other. Polarization studies revealed that biotin acted as a mixed inhibitor. The adsorption of biotin was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Surface studies showed the hydrophobic nature of the steel with inhibitor and vindicated the formation of a film on the metal surface that reduced the corrosion rate. PMID:29308235

Full data acquisition in Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy: Mapping dynamic electric phenomena in real space.

PubMed

Collins, Liam; Belianinov, Alex; Somnath, Suhas; Balke, Nina; Kalinin, Sergei V; Jesse, Stephen

2016-08-12

Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) has provided deep insights into the local electronic, ionic and electrochemical functionalities in a broad range of materials and devices. In classical KPFM, which utilizes heterodyne detection and closed loop bias feedback, the cantilever response is down-sampled to a single measurement of the contact potential difference (CPD) per pixel. This level of detail, however, is insufficient for materials and devices involving bias and time dependent electrochemical events; or at solid-liquid interfaces, where non-linear or lossy dielectrics are present. Here, we demonstrate direct recovery of the bias dependence of the electrostatic force at high temporal resolution using General acquisition Mode (G-Mode) KPFM. G-Mode KPFM utilizes high speed detection, compression, and storage of the raw cantilever deflection signal in its entirety at high sampling rates. We show how G-Mode KPFM can be used to capture nanoscale CPD and capacitance information with a temporal resolution much faster than the cantilever bandwidth, determined by the modulation frequency of the AC voltage. In this way, G-Mode KPFM offers a new paradigm to study dynamic electric phenomena in electroactive interfaces as well as a promising route to extend KPFM to the solid-liquid interface.

Electrical characterization of HgTe nanowires using conductive atomic force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gundersen, P.; Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim; Kongshaug, K. O.

Self-organized HgTe nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) have been characterized using conductive atomic force microscopy. As HgTe will degrade or evaporate at normal baking temperatures for electron beam lithography (EBL) resists, an alternative method was developed. Using low temperature optical lithography processes, large Au contacts were deposited on a sample covered with randomly oriented, lateral HgTe nanowires. Nanowires partly covered by the large electrodes were identified with a scanning electron microscope and then localized in the atomic force microscope (AFM). The conductive tip of the AFM was then used as a movable electrode to measure current-voltage curves atmore » several locations on HgTe nanowires. The measurements revealed that polycrystalline nanowires had diffusive electron transport, with resistivities two orders of magnitude larger than that of an MBE-grown HgTe film. The difference can be explained by scattering at the rough surface walls and at the grain boundaries in the wires. The method can be a solution when EBL is not available or requires too high temperature, or when measurements at several positions along a wire are required.« less

Electrostatic force microscopy as a broadly applicable method for characterizing pyroelectric materials.

PubMed

Martin-Olmos, Cristina; Stieg, Adam Z; Gimzewski, James K

2012-06-15

A general method based on the combination of electrostatic force microscopy with thermal cycling of the substrate holder is presented for direct, nanoscale characterization of the pyroelectric effect in a range of materials and sample configurations using commercial atomic force microscope systems. To provide an example of its broad applicability, the technique was applied to the examination of natural tourmaline gemstones. The method was validated using thermal cycles similar to those experienced in ambient conditions, where the induced pyroelectric response produced localized electrostatic surface charges whose magnitude demonstrated a correlation with the iron content and heat dissipation of each gemstone variety. In addition, the surface charge was shown to persist even at thermal equilibrium. This behavior is attributed to constant, stochastic cooling of the gemstone surface through turbulent contact with the surrounding air and indicates a potential utility for energy harvesting in applications including environmental sensors and personal electronics. In contrast to previously reported methods, ours has a capacity to carry out such precise nanoscale measurements with little or no restriction on the sample of interest, and represents a powerful new tool for the characterization of pyroelectric materials and devices.

Electrostatic force microscopy as a broadly applicable method for characterizing pyroelectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin-Olmos, Cristina; Stieg, Adam Z.; Gimzewski, James K.

2012-06-01

A general method based on the combination of electrostatic force microscopy with thermal cycling of the substrate holder is presented for direct, nanoscale characterization of the pyroelectric effect in a range of materials and sample configurations using commercial atomic force microscope systems. To provide an example of its broad applicability, the technique was applied to the examination of natural tourmaline gemstones. The method was validated using thermal cycles similar to those experienced in ambient conditions, where the induced pyroelectric response produced localized electrostatic surface charges whose magnitude demonstrated a correlation with the iron content and heat dissipation of each gemstone variety. In addition, the surface charge was shown to persist even at thermal equilibrium. This behavior is attributed to constant, stochastic cooling of the gemstone surface through turbulent contact with the surrounding air and indicates a potential utility for energy harvesting in applications including environmental sensors and personal electronics. In contrast to previously reported methods, ours has a capacity to carry out such precise nanoscale measurements with little or no restriction on the sample of interest, and represents a powerful new tool for the characterization of pyroelectric materials and devices.

Epitaxial growth of pentacene on alkali halide surfaces studied by Kelvin probe force microscopy.

PubMed

Neff, Julia L; Milde, Peter; León, Carmen Pérez; Kundrat, Matthew D; Eng, Lukas M; Jacob, Christoph R; Hoffmann-Vogel, Regina

2014-04-22

In the field of molecular electronics, thin films of molecules adsorbed on insulating surfaces are used as the functional building blocks of electronic devices. Control of the structural and electronic properties of the thin films is required for reliably operating devices. Here, noncontact atomic force and Kelvin probe force microscopies have been used to investigate the growth and electrostatic landscape of pentacene on KBr(001) and KCl(001) surfaces. We have found that, together with molecular islands of upright standing pentacene, a new phase of tilted molecules appears near step edges on KBr. Local contact potential differences (LCPD) have been studied with both Kelvin experiments and density functional theory calculations. Our images reveal that differently oriented molecules display different LCPD and that their value is independent of the number of molecular layers. These results point to the formation of an interface dipole, which may be explained by a partial charge transfer from the pentacene to the surface. Moreover, the monitoring of the evolution of the pentacene islands shows that they are strongly affected by dewetting: Multilayers build up at the expense of monolayers, and in the Kelvin images, previously unknown line defects appear, which reveal the epitaxial growth of pentacene crystals.

Enhanced human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell functions on cathodic arc plasma-treated titanium

PubMed Central

Zhu, Wei; Teel, George; O’Brien, Christopher M; Zhuang, Taisen; Keidar, Michael; Zhang, Lijie Grace

2015-01-01

Surface modification of titanium for use in orthopedics has been explored for years; however, an ideal method of integrating titanium with native bone is still required to this day. Since human bone cells directly interact with nanostructured extracellular matrices, one of the most promising methods of improving titanium’s osseointegration involves inducing bio-mimetic nanotopography to enhance cell–implant interaction. In this regard, we explored an approach to functionalize the surface of titanium by depositing a thin film of textured titanium nanoparticles via a cathodic arc discharge plasma. The aim is to improve human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment and differentiation and to reduce deleterious effects of more complex surface modification methods. Surface functionalization was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle testing, and specific protein adsorption. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy examination demonstrate the deposition of titanium nanoparticles and the surface roughness change after coating. The specific fibronectin adsorption was enhanced on the modified titanium surface that associates with the improved hydrophilicity. MSC adhesion and proliferation were significantly promoted on the nanocoated surface. More importantly, compared to bare titanium, greater production of total protein, deposition of calcium mineral, and synthesis of alkaline phosphatase were observed from MSCs on nanocoated titanium after 21 days. The method described herein presents a promising alternative method for inducing more cell favorable nanosurface for improved orthopedic applications. PMID:26677327

Enhanced human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell functions on cathodic arc plasma-treated titanium.

PubMed

Zhu, Wei; Teel, George; O'Brien, Christopher M; Zhuang, Taisen; Keidar, Michael; Zhang, Lijie Grace

2015-01-01

Surface modification of titanium for use in orthopedics has been explored for years; however, an ideal method of integrating titanium with native bone is still required to this day. Since human bone cells directly interact with nanostructured extracellular matrices, one of the most promising methods of improving titanium's osseointegration involves inducing bio-mimetic nanotopography to enhance cell-implant interaction. In this regard, we explored an approach to functionalize the surface of titanium by depositing a thin film of textured titanium nanoparticles via a cathodic arc discharge plasma. The aim is to improve human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment and differentiation and to reduce deleterious effects of more complex surface modification methods. Surface functionalization was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle testing, and specific protein adsorption. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy examination demonstrate the deposition of titanium nanoparticles and the surface roughness change after coating. The specific fibronectin adsorption was enhanced on the modified titanium surface that associates with the improved hydrophilicity. MSC adhesion and proliferation were significantly promoted on the nanocoated surface. More importantly, compared to bare titanium, greater production of total protein, deposition of calcium mineral, and synthesis of alkaline phosphatase were observed from MSCs on nanocoated titanium after 21 days. The method described herein presents a promising alternative method for inducing more cell favorable nanosurface for improved orthopedic applications.

Ion irradiation induced surface modification studies of polymers using SPM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, A.; Kumar, Amit; Singh, F.; Kabiraj, D.; Avasthi, D. K.; Pivin, J. C.

2005-07-01

Various types of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques: atomic force microscopy (AFM) (contact and tapping in height and amplitude mode), scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and conducting atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) are used for studying ion beam induced surface modifications, nanostructure/cluster formation and disintegration in polymers and similar soft carbon based materials. In the present study, the results of studies on four materials, namely, (A) methyltriethoxysilane/phenyltriethoxysilane (MTES/PTES) based gel, (B) triethoxisilane (TH) based gel, (C) highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) bulk and (D) fullerene (C60) thin films are discussed. In the case of Si based gels prepared from pre-cursors containing organic groups (MTES/PTES), hillocks are observed at the surface and their size decreases from 70 to 25 nm with increasing fluence, whereas, in the case of a gel with a stoichiometry SiO1.25H1, prepared from TH, an increases in the size of hillocks is observed. Hillocks are also formed at the surface of HOPG irradiated with 120 MeV Au beam at a low fluence, whereas, formation of craters and a re-organisation of surface features is observed at a higher fluence. In the case of C60 films, 120 MeV Au ion irradiation induces the formation of conducting ion tracks, which is attributed to the transformation from insulating C60 to conducting graphite like carbon.

PREFACE: NC-AFM 2004: Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Non-contact Atomic Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwarz, Udo

2005-03-01

With the ongoing miniaturization of devices and controlled nanostructuring of materials, the importance of atomic-scale information on surfaces and surface properties is growing continuously. The astonishing progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology that took place during the last two decades was in many ways related to recent progress in high-resolution imaging techniques such as scanning tunnelling microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Since the mid-1990s, non-contact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) performed in ultrahigh vacuum has evolved as an alternative technique that achieves atomic resolution, but without the restriction to conducting surfaces of the previously established techniques. Advances of the rapidly developing field of NC-AFM are discussed at annual conferences as part of a series that started in 1998 in Osaka, Japan. This special issue of Nanotechnology is a compilation of original work presented at the 7th International Conference on Non-contact Atomic Force Microscopy that took place in Seattle, USA, 12-15 September 2004. Over the years, the conference grew in size and scope. Atomic resolution imaging of oxides and semiconductors remains an issue. Noticeable new developments have been presented in this regard such as, e.g., the demonstrated ability to manipulate individual atoms. Additionally, the investigation of individual molecules, clusters, and organic materials gains more and more attention. In this context, considerable effort is undertaken to transfer the NC-AFM principle based on frequency modulation to applications in air and liquids with the goal of enabling high-resolution surface studies of biological material in native environments, as well as to reduce the experimental complexity, which so far involves the availability of (costly) vacuum systems. Force spectroscopy methods continue to be improved and are applied to topics such as the imaging of the three-dimensional force field as a function of the distance with atomic resolution, the investigation of near-surface electronic states, the quantification of adhesion forces, and the lateral mapping of surface potentials. The origin of energy dissipation, which is closely related to an in-depth understanding of tip-surface interactions and imaging mechanisms, was the subject of an ongoing discussion and addressed by various theoretical, computational, and experimental contributions. A characteristic of the NC-AFM conference series is the lively and friendly atmosphere, which year after year stimulates scientific discussions between the participants. This time, the programme included 5 invited talks, 84 contributed presentations, and 113 participants; furthermore, three educational lectures were given as part of a pre-conference workshop targeted at NC-AFM newcomers, which was attended by 30 participants. I would like to thank the members of the international steering committee and the programme committee for their continued effort in organizing the meeting. Special thanks go to the chair of the programme and local organizing committees S Fain and the conference manager J Kvamme for making the meeting a success. Financial support is acknowledged from the corporate sponsors MikroMasch USA, Nanonis GmbH, Nanosurf AG, Omicron Nanotechnology, PSIA, Inc., and RHK Technology, as well as from the institutional sponsors National Science Foundation and PNNL/UW Joint Institute for Nanoscience. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in assembling this special issue including the authors, the reviewers, and, in particular, the excellent and experienced journal team from the Institute of Physics Publishing headed by Nina Couzin, for devoting their time and efforts so that we could make this issue a useful representation of the progress in NC-AFM while maintaining our tight publication schedule. In conclusion, I would like to mention that the Seattle conference was the first one of the NC-AFM series that took place in the USA. As such, it was part of a series of recent activities within the USA, which will help in establishing a strong domestic NC-AFM community.

Simultaneous prediction of muscle and contact forces in the knee during gait.

PubMed

Lin, Yi-Chung; Walter, Jonathan P; Banks, Scott A; Pandy, Marcus G; Fregly, Benjamin J

2010-03-22

Musculoskeletal models are currently the primary means for estimating in vivo muscle and contact forces in the knee during gait. These models typically couple a dynamic skeletal model with individual muscle models but rarely include articular contact models due to their high computational cost. This study evaluates a novel method for predicting muscle and contact forces simultaneously in the knee during gait. The method utilizes a 12 degree-of-freedom knee model (femur, tibia, and patella) combining muscle, articular contact, and dynamic skeletal models. Eight static optimization problems were formulated using two cost functions (one based on muscle activations and one based on contact forces) and four constraints sets (each composed of different combinations of inverse dynamic loads). The estimated muscle and contact forces were evaluated using in vivo tibial contact force data collected from a patient with a force-measuring knee implant. When the eight optimization problems were solved with added constraints to match the in vivo contact force measurements, root-mean-square errors in predicted contact forces were less than 10 N. Furthermore, muscle and patellar contact forces predicted by the two cost functions became more similar as more inverse dynamic loads were used as constraints. When the contact force constraints were removed, estimated medial contact forces were similar and lateral contact forces lower in magnitude compared to measured contact forces, with estimated muscle forces being sensitive and estimated patellar contact forces relatively insensitive to the choice of cost function and constraint set. These results suggest that optimization problem formulation coupled with knee model complexity can significantly affect predicted muscle and contact forces in the knee during gait. Further research using a complete lower limb model is needed to assess the importance of this finding to the muscle and contact force estimation process. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MoS2 Heterojunctions by Thickness Modulation

PubMed Central

Tosun, Mahmut; Fu, Deyi; Desai, Sujay B.; Ko, Changhyun; Seuk Kang, Jeong; Lien, Der-Hsien; Najmzadeh, Mohammad; Tongay, Sefaattin; Wu, Junqiao; Javey, Ali

2015-01-01

In this work, we report lateral heterojunction formation in as-exfoliated MoS2 flakes by thickness modulation. Kelvin probe force microscopy is used to map the surface potential at the monolayer-multilayer heterojunction, and consequently the conduction band offset is extracted. Scanning photocurrent microscopy is performed to investigate the spatial photocurrent response along the length of the device including the source and the drain contacts as well as the monolayer-multilayer junction. The peak photocurrent is measured at the monolayer-multilayer interface, which is attributed to the formation of a type-I heterojunction. The work presents experimental and theoretical understanding of the band alignment and photoresponse of thickness modulated MoS2 junctions with important implications for exploring novel optoelectronic devices. PMID:26121940

Gamma irradiation assisted fungal degradation of the polypropylene/biomass composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butnaru, Elena; Darie-Niţă, Raluca Nicoleta; Zaharescu, Traian; Balaeş, Tiberius; Tănase, Cătălin; Hitruc, Gabriela; Doroftei, Florica; Vasile, Cornelia

2016-08-01

White-rot fungus Bjerkandera adusta has been tested for its ability to degrade some biocomposites materials based on polypropylene and biomass (Eucalyptus globulus, pine cones, and Brassica rapa). γ-irradiation was applied to initiate the degradation of relatively inert polypropylene matrix. The degradation process has been studied by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, rheological and chemiluminescence tests. These analyses showed that the polypropylene/biomass composites properties are worsen under the action of the selected microorganism. The formation of cracks and scrap particles over the entire matrix surface and the decrease of the complex viscosity values, as well as the dynamic moduli of gamma irradiated PP/biomass composite and exposed to Bjerkandera adusta fungus, indicate fungal efficiency in composite degradation.

MoS 2 Heterojunctions by Thickness Modulation

DOE PAGES

Tosun, Mahmut; Fu, Deyi; Desai, Sujay B.; ...

2015-06-30

In this work, we report lateral heterojunction formation in as-exfoliated MoS 2 flakes by thickness modulation. Kelvin probe force microscopy is used to map the surface potential at the monolayer-multilayer heterojunction, and consequently the conduction band offset is extracted. Scanning photocurrent microscopy is performed to investigate the spatial photocurrent response along the length of the device including the source and the drain contacts as well as the monolayer-multilayer junction. The peak photocurrent is measured at the monolayer-multilayer interface, which is attributed to the formation of a type-I heterojunction. Finally, the work presents experimental and theoretical understanding of the band alignmentmore » and photoresponse of thickness modulated MoS 2 junctions with important implications for exploring novel optoelectronic devices.« less

Effect of polymer type on characterization and filtration performances of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-COOH-based polymeric mixed matrix membranes.

PubMed

Sengur-Tasdemir, Reyhan; Mokkapati, Venkata R S S; Koseoglu-Imer, Derya Y; Koyuncu, Ismail

2018-05-01

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be used for the fabrication of mixed matrix polymeric membranes that can enhance filtration perfomances of the membranes by modifying membrane surface properties. In this study, detailed characterization and filtration performances of MWCNTs functionalized with COOH group, blended into polymeric flat-sheet membranes were investigated using different polymer types. Morphological characterization was carried out using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. For filtration performance tests, protein, dextran, E. coli suspension, Xanthan Gum and real activated sludge solutions were used. Experimental data and analyses revealed that Polyethersulfone (PES) + MWCNT-COOH mixed matrix membranes have superior performance abilities compared to other tested membranes.

Antibacterial properties of Ag-doped hydroxyapatite layers prepared by PLD method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jelínek, Miroslav; Kocourek, Tomáš; Jurek, Karel; Remsa, Jan; Mikšovský, Jan; Weiserová, Marie; Strnad, Jakub; Luxbacher, Thomas

2010-12-01

Thin hydroxyapatite (HA), silver-doped HA and silver layers were prepared using a pulsed laser deposition method. Doped layers were ablated from silver/HA targets. Amorphous and crystalline films of silver concentrations of 0.06 at.%, 1.2 at.%, 4.4 at.%, 8.3 at.% and 13.7 at.% were synthesized. Topology was studied using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Contact angle and zeta potential measurements were conducted to determine the wettability, surface free energy and electric surface properties. In vivo measurement (using Escherichia coli cells) of antibacterial properties of the HA, silver-doped HA and silver layers was carried out. The best antibacterial results were achieved for silver-doped HA layers of silver concentration higher than 1.2 at.%.

Influence of lateral and in-depth metal segregation on the patterning of ohmic contacts for GaN-based devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Redondo-Cubero, A.; Vázquez, L.; Alves, L. C.; Corregidor, V.; Romero, M. F.; Pantellini, A.; Lanzieri, C.; Muñoz, E.

2014-05-01

The lateral and in-depth metal segregation of Au/Ni/Al/Ti ohmic contacts for GaN-based high electron mobility transistors were analysed as a function of the Al barrier's thickness (d). The surface of the contacts, characterized by atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, shows a transition from a fractal network of rough and complex island-like structures towards smoother and cauliflower-like fronts with increasing d. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) at different energies were used to confirm the in-depth intermixing of the metals relevant for the final contact resistance. EDXS mapping reveals a significant lateral segregation too, where the resulting patterns depend on two competing NiAlx and AuAlx phases, the intermixing being controlled by the available amount of Al. The optimum ohmic resistance is not affected by the patterning process, but is mainly dependent on the partial interdiffusion of the metals.

A minimally invasive optical trapping system to understand cellular interactions at onset of an immune response

PubMed Central

Glass, David G.; McAlinden, Niall; Millington, Owain R.

2017-01-01

T-cells and antigen presenting cells are an essential part of the adaptive immune response system and how they interact is crucial in how the body effectively fights infection or responds to vaccines. Much of the experimental work studying interaction forces between cells has looked at the average properties of bulk samples of cells or applied microscopy to image the dynamic contact between these cells. In this paper we present a novel optical trapping technique for interrogating the force of this interaction and measuring relative interaction forces at the single-cell level. A triple-spot optical trap is used to directly manipulate the cells of interest without introducing foreign bodies such as beads to the system. The optical trap is used to directly control the initiation of cell-cell contact and, subsequently to terminate the interaction at a defined time point. The laser beam power required to separate immune cell pairs is determined and correlates with the force applied by the optical trap. As proof of concept, the antigen-specific increase in interaction force between a dendritic cell and a specific T-cell is demonstrated. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that this interaction force is completely abrogated when T-cell signalling is blocked. As a result the potential of using optical trapping to interrogate cellular interactions at the single cell level without the need to introduce foreign bodies such as beads is clearly demonstrated. PMID:29220398

The influence of surface chemistry and topography on the contact guidance of MG63 osteoblast cells.

PubMed

Ismail, F S Magdon; Rohanizadeh, R; Atwa, S; Mason, R S; Ruys, A J; Martin, P J; Bendavid, A

2007-05-01

The purpose of the present study was to determine in vitro the effects of different surface topographies and chemistries of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) surfaces on osteoblast growth and attachment. Microgrooves (widths of 2, 4, 8 and 10 microm and a depth of 1.5-2 microm) were patterned onto silicon (Si) substrates using microlithography and reactive ion etching. The Si substrates were subsequently vapor coated with either cpTi or DLC coatings. All surfaces were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements. Using the MG63 Osteoblast-Like cell line, we determined cell viability, adhesion, and morphology on different substrates over a 3 day culture period. The results showed cpTi surfaces to be significantly more hydrophilic than DLC for groove sizes larger than 2 microm. Cell contact guidance was observed for all grooved samples in comparison to the unpatterned controls. The cell viability tests indicated a significantly greater cell number for 8 and 10 microm grooves on cpTi surfaces compared to other groove sizes. The cell adhesion study showed that the smaller groove sizes, as well as the unpatterned control groups, displayed better cell adhesion to the substrate.

Closer look at the effect of AFM imaging conditions on the apparent dimensions of surface nanobubbles.

PubMed

Walczyk, Wiktoria; Schönherr, Holger

2013-01-15

To date, TM AFM (tapping mode or intermittent contact mode atomic force microscopy) is the most frequently applied direct imaging technique to visualize surface nanobubbles at the solid-aqueous interface. On one hand, AFM is the only profilometric technique that provides estimates of the bubbles' nanoscopic dimensions. On the other hand, the nanoscopic contact angles of surface nanobubbles estimated from their apparent dimensions that are deduced from AFM "height" images of nanobubbles differ markedly from the macrocopic water contact angles on the identical substrates. Here we show in detail how the apparent bubble height and width of surface nanobubbles on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) depend on the free amplitude of the cantilever oscillations and the amplitude setpoint ratio. (The role of these two AFM imaging parameters and their interdependence has not been studied so far for nanobubbles in a systematic way.) In all experiments, even with optimal scanning parameters, nanobubbles at the HOPG-water interface appeared to be smaller in the AFM images than their true size, which was estimated using a method presented herein. It was also observed that the severity of the underestimate increased with increasing bubble height and radius of curvature. The nanoscopic contact angle of >130° for nanobubbles on HOPG extrapolated to zero interaction force was only slightly overestimated and hence significantly higher than the macroscopic contact angle of water on HOPG (63 ± 2°). Thus, the widely reported contact angle discrepancy cannot be solely attributed to inappropriate AFM imaging conditions.

Graphene in ohmic contact for both n-GaN and p-GaN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhong, Haijian; Liu, Zhenghui; Shi, Lin

The wrinkles of single layer graphene contacted with either n-GaN or p-GaN were found both forming ohmic contacts investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy. The local I–V results show that some of the graphene wrinkles act as high-conductive channels and exhibiting ohmic behaviors compared with the flat regions with Schottky characteristics. We have studied the effects of the graphene wrinkles using density-functional-theory calculations. It is found that the standing and folded wrinkles with zigzag or armchair directions have a tendency to decrease or increase the local work function, respectively, pushing the local Fermi level towards n- or p-type GaN andmore » thus improving the transport properties. These results can benefit recent topical researches and applications for graphene as electrode material integrated in various semiconductor devices.« less

Self-Sorting of Bidispersed Colloidal Particles Near Contact Line of an Evaporating Sessile Droplet.

PubMed

Patil, Nagesh D; Bhardwaj, Rajneesh; Sharma, Atul

2018-06-13

Here, we investigate deposit patterns and associated morphology formed after the evaporation of an aqueous droplet containing mono- and bidispersed colloidal particles. In particular, the combined effect of substrate heating and particle diameter is investigated. We employ high-speed visualization, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the evaporating droplets, particle motion, and deposit morphology, respectively. In the context of monodispersed colloidal particles, an inner deposit and a typical ring form for smaller and larger particles, respectively, on a nonheated surface. The formation of the inner deposit is attributed to early depinning of the contact line, explained by a mechanistic model based on the balance of several forces acting on a particle near the contact line. At larger substrate temperature, a thin ring with inner deposit forms, explained by the self-pinning of the contact line and advection of the particles from the contact line to the center of the droplet due to the Marangoni flow. In the context of bidispersed colloidal particles, self-sorting of the colloidal particles within the ring occurs at larger substrate temperature. The smaller particles deposit at the outermost edge compared to the larger particles, and this preferential deposition in a stagnation region near the contact line is due to the spatially varying height of the liquid-gas interface above the substrate. The sorting occurs at a smaller ratio of the diameters of the smaller and larger particles. At larger substrate temperature and larger ratio, the particles do not get sorted and mix into each other. Our measurements show that there exists a critical substrate temperature as well as a diameter ratio to achieve the sorting. We propose regime maps on substrate temperature-particle diameter and substrate temperature-diameter ratio plane for mono- and bidispersed solutions, respectively.

Forces and electronic transport in a contact formed by a graphene tip and a defective MoS2 monolayer: a theoretical study.

PubMed

di Felice, D; Dappe, Y J; González, C

2018-06-01

A theoretical study of a graphene-like tip used in atomic force microscopy (AFM) is presented. Based on first principles simulations, we proved the low reactivity of this kind of tip, using a MoS 2 monolayer as the testing sample. Our simulations show that the tip-MoS 2 interaction is mediated through weak van der Waals forces. Even on the defective monolayer, the interaction is reduced by one order of magnitude with respect to the values obtained using a highly reactive metallic tip. On the pristine monolayer, the S atoms were imaged for large distances together with the substitutional defects which should be observed as brighter spots in non-contact AFM measurements. This result is in contradiction with previous simulations performed with Cu or Si tips where the metallic defects were imaged for much larger distances than the S atoms. For shorter distances, the Mo sites will be brighter even though a vacancy is formed. On the other hand, the largest conductance value is obtained over the defect formed by two Mo atoms occupying a S divacancy when the half-occupied p y -states of the graphene-like tip find a better coupling with d-orbitals of the highest substitutional atom. Due to the weak interaction, no conductance plateau is formed in any of the sites. A great advantage of this tip lies in the absence of atomic transfer between the tip and the sample leading to a more stable AFM measurement. Finally, and as previously shown, we confirm the atomic resolution in a scanning tunneling microscopy simulation using this graphene-based tip.

Forces and electronic transport in a contact formed by a graphene tip and a defective MoS2 monolayer: a theoretical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Felice, D.; Dappe, Y. J.; González, C.

2018-06-01

A theoretical study of a graphene-like tip used in atomic force microscopy (AFM) is presented. Based on first principles simulations, we proved the low reactivity of this kind of tip, using a MoS2 monolayer as the testing sample. Our simulations show that the tip–MoS2 interaction is mediated through weak van der Waals forces. Even on the defective monolayer, the interaction is reduced by one order of magnitude with respect to the values obtained using a highly reactive metallic tip. On the pristine monolayer, the S atoms were imaged for large distances together with the substitutional defects which should be observed as brighter spots in non-contact AFM measurements. This result is in contradiction with previous simulations performed with Cu or Si tips where the metallic defects were imaged for much larger distances than the S atoms. For shorter distances, the Mo sites will be brighter even though a vacancy is formed. On the other hand, the largest conductance value is obtained over the defect formed by two Mo atoms occupying a S divacancy when the half-occupied p y -states of the graphene-like tip find a better coupling with d-orbitals of the highest substitutional atom. Due to the weak interaction, no conductance plateau is formed in any of the sites. A great advantage of this tip lies in the absence of atomic transfer between the tip and the sample leading to a more stable AFM measurement. Finally, and as previously shown, we confirm the atomic resolution in a scanning tunneling microscopy simulation using this graphene-based tip.

Super-hydrophobic, highly adhesive, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces.

PubMed

Stanton, Morgan M; Ducker, Robert E; MacDonald, John C; Lambert, Christopher R; McGimpsey, W Grant

2012-02-01

Super-hydrophobic surfaces have been fabricated by casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on a textured substrate of known surface topography, and were characterized using contact angle, atomic force microscopy, surface free energy calculations, and adhesion measurements. The resulting PDMS has a micro-textured surface with a static contact angle of 153.5° and a hysteresis of 27° when using de-ionized water. Unlike many super-hydrophobic materials, the textured PDMS is highly adhesive, allowing water drops as large as 25.0 μL to be inverted. This high adhesion, super-hydrophobic behavior is an illustration of the "petal effect". This rapid, reproducible technique has promising applications in transport and analysis of microvolume samples. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surface topography and crystal and domain structures of films of ferroelectric copolymer of vinylidene difluoride and trifluoroethylene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kochervinskii, V. V., E-mail: kochval@mail.ru; Kiselev, D. A.; Malinkovich, M. D.

2017-03-15

The crystallization of a copolymer from a solution at room temperature is found to lead to the formation of a metastable structure, characterized by the coexistence of ferroelectric and paraelectric phases. The fraction of the latter decreases after annealing above the Curie point. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has revealed a difference in the surface topographies between the films contacting with air and the films contacting with a glass substrate. The microstructure of copolymer chains has been investigated by {sup 19}F NMR spectroscopy. The chain fragments with “defect” attached monomeric units are ejected to the surface. The character of the ferroelectricmore » domains formed during crystallization and their size distribution are analyzed.« less

The effect of the geometry and material properties of a carbon joint produced by electron beam induced deposition on the electrical resistance of a multiwalled carbon nanotube-to-metal contact interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rykaczewski, Konrad; Henry, Matthew R.; Kim, Song-Kil; Fedorov, Andrei G.; Kulkarni, Dhaval; Singamaneni, Srikanth; Tsukruk, Vladimir V.

2010-01-01

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are promising candidates for yielding next generation electrical and electronic devices such as interconnects and tips for conductive force microscopy. One of the main challenges in MWNT implementation in such devices is the high contact resistance of the MWNT-metal electrode interface. Electron beam induced deposition (EBID) of an amorphous carbon interface has previously been demonstrated to simultaneously lower the electrical contact resistance and improve the mechanical characteristics of the MWNT-electrode connection. In this work, we investigate the influence of process parameters, such as the electron beam energy, current, geometry, and deposition time, on the EBID-made carbon joint geometry and electrical contact resistance. The influence of the composition of the deposited material on its resistivity is also investigated. The relative importance of each component of the contact resistance and the limiting factor of the overall electrical resistance of a MWNT-based interconnect is determined through a combination of a model analysis and comprehensive experiments.

An ultrahigh-vacuum cryostat for simultaneous scanning tunneling microscopy and magneto-transport measurements down to 400 mK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liebmann, Marcus; Bindel, Jan Raphael; Pezzotta, Mike; Becker, Stefan; Muckel, Florian; Johnsen, Tjorven; Saunus, Christian; Ast, Christian R.; Morgenstern, Markus

2017-12-01

We present the design and calibration measurements of a scanning tunneling microscope setup in a 3He ultrahigh-vacuum cryostat operating at 400 mK with a hold time of 10 days. With 2.70 m in height and 4.70 m free space needed for assembly, the cryostat fits in a one-story lab building. The microscope features optical access, an xy table, in situ tip and sample exchange, and enough contacts to facilitate atomic force microscopy in tuning fork operation and simultaneous magneto-transport measurements on the sample. Hence, it enables scanning tunneling spectroscopy on microstructured samples which are tuned into preselected transport regimes. A superconducting magnet provides a perpendicular field of up to 14 T. The vertical noise of the scanning tunneling microscope amounts to 1 pmrms within a 700 Hz bandwidth. Tunneling spectroscopy using one superconducting electrode revealed an energy resolution of 120 μeV. Data on tip-sample Josephson contacts yield an even smaller feature size of 60 μeV, implying that the system operates close to the physical noise limit.

An ultrahigh-vacuum cryostat for simultaneous scanning tunneling microscopy and magneto-transport measurements down to 400 mK.

PubMed

Liebmann, Marcus; Bindel, Jan Raphael; Pezzotta, Mike; Becker, Stefan; Muckel, Florian; Johnsen, Tjorven; Saunus, Christian; Ast, Christian R; Morgenstern, Markus

2017-12-01

We present the design and calibration measurements of a scanning tunneling microscope setup in a 3 He ultrahigh-vacuum cryostat operating at 400 mK with a hold time of 10 days. With 2.70 m in height and 4.70 m free space needed for assembly, the cryostat fits in a one-story lab building. The microscope features optical access, an xy table, in situ tip and sample exchange, and enough contacts to facilitate atomic force microscopy in tuning fork operation and simultaneous magneto-transport measurements on the sample. Hence, it enables scanning tunneling spectroscopy on microstructured samples which are tuned into preselected transport regimes. A superconducting magnet provides a perpendicular field of up to 14 T. The vertical noise of the scanning tunneling microscope amounts to 1 pm rms within a 700 Hz bandwidth. Tunneling spectroscopy using one superconducting electrode revealed an energy resolution of 120 μeV. Data on tip-sample Josephson contacts yield an even smaller feature size of 60 μeV, implying that the system operates close to the physical noise limit.

Annealing improves tribological property of poly(octadecene- alt -maleic anhydride) self-assembled film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Shiyong; Liu, Lei; Zhang, Junyan

2011-09-01

A poly(octadecene-alt-maleic anhydride) (POMA) film was covalently immobilized on N-[3-(trimethoxylsilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine self-assembled monolayer modified silicon surface. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra were used to confirm the chemical bonding. Water contact angles and ellipsometric thicknesses were measured before and after annealing treatment. Atomic force microscopy was applied for top morphology, surface adhesion force and friction force. Anti-wear properties of the films were also evaluated on a ball-on-plate tribometer. It was found that annealing treatment which would evoke a conformation transform thermodynamically, was a critical step in the preparation of anti-wear films, especially for polymer ones. The correlation between structure and tribological property was revealed, which has profound meaning in designing excellent anti-wear nano-coatings used in microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS).

Direct Measurement of Interparticle Forces of Titan Aerosol Analogs ("Tholin") Using Atomic Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xinting; Hörst, Sarah M.; He, Chao; McGuiggan, Patricia; Bridges, Nathan T.

2017-12-01

To understand the origin of the dunes on Titan, it is important to investigate the material properties of Titan's organic sand particles on Titan. The organic sand may behave distinctively compared to the quartz/basaltic sand on terrestrial planets (Earth, Venus, and Mars) due to differences in interparticle forces. We measured the surface energy (through contact angle measurements) and elastic modulus (through Atomic Force Microscopy) of the Titan aerosol analog (tholin). We find that the surface energy of a tholin thin film is about 70.9 mN/m, and its elastic modulus is about 3.0 GPa (similar to hard polymers like PMMA and polystyrene). For two 20 μm diameter particles, the theoretical cohesion force is therefore 3.3 μN. We directly measured interparticle forces for relevant materials: tholin particles are 0.8 ± 0.6 μN, while the interparticle cohesion between walnut shell particles (a typical model materials for the Titan Wind Tunnel, TWT) is only 0.4 ± 0.1 μN. The interparticle cohesion forces are much larger for tholins and presumably Titan sand particles than materials used in the TWT. This suggests that we should increase the interparticle force in both analog experiments (TWT) and threshold models to correctly translate the results to real Titan conditions. The strong cohesion of tholins may also inform us how the small aerosol particles (˜1 μm) in Titan's atmosphere are transformed into large sand particles (˜200 μm). It may also support the cohesive sand formation mechanism suggested by Rubin and Hesp (2009), where only unidirectional wind is needed to form linear dunes on Titan.

Fingertip contact influences human postural control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeka, J. J.; Lackner, J. R.

1994-01-01

Touch and pressure stimulation of the body surface can strongly influence apparent body orientation, as well as the maintenance of upright posture during quiet stance. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between postural sway and contact forces at the fingertip while subjects touched a rigid metal bar. Subjects were tested in the tandem Romberg stance with eyes open or closed under three conditions of fingertip contact: no contact, touch contact (< 0.98 N of force), and force contact (as much force as desired). Touch contact was as effective as force contact or sight of the surroundings in reducing postural sway when compared to the no contact, eyes closed condition. Body sway and fingertip forces were essentially in phase with force contact, suggesting that fingertip contact forces are physically counteracting body sway. Time delays between body sway and fingertip forces were much larger with light touch contact, suggesting that the fingertip is providing information that allows anticipatory innervation of musculature to reduce body sway. The results are related to observations on precision grip as well as the somatosensory, proprioceptive, and motor mechanisms involved in the reduction of body sway.

Force microscopy experiments with ultrasensitive cantilevers.

PubMed

Rast, S; Gysin, U; Ruff, P; Gerber, Ch; Meyer, E; Lee, D W

2006-04-14

Force microscopy experiments with the pendulum geometry are performed with attonewton sensitivity (Rugar et al 2004 Nature 43 329). Single-crystalline cantilevers with sub-millinewton spring constants were annealed under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions. It is found that annealing with temperatures below 500 °C can improve the quality factor by an order of magnitude. The high force sensitivity of these ultrasoft cantilevers is used to characterize small magnetic and superconductive particles, which are mounted on the end of the cantilever. Their magnetic properties are analysed in magnetic fields as a function of temperature. The transition of a superconducting sample mounted on a cantilever is measured by the detection of frequency shifts. An increase of dissipation is observed below the critical temperature. The magnetic moment of ferromagnetic particles is determined by real time frequency detection with a phase-locked loop (PLL) as a function of the magnetic field. The dissipation between the probing tip and the sample is another important ingredient for ultrasensitive force measurements. It is found that dissipation increases at separations of 30 nm. The origins of this type of dissipation are poorly understood. However, it is predicted theoretically that adsorbates can increase this dissipation channel (Volokitin and Persson 2005 Phys. Rev. Lett. 94 086104). First experiments are performed under ultrahigh vacuum to investigate this type of dissipation. Long-range dissipation is closely related to long-range forces. The distance dependence of the contact potential is found to be an important aspect.

Subharmonic Oscillations and Chaos in Dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cantrell, John H.; Cantrell, Sean A.

2015-01-01

The increasing use of dynamic atomic force microscopy (d-AFM) for nanoscale materials characterization calls for a deeper understanding of the cantilever dynamics influencing scan stability, predictability, and image quality. Model development is critical to such understanding. Renormalization of the equations governing d- AFM provides a simple interpretation of cantilever dynamics as a single spring and mass system with frequency dependent cantilever stiffness and damping parameters. The renormalized model is sufficiently robust to predict the experimentally observed splitting of the free-space cantilever resonance into multiple resonances upon cantilever-sample contact. Central to the model is the representation of the cantilever sample interaction force as a polynomial expansion with coefficients F(sub ij) (i,j = 0, 1, 2) that account for the effective interaction stiffness parameter, the cantilever-to-sample energy transfer, and the amplitude of cantilever oscillation. Application of the Melnikov method to the model equation is shown to predict a homoclinic bifurcation of the Smale horseshoe type leading to a cascade of period doublings with increasing drive displacement amplitude culminating in chaos and loss of image quality. The threshold value of the drive displacement amplitude necessary to initiate subharmonic generation depends on the acoustic drive frequency, the effective damping coefficient, and the nonlinearity of the cantilever-sample interaction force. For parameter values leading to displacement amplitudes below threshold for homoclinic bifurcation other bifurcation scenarios can occur, some of which lead to chaos.

Synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) nanospheres and deposition thereof into porous thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abid, S.; Raza, Z. A.; Rehman, A.

2016-10-01

Polymeric nanostructures have gained importance in medical science as drug delivery carriers due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is one of the natural biodegradable polymers used to deliver drugs in the form of nano/microcapsules. In this study, solvent evaporation method has been used for the synthesis of PHB nanospheres using poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) both as emulsifier and stabilizer. The produced PHB nanospheres were analyzed using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. The size of nanospheres decreased whereas the zeta potential increased on increasing the concentration of emulsifier. The PHB nanospheres were then deposited into porous thin film on a glass surface and characterized against bulk PHB film by using atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurement and x-ray diffraction.

A green synthesis method for large area silver thin film containing nanoparticles.

PubMed

Shinde, N M; Lokhande, A C; Lokhande, C D

2014-07-05

The green synthesis method is inexpensive and convenient for large area deposition of thin films. For the first time, a green synthesis method for large area silver thin film containing nanoparticles is reported. Silver nanostructured films are deposited using silver nitrate solution and guava leaves extract. The study confirmed that the reaction time plays a key role in the growth and shape/size control of silver nanoparticles. The properties of silver films are studied using UV-visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle, Fourier-transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL) techniques. Finally, as an application, these films are used effectively in antibacterial activity study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oriented covalent immobilization of antibodies for measurement of intermolecular binding forces between zipper-like contact surfaces of split inteins.

PubMed

Sorci, Mirco; Dassa, Bareket; Liu, Hongwei; Anand, Gaurav; Dutta, Amit K; Pietrokovski, Shmuel; Belfort, Marlene; Belfort, Georges

2013-06-18

In order to measure the intermolecular binding forces between two halves (or partners) of naturally split protein splicing elements called inteins, a novel thiol-hydrazide linker was designed and used to orient immobilized antibodies specific for each partner. Activation of the surfaces was achieved in one step, allowing direct intermolecular force measurement of the binding of the two partners of the split intein (called protein trans-splicing). Through this binding process, a whole functional intein is formed resulting in subsequent splicing. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to directly measure the split intein partner binding at 1 μm/s between native (wild-type) and mixed pairs of C- and N-terminal partners of naturally occurring split inteins from three cyanobacteria. Native and mixed pairs exhibit similar binding forces within the error of the measurement technique (~52 pN). Bioinformatic sequence analysis and computational structural analysis discovered a zipper-like contact between the two partners with electrostatic and nonpolar attraction between multiple aligned ion pairs and hydrophobic residues. Also, we tested the Jarzynski's equality and demonstrated, as expected, that nonequilibrium dissipative measurements obtained here gave larger energies of interaction as compared with those for equilibrium. Hence, AFM coupled with our immobilization strategy and computational studies provides a useful analytical tool for the direct measurement of intermolecular association of split inteins and could be extended to any interacting protein pair.

Defining forces that are associated with shoulder dystocia: the use of a mathematic dynamic computer model.

PubMed

Gonik, Bernard; Zhang, Ning; Grimm, Michele J

2003-04-01

A computer model was modified to study the impact of maternal endogenous and clinician-applied exogenous delivery loads on the contact force between the anterior fetal shoulder and the maternal symphysis pubis. Varying endogenous and exogenous loads were applied, and the contact force was determined. Experiments also examined the effect of pelvic orientation and the direction of load application on contact force behind the symphysis pubis. Exogenous loading forces (50-100 N) resulted in anterior shoulder contact forces of 107 to 127 N, with delivery accomplished at 100 N of applied load. Higher contact forces (147-272 N) were noted for endogenously applied loads (100-400 N), with delivery occurring at 400 N of maternal force. Pelvic rotation from lithotomy to McRoberts' positioning resulted in reduced contact forces. Downward lateral flexion of the fetal head led to little difference in contact force but required 30% more exogenous load to achieve delivery. Compared with clinician-applied exogenous force, larger maternally derived endogenous forces are needed to clear the impacted anterior fetal shoulder. This is associated with >2 times more contact force by the obstructing symphysis pubis. McRoberts' positioning reduces shoulder-symphysis pubis contact force. Lateral flexion of the fetal head results in the larger forces that are needed for delivery but has little effect on contact force. Model refinements are needed to examine delivery forces and brachial plexus stretching more specifically.

Nanoscale observation of organic thin film by atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochizuki, Shota; Uruma, Takeshi; Satoh, Nobuo; Saravanan, Shanmugam; Soga, Tetsuo

2017-08-01

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) fabricated using organic semiconductors and hybrid solar cells (HSCs) based on organic semiconductors/quantum dots (QDs) have been attracting significant attention owing to their potential use in low-cost solar energy-harvesting applications and flexible, light-weight, colorful, large-area devices. In this study, we observed and evaluated the surface of a photoelectric conversion layer (active layer) of the OPVs and HSCs based on phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The experiment was performed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with a frequency modulation detector (FM detector) and a contact potential difference (CPD) detection circuit. We experimentally confirmed the changes in film thickness and surface potential, as affected by the ZnO nanoparticle concentration. From the experimental results, we confirmed that ZnO nanoparticles possibly affect the structures of PCBM and P3HT. Also, we prepared an energy band diagram on the basis of the observation results, and analyzed the energy distribution inside the active layer.

Space charge limited current measurements on conjugated polymer films using conductive atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Reid, Obadiah G; Munechika, Keiko; Ginger, David S

2008-06-01

We describe local (~150 nm resolution), quantitative measurements of charge carrier mobility in conjugated polymer films that are commonly used in thin-film transistors and nanostructured solar cells. We measure space charge limited currents (SCLC) through these films using conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM) and in macroscopic diodes. The current densities we measure with c-AFM are substantially higher than those observed in planar devices at the same bias. This leads to an overestimation of carrier mobility by up to 3 orders of magnitude when using the standard Mott-Gurney law to fit the c-AFM data. We reconcile this apparent discrepancy between c-AFM and planar device measurements by accounting for the proper tip-sample geometry using finite element simulations of tip-sample currents. We show that a semiempirical scaling factor based on the ratio of the tip contact area diameter to the sample thickness can be used to correct c-AFM current-voltage curves and thus extract mobilities that are in good agreement with values measured in the conventional planar device geometry.

Exploring Anomalous Polarization Dynamics in Organometallic Halide Perovskites

DOE PAGES

Ahmadi, Mahshid; Collins, Liam; Puretzky, Alexander; ...

2018-01-22

Organometallic halide perovskites (OMHPs) have attracted broad attention as prospective materials for optoelectronic applications. Among the many anomalous properties of these materials, of special interest are the ferroelectric properties including both classical and relaxor-like components, as a potential origin of slow dynamics, field enhancement, and anomalous mobilities. Here, ferroelectric properties of the three representative OMHPs are explored, including FAPb xSn 1–xI 3 (x = 0, x = 0.85) and FA 0.85MA 0.15PbI 3 using band excitation piezoresponse force microscopy and contact mode Kelvin probe force microscopy, providing insight into long- and short-range dipole and charge dynamics in these materials andmore » probing ferroelectric density of states. Furthermore, second-harmonic generation in thin films of OMHPs is observed, providing a direct information on the noncentrosymmetric polarization in such materials. Overall, the data provide strong evidence for the presence of ferroelectric domains in these systems; however, the domain dynamics is suppressed by fast ion dynamics. These materials hence present the limit of ferroelectric materials with spontaneous polarization dynamically screened by ionic and electronic carriers.« less

[Cycloferon biological activity characteristics].

PubMed

Utkina, T M; Potekhina, L P; Kartashova, O L; Vasilchenko, A S

2014-01-01

Study the effect of cycloferon in experimental and clinical conditions on persistence properties of aurococci as well as features of their morpho-functional reaction by atomic force microscopy. The study was carried out in 12 Staphylococcus aureus clones isolated from mucous membrane of nose anterior part of a resident carrier. The effect of cycloferon in vivo was evaluated in 26 resident staphylococci carriers under the control of anti-carnosine activity of staphylococci. Anti-carnosine activity was determined by O.V. Bukharin et al. (1999), biofilm formation -by G.A. O'Toole et al. (2000). Staphylococci treated with cycloferon were studied by atomic force microscopy in contact mode using scanning probe SMM-2000 microscope. The decrease of persistence properties of staphylococci under the effect of cycloferon in vitro and in vivo may be examined as one of the mechanisms of biological activity of the preparation. A significant increase of S. aureus surface roughness and changes in their morphology under the effect of cycloferon allow stating the disorder of barrier functions in the aurococci cell wall. The data obtained expand the understanding of cycloferon biological activity mechanisms.

Measuring the local mobility of graphene on semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Haijian; Liu, Zhenghui; Wang, Jianfeng; Pan, Anlian; Xu, Gengzhao; Xu, Ke

2018-04-01

Mobility is an important parameter to gauge the performance of graphene devices, which is usually measured by FET or Hall methods relying on the use of insulating substrates. However, these methods are not applicable for the case of graphene on semiconductors, because some current will inevitably cross their junctions and flow through the semiconductors except directly traversing the graphene surface. Here we demonstrate a method for measuring the local mobility of graphene on gallium nitrides combining Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM). The carrier density related to Fermi level shifts in graphene can be acquired from KPFM. The local mobility of graphene is calculated from the carrier mean free path available from the effective contact area, which can be fitted from the local I-V curves in graphene/GaN junctions by C-AFM. Our method can be used to investigate an arbitrary region in graphene and also be applied to other semiconductor substrates and do not introduce damages. These results will benefit recent topical application researches for graphene integration in various semiconductor devices.

Investigation of the surface potential of TiO2 (110) by frequency-modulation Kelvin probe force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Lili; Li, Yan Jun; Kamijyo, Takeshi; Naitoh, Yoshitaka; Sugawara, Yasuhiro

2016-12-01

We investigate the surface potential distribution on a TiO2 (110)-1 × 1 surface by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and atom-dependent bias-distance spectroscopic mapping. The experimental results demonstrate that the local contact potential difference increases on twofold-coordinated oxygen sites, and decreases on OH defects and fivefold-coordinated Ti sites. We propose a qualitative model to explain the origin of the surface potential of TiO2 (110). We qualitatively calculate the surface potential induced by chemical potential and permanent surface dipole. The calculated results agree with our experimental ones. Therefore, we suggest that the surface potential of TiO2 (110) is dominated not only by the permanent surface dipole between the tip apex atom and surface, but also by the dipoles induced by the chemical interaction between the tip and sample. The KPFM technique demonstrate the possibility of investigation of the charge transfer phenomenon on TiO2 surface under gas conditions. It is useful for the elucidation of the mechanism of the catalytic reactions.

Investigation of the surface potential of TiO2 (110) by frequency-modulation Kelvin probe force microscopy.

PubMed

Kou, Lili; Li, Yan Jun; Kamijyo, Takeshi; Naitoh, Yoshitaka; Sugawara, Yasuhiro

2016-12-16

We investigate the surface potential distribution on a TiO 2 (110)-1 × 1 surface by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and atom-dependent bias-distance spectroscopic mapping. The experimental results demonstrate that the local contact potential difference increases on twofold-coordinated oxygen sites, and decreases on OH defects and fivefold-coordinated Ti sites. We propose a qualitative model to explain the origin of the surface potential of TiO 2 (110). We qualitatively calculate the surface potential induced by chemical potential and permanent surface dipole. The calculated results agree with our experimental ones. Therefore, we suggest that the surface potential of TiO 2 (110) is dominated not only by the permanent surface dipole between the tip apex atom and surface, but also by the dipoles induced by the chemical interaction between the tip and sample. The KPFM technique demonstrate the possibility of investigation of the charge transfer phenomenon on TiO 2 surface under gas conditions. It is useful for the elucidation of the mechanism of the catalytic reactions.

The Evolution of Silica Nanoparticle-polyester Coatings on Surfaces Exposed to Sunlight.

PubMed

Truong, Vi Khanh; Stefanovic, Miljan; Maclaughlin, Shane; Tobin, Mark; Vongsvivut, Jitraporn; Al Kobaisi, Mohammad; Crawford, Russell J; Ivanova, Elena P

2016-10-11

Corrosion of metallic surfaces is prevalent in the environment and is of great concern in many areas, including the military, transport, aviation, building and food industries, amongst others. Polyester and coatings containing both polyester and silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have been widely used to protect steel substrata from corrosion. In this study, we utilized X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection infrared micro-spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, optical profiling and atomic force microscopy to provide an insight into how exposure to sunlight can cause changes in the micro- and nanoscale integrity of the coatings. No significant change in surface micro-topography was detected using optical profilometry, however, statistically significant nanoscale changes to the surface were detected using atomic force microscopy. Analysis of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection infrared micro-spectroscopy data revealed that degradation of the ester groups had occurred through exposure to ultraviolet light to form COO·, -H2C·, -O·, -CO· radicals. During the degradation process, CO and CO2 were also produced.

Exploring Anomalous Polarization Dynamics in Organometallic Halide Perovskites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahmadi, Mahshid; Collins, Liam; Puretzky, Alexander

Organometallic halide perovskites (OMHPs) have attracted broad attention as prospective materials for optoelectronic applications. Among the many anomalous properties of these materials, of special interest are the ferroelectric properties including both classical and relaxor-like components, as a potential origin of slow dynamics, field enhancement, and anomalous mobilities. Here, ferroelectric properties of the three representative OMHPs are explored, including FAPb xSn 1–xI 3 (x = 0, x = 0.85) and FA 0.85MA 0.15PbI 3 using band excitation piezoresponse force microscopy and contact mode Kelvin probe force microscopy, providing insight into long- and short-range dipole and charge dynamics in these materials andmore » probing ferroelectric density of states. Furthermore, second-harmonic generation in thin films of OMHPs is observed, providing a direct information on the noncentrosymmetric polarization in such materials. Overall, the data provide strong evidence for the presence of ferroelectric domains in these systems; however, the domain dynamics is suppressed by fast ion dynamics. These materials hence present the limit of ferroelectric materials with spontaneous polarization dynamically screened by ionic and electronic carriers.« less

Mapping piezoelectric response in nanomaterials using a dedicated non-destructive scanning probe technique.

PubMed

Calahorra, Yonatan; Smith, Michael; Datta, Anuja; Benisty, Hadas; Kar-Narayan, Sohini

2017-12-14

There has been tremendous interest in piezoelectricity at the nanoscale, for example in nanowires and nanofibers where piezoelectric properties may be enhanced or controllably tuned, thus necessitating robust characterization techniques of piezoelectric response in nanomaterials. Piezo-response force microscopy (PFM) is a well-established scanning probe technique routinely used to image piezoelectric/ferroelectric domains in thin films, however, its applicability to nanoscale objects is limited due to the requirement for physical contact with an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip that may cause dislocation or damage, particularly to soft materials, during scanning. Here we report a non-destructive PFM (ND-PFM) technique wherein the tip is oscillated into "discontinuous" contact during scanning, while applying an AC bias between tip and sample and extracting the piezoelectric response for each contact point by monitoring the resulting localized deformation at the AC frequency. ND-PFM is successfully applied to soft polymeric (poly-l-lactic acid) nanowires, as well as hard ceramic (barium zirconate titanate-barium calcium titanate) nanowires, both previously inaccessible by conventional PFM. Our ND-PFM technique is versatile and compatible with commercial AFMs, and can be used to correlate piezoelectric properties of nanomaterials with their microstructural features thus overcoming key characterisation challenges in the field.

Viscoelastic Properties of Confluent MDCK II Cells Obtained from Force Cycle Experiments.

PubMed

Brückner, Bastian Rouven; Nöding, Helen; Janshoff, Andreas

2017-02-28

The local mechanical properties of cells are frequently probed by force indentation experiments carried out with an atomic force microscope. Application of common contact models provides a single parameter, the Young's modulus, to describe the elastic properties of cells. The viscoelastic response of cells, however, is generally measured in separate microrheological experiments that provide complex shear moduli as a function of time or frequency. Here, we present a straightforward way to obtain rheological properties of cells from regular force distance curves collected in typical force indentation measurements. The method allows us to record the stress-strain relationship as well as changes in the weak power law of the viscoelastic moduli. We derive an analytical function based on the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle applied to Hertzian contact mechanics to model both indentation and retraction curves. Rheological properties are described by standard viscoelastic models and the paradigmatic weak power law found to interpret the viscoelastic properties of living cells best. We compare our method with atomic force microscopy-based active oscillatory microrheology and show that the method to determine the power law coefficient is robust against drift and largely independent of the indentation depth and indenter geometry. Cells were subject to Cytochalasin D treatment to provoke a drastic change in the power law coefficient and to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach to capture rheological changes extremely fast and precisely. The method is easily adaptable to different indenter geometries and acquires viscoelastic data with high spatiotemporal resolution. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Knee Contact Force Asymmetries in Patients Who Failed Return-to-Sport Readiness Criteria 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Gardinier, Emily S.; Di Stasi, Stephanie; Manal, Kurt; Buchanan, Thomas S.; Snyder-Mackler, Lynn

2015-01-01

Background After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, contact forces are decreased in the injured knee when compared with the uninjured knee. The persistence of contact force asymmetries after ACL reconstruction may increase the risk of reinjury and may play an important role in the development of knee osteoarthritis in these patients. Functional performance may also be useful in identifying patients who demonstrate potentially harmful joint contact force asymmetries after ACL reconstruction. Hypothesis Knee joint contact force asymmetries would be present during gait after ACL reconstruction, and performance on a specific set of validated return-to-sport (RTS) readiness criteria would discriminate between those who demonstrated contact force asymmetries and those who did not. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods A total of 29 patients with ACL ruptures participated in gait analysis and RTS readiness testing 6 months after reconstruction. Muscle and joint contact forces were estimated using an electromyography (EMG)–driven musculoskeletal model of the knee. The magnitude of typical limb asymmetry in uninjured controls was used to define limits of meaningful limb asymmetry in patients after ACL reconstruction. The RTS testing included isometric quadriceps strength testing, 4 unilateral hop tests, and 2 self-report questionnaires. Paired t tests were used to assess limb symmetry for peak medial and tibiofemoral contact forces in all patients, and a mixed-design analysis of variance was used to analyze the effect of passing or failing RTS testing on contact force asymmetry. Results Among all patients, neither statistically significant nor meaningful contact force asymmetries were identified. However, patients who failed RTS testing exhibited meaningful contact force asymmetries, with tibiofemoral contact force being significantly lower for the involved knee. Conversely, patients who passed RTS testing exhibited neither significant nor meaningful contact force asymmetries. Conclusion Joint contact force asymmetries during gait are present in some patients 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Patients who demonstrated poor functional performance on RTS readiness testing exhibited significant and meaningful contact force asymmetries. Clinical Relevance When assessing all patients together, variability in the functional status obscured significant and meaningful differences in contact force asymmetry in patients 6 months after ACL reconstruction. These specific RTS readiness criteria appear to differentiate between those who demonstrate joint contact force symmetry after ACL reconstruction and those who do not. PMID:25318940

A non-contact, thermal noise based method for the calibration of lateral deflection sensitivity in atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Mullin, Nic; Hobbs, Jamie K

2014-11-01

Calibration of lateral forces and displacements has been a long standing problem in lateral force microscopies. Recently, it was shown by Wagner et al. that the thermal noise spectrum of the first torsional mode may be used to calibrate the deflection sensitivity of the detector. This method is quick, non-destructive and may be performed in situ in air or liquid. Here we make a full quantitative comparison of the lateral inverse optical lever sensitivity obtained by the lateral thermal noise method and the shape independent method developed by Anderson et al. We find that the thermal method provides accurate results for a wide variety of rectangular cantilevers, provided that the geometry of the cantilever is suitable for torsional stiffness calibration by the torsional Sader method, in-plane bending of the cantilever may be eliminated or accounted for and that any scaling of the lateral deflection signal between the measurement of the lateral thermal noise and the measurement of the lateral deflection is eliminated or corrected for. We also demonstrate that the thermal method may be used to characterize the linearity of the detector signal as a function of position, and find a deviation of less than 8% for the instrument used.

Quantification of Staphylococcus aureus adhesion forces on various dental restorative materials using atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merghni, Abderrahmen; Kammoun, Dorra; Hentati, Hajer; Janel, Sébastien; Popoff, Michka; Lafont, Frank; Aouni, Mahjoub; Mastouri, Maha

2016-08-01

In the oral cavity dental restorative biomaterials can act as a reservoir for infection with opportunistic Staphylococcus aureus pathogen, which can lead to the occurrence of secondary caries and treatment failures. Our aim was to evaluate the adhesion forces by S. aureus on four dental restorative biomaterials and to correlate this finding to differences in specific surface characteristics. Additionally, the influence of salivary conditioning films in exerted adhesion forces was investigated. The substrate hydrophobicity was measured by goniometer and the surface free energy was calculated using the equilibrium advancing contact angle values of water, formamide, and diiodomethane on the tested surfaces. The surface roughness was determined using atomic force microscope (AFM). Additionally, cell force spectroscopy was achieved to quantify the forces that drive cell-substrate interactions. S. aureus bacterium exerted a considerable adhesion forces on various dental restorative materials, which decreased in the presence of saliva conditioning film. The influence of the surface roughness and free energy in initial adhesion appears to be more important than the effect of hydrophobicity, either in presence or absence of saliva coating. Hence, control of surface properties of dental restorative biomaterials is of crucial importance in preventing the attachment and subsequent the biofilm formation.

Noncontact Viscoelastic Imaging of Living Cells Using a Long-Needle Atomic Force Microscope with Dual-Frequency Modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Dongshi; Charlaix, Elisabeth; Qi, Robert Z.; Tong, Penger

2017-10-01

Imaging of surface topography and elasticity of living cells can provide insight into the roles played by the cells' volumetric and mechanical properties and their response to external forces in regulating the essential cellular events and functions. Here, we report a unique technique of noncontact viscoelastic imaging of live cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a long-needle glass probe. Because only the probe tip is placed in a liquid medium near the cell surface, the AFM cantilever in air functions well under dual-frequency modulation, retaining its high-quality resonant modes. The probe tip interacts with the cell surface through a minute hydrodynamic flow in the nanometer-thin gap region between them without physical contact. Quantitative measurements of the cell height, volume, and Young's modulus are conducted simultaneously. The experiment demonstrates that the long-needle AFM has a wide range of applications in the study of cell mechanics.

Molecular-scale shear response of the organic semiconductor β -DBDCS (100) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Álvarez-Asencio, Rubén; Moreno-Ramírez, Jorge S.; Pimentel, Carlos; Casado, Santiago; Matta, Micaela; Gierschner, Johannes; Muccioli, Luca; Yoon, Seong-Jun; Varghese, Shinto; Park, Soo Young; Gnecco, Enrico; Pina, Carlos M.

2017-09-01

In this work we present friction-force microscopy (FFM) lattice-resolved images acquired on the (100) facet of the semiconductor organic oligomer (2 Z ,2'Z )-3 , 3' -(1,4-phenylene)bis(2-(4-butoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile) (β -DBDCS) crystal in water at room temperature. Stick-slip contrast, lateral contact stiffness, and friction forces are found to depend strongly on the sliding direction due to the anisotropic packing of the molecular chains forming the crystal surface along the [010] and [001] directions. The anisotropy also causes the maximum value of the normal force applicable before wearing to increase by a factor of 3 when the scan is performed along the [001] direction on the (100) face. Altogether, our results contribute to achieving a better understanding of the molecular origin of friction anisotropy on soft crystalline surfaces, which has been often hypothesized but rarely investigated in the literature.

Measuring the mechanical properties of molecular conformers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarvis, S. P.; Taylor, S.; Baran, J. D.; Champness, N. R.; Larsson, J. A.; Moriarty, P.

2015-09-01

Scanning probe-actuated single molecule manipulation has proven to be an exceptionally powerful tool for the systematic atomic-scale interrogation of molecular adsorbates. To date, however, the extent to which molecular conformation affects the force required to push or pull a single molecule has not been explored. Here we probe the mechanochemical response of two tetra(4-bromophenyl)porphyrin conformers using non-contact atomic force microscopy where we find a large difference between the lateral forces required for manipulation. Remarkably, despite sharing very similar adsorption characteristics, variations in the potential energy surface are capable of prohibiting probe-induced positioning of one conformer, while simultaneously permitting manipulation of the alternative conformational form. Our results are interpreted in the context of dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations which reveal significant differences in the diffusion barriers for each conformer. These results demonstrate that conformational variation significantly modifies the mechanical response of even simple porpyhrins, potentially affecting many other flexible molecules.

Improvement of carbon nanotube field emission properties by ultrasonic nanowelding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Bo; Yadian, Boluo; Chen, Da; Xu, Dong; Zhang, Yafei

2008-12-01

Ultrasonic nanowelding was used to improve the field emission properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) cathodes. The CNTs were deposited on the Ti-coated glass substrate by electrophoretic deposition. By pressing CNTs against metal (Ti) substrate under a vibrating force at ultrasonic frequency, a reliable and low resistance contact was obtained between CNTs and Ti. The scanning electron microscopy results show that CNTs are embedded into the metal substrate and act as stable field emitters. The welded cathode demonstrates an excellent field emission with high emission current density and good current stability.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effects of Silver-Coated Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets.

PubMed

Arash, Valiollah; Keikhaee, Fatemeh; Rabiee, Sayed Mahmood; Rajabnia, Ramazan; Khafri, Soraya; Tavanafar, Saeid

2016-01-01

White spots and enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets are among the most important complications resulting from orthodontic treatments. Since the antibacterial properties of metals and metallic particles have been well documented, the aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial effect of stainless steel orthodontic brackets coated with silver (Ag) particles. In this study, 40 standard metal brackets were divided into two groups of 20 cases and 20 controls. The brackets in the case group were coated with Ag particles using an electroplating method. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the adequacy of the coating process. In addition, antibacterial tests, i.e., disk diffusion and direct contact tests were performed at three, six, 24, and 48 hours, and 15 and 30 days using a Streptococcus mutans strain. The results were analyzed using Student's t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Analyses via SEM and AFM confirmed that excellent coatings were obtained by using an electroplating method. The groups exhibited similar behavior when subjected to the disk diffusion test in the agar medium. However, the bacterial counts of the Ag-coated brackets were, in general, significantly lower (P<0.001) than those of their non-coated counterparts. Brackets coated with Ag, via an electroplating method, exhibited antibacterial properties when placed in direct contact with Streptococcus mutans. This antibacterial effect persisted for 30 days after contact with the bacteria.

Preparation of enhanced hydrophobic poly(L-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) films surface and its blood compatibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seung Il; Lim, Jin Ik; Jung, Youngmee; Mun, Cho Hay; Kim, Ji Heung; Kim, Soo Hyun

2013-07-01

Hydrophobicity-enhanced poly(L-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLCL) (50:50) films were cast by using the solvent-nonsolvent casting method. PLCL (50:50) was synthesized by the well-known random copolymerization process and confirmed by 1H NMR analysis. The molecular weight of the synthesized PLCL was measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Number-average (Mn), weight-average (Mw) molecular weights and polydispersity (Mw/Mn) were 7 × 104, 1.2 × 105, and 1.7, respectively. PLCL films were cast in vacuum condition with various nonsolvents and nonsolvent ratios. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) was used as the solvent and three different alcohols were used as the nonsolvent: methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Surface hydrophobicity was confirmed by water contact angle. The water contact angle was increased from 81° ± 2° to 107° ± 2°. Water contact angle was influenced by surface porosity and topography. The prepared film surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The change of crystalline property was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Platelet adhesion tests on the modified PLCL film surfaces were evaluated by platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The modified film surface exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity and reduced platelet adhesion ratio depending on the surface topography. One of the candidate products proposed as a potential blood compatible material showed a markedly reduced platelet adhesion property.

Time to consider the contact force during photoplethysmography measurement during pediatric anesthesia: A prospective, nonrandomized interventional study.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Hyun; Yang, Seungman; Park, Jonghyun; Kim, Hee Chan; Kim, Eun-Hee; Jang, Young-Eun; Kim, Jin-Tae; Kim, Hee-Soo

2018-06-19

Respiratory variations in photoplethysmography amplitude enable volume status assessment. However, the contact force between the measurement site and sensor can affect photoplethysmography waveforms. We aimed to evaluate contact force effects on respiratory variations in photoplethysmography waveforms in children under general anesthesia. Children aged 3-5 years were enrolled. After anesthetic induction, mechanical ventilation commenced at a tidal volume of 10 mL/kg. Photoplethysmographic signals were obtained in the supine position from the index finger using a force sensor-integrated clip-type photoplethysmography sensor that increased the contact force from 0-1.4 N for 20 respiratory cycles at each force. The AC amplitude (pulsatile component), DC amplitude (nonpulsatile component), AC/DC ratio, and respiratory variations in photoplethysmography amplitude were calculated. Data from 34 children were analyzed. Seven contact forces at 0.2-N increments were evaluated for each patient. The normalized AC amplitude increased maximally at a contact force of 0.4-0.6 N and decreased with increasing contact force. However, the normalized DC amplitude increased with a contact force exceeding 0.4 N. ΔPOP decreased slightly and increased from the point when the AC amplitude started to decrease as contact force increased. In a 0.2-1.2 N contact force range, significant changes in the normalized AC amplitude, normalized DC amplitude, AC/DC ratio, and respiratory variations in photoplethysmography amplitude were observed. Respiratory variations in photoplethysmography amplitude changed according to variable contact forces; therefore, these measurements may not reflect respiration-induced stroke volume variations. Clinicians should consider contact force bias when interpreting morphological data from photoplethysmography signals. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Contact Force Compensated Thermal Stimulators for Holistic Haptic Interfaces.

PubMed

Sim, Jai Kyoung; Cho, Young-Ho

2016-05-01

We present a contact force compensated thermal stimulator that can provide a consistent tempera- ture sensation on the human skin independent of the contact force between the thermal stimulator and the skin. Previous passive thermal stimulators were not capable of providing a consistent tem- perature on the human skin even when using identical heat source voltage due to an inconsistency of the heat conduction, which changes due to the force-dependent thermal contact resistance. We propose a force-based feedback method that monitors the contact force and controls the heat source voltage according to this contact force, thus providing consistent temperature on the skin. We composed a heat circuit model equivalent to the skin heat-transfer rate as it is changed by the contact forces; we obtained the optimal voltage condition for the constant skin heat-transfer rate independent of the contact force using a numerical estimation simulation tool. Then, in the experiment, we heated real human skin at the obtained heat source voltage condition, and investigated the skin heat transfer-rate by measuring the skin temperature at various times at different levels of contact force. In the numerical estimation results, the skin heat-transfer rate for the contact forces showed a linear profile in the contact force range of 1-3 N; from this profile we obtained the voltage equation for heat source control. In the experimental study, we adjusted the heat source voltage according to the contact force based on the obtained equation. As a result, without the heat source voltage control for the contact forces, the coefficients of variation (CV) of the skin heat-transfer rate in the contact force range of 1-3 N was found to be 11.9%. On the other hand, with the heat source voltage control for the contact forces, the CV of the skin heat-transfer rate in the contact force range of 1-3 N was found to be barely 2.0%, which indicate an 83.2% improvement in consistency compared to the skin heat-transfer rate without the heat source voltage control. The present technique provides a consistent temperature sensation on the human skin independent of the body movement environment; therefore, it has high potential for use in holistic haptic interfaces that have thermal displays.

Tibiofemoral contact forces during walking, running and sidestepping.

PubMed

Saxby, David J; Modenese, Luca; Bryant, Adam L; Gerus, Pauline; Killen, Bryce; Fortin, Karine; Wrigley, Tim V; Bennell, Kim L; Cicuttini, Flavia M; Lloyd, David G

2016-09-01

We explored the tibiofemoral contact forces and the relative contributions of muscles and external loads to those contact forces during various gait tasks. Second, we assessed the relationships between external gait measures and contact forces. A calibrated electromyography-driven neuromusculoskeletal model estimated the tibiofemoral contact forces during walking (1.44±0.22ms(-1)), running (4.38±0.42ms(-1)) and sidestepping (3.58±0.50ms(-1)) in healthy adults (n=60, 27.3±5.4years, 1.75±0.11m, and 69.8±14.0kg). Contact forces increased from walking (∼1-2.8 BW) to running (∼3-8 BW), sidestepping had largest maximum total (8.47±1.57 BW) and lateral contact forces (4.3±1.05 BW), while running had largest maximum medial contact forces (5.1±0.95 BW). Relative muscle contributions increased across gait tasks (up to 80-90% of medial contact forces), and peaked during running for lateral contact forces (∼90%). Knee adduction moment (KAM) had weak relationships with tibiofemoral contact forces (all R(2)<0.36) and the relationships were gait task-specific. Step-wise regression of multiple external gait measures strengthened relationships (0.20

Charge density wave order in 1D mirror twin boundaries of single-layer MoSe 2

DOE PAGES

Barja, Sara; Wickenburg, Sebastian; Liu, Zhen-Fei; ...

2016-04-18

Here, We provide direct evidence for the existence of isolated, one-dimensional charge density waves at mirror twin boundaries (MTBs) of single-layer semiconducting MoSe 2. Such MTBs have been previously observed by transmission electron microscopy and have been predicted to be metallic in MoSe 2 and MoS 2. Our low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy measurements revealed a substantial bandgap of 100 meV opening at the Fermi energy in the otherwise metallic one-dimensional structures. We found a periodic modulation in the density of states along the MTB, with a wavelength of approximately three lattice constants. In addition to mapping the energy-dependent densitymore » of states, we determined the atomic structure and bonding of the MTB through simultaneous high-resolution non-contact atomic force microscopy. Density functional theory calculations based on the observed structure reproduced both the gap opening and the spatially resolved density of states.« less

Dielectrophoretic immobilization of proteins: Quantification by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Laux, Eva-Maria; Knigge, Xenia; Bier, Frank F; Wenger, Christian; Hölzel, Ralph

2015-09-01

The combination of alternating electric fields with nanometer-sized electrodes allows the permanent immobilization of proteins by dielectrophoretic force. Here, atomic force microscopy is introduced as a quantification method, and results are compared with fluorescence microscopy. Experimental parameters, for example the applied voltage and duration of field application, are varied systematically, and the influence on the amount of immobilized proteins is investigated. A linear correlation to the duration of field application was found by atomic force microscopy, and both microscopical methods yield a square dependence of the amount of immobilized proteins on the applied voltage. While fluorescence microscopy allows real-time imaging, atomic force microscopy reveals immobilized proteins obscured in fluorescence images due to low S/N. Furthermore, the higher spatial resolution of the atomic force microscope enables the visualization of the protein distribution on single nanoelectrodes. The electric field distribution is calculated and compared to experimental results with very good agreement to atomic force microscopy measurements. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Investigation of fretting behaviour in pressure armour layers of flexible pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Don Rasika Perera, Solangarachchige

The incidence of fretting damage in the pressure armour wires of flexible pipes used in offshore oil explorations has been investigated. A novel experimental facility which is capable of simulating nub and valley contact conditions of interlocking wire winding with dynamic slip, representative of actual pipe loading, has been developed. The test set-up is equipped with a state of the art data acquisition system and a controller with transducers to measure and control the normal load, slip amplitude and friction force at the contact, in addition to the hoop stress in the wire. Tests were performed with selected loading and the fretted regions were examined using optical microscopy techniques. Results show that the magnitude of contact loading and the slip amplitude have a distinct influence on surface damage. Surface cracks originated from a fretting scar were observed at high contact loads in mixed slip sliding while surface damage predominantly due to wear was observed under gross slip. The position of surface cracks and the wear profile have been related to the contact pressure distribution. The evolution of friction force and surface damage under different slip and normal pressure conditions has been analysed. A fracture mechanics based numerical procedure has been developed to analyse the fretting damage behaviour. A severity parameter is proposed in order to ascertain whether the crack growth is in mode I or mode II cracking. The analysis show the influence of mode II cracking in the early stages of crack growth following which the crack deviates in the mode I direction making mode I the dominant crack propagation mechanism. The crack path determined by the numerical procedure correlates well with the experimental results. A numerical analysis was carried out for the fretting fatigue condition where a cyclic bulk stress superimposes with the friction force. The analysis correlates well with short crack growth behaviour. The analysis confirms that fretting is a significant factor that should be taken into account in design and operation of the pressure armour wires of flexible pipes at high contact pressure if the bulk cyclic load superimposes with the friction force. As predicted by the numerical procedure and further by experimental investigations, the surface cracks initiating on the wire in this condition are self arresting after propagating into a certain depth.

In situ measurement of contact angles and surface tensions of interfacial nanobubbles in ethanol aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Zhao, Binyu; Wang, Xingya; Wang, Shuo; Tai, Renzhong; Zhang, Lijuan; Hu, Jun

2016-04-14

The astonishing long lifetime and large contact angles of interfacial nanobubbles are still in hot debate despite numerous experimental and theoretical studies. One hypothesis to reconcile the two abnormalities of interfacial nanobubbles is that they have low surface tensions. However, few studies have been reported to measure the surface tensions of nanobubbles due to the lack of effective measurements. Herein, we investigate the in situ contact angles and surface tensions of individual interfacial nanobubbles immersed in different ethanol aqueous solutions using quantitative nanomechanical atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that the contact angles of nanobubbles in the studied ethanol solutions were also much larger than the corresponding macroscopic counterparts on the same substrate, and they decreased with increasing ethanol concentrations. More significantly, the surface tensions calculated were much lower than those of the gas-liquid interfaces of the solutions at the macroscopic scale but have similar tendencies with increasing ethanol concentrations. Those results are expected to be helpful in further understanding the stability of interfacial nanobubbles in complex solutions.

Measurement of contact-line dissipation in a nanometer-thin soap film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shuo; Lee, Chun Huen; Sheng, Ping; Tong, Penger

2015-01-01

We report a direct measurement of the friction coefficient ξc of two fluctuating contact lines formed on a fiber surface when a long glass fiber intersects the two water-air interfaces of a thin soap film. The glass fiber of diameter d in the range of 0.4-4 μ m and length 100-300 μ m is glued onto the front end of a rectangular cantilever used for atomic force microscopy. As a sensitive mechanical resonator, the hanging fiber probe can accurately measure a minute change of its viscous damping caused by the soap film. By measuring the broadening of the resonant peak of the hanging fiber probe with varying viscosity η of the soap film and different surface treatments of the glass fiber, we confirm that the contact line dissipation obeys a universal scaling law, ξc=α π d η , where the coefficient α =1.1 ±0.3 is insensitive to the change of liquid-solid contact angle. The experimental result is in good agreement with the numerical result based on the phase field model under the generalized Navier boundary conditions.

Measurement of contact-line dissipation in a nanometer-thin soap film.

PubMed

Guo, Shuo; Lee, Chun Huen; Sheng, Ping; Tong, Penger

2015-01-01

We report a direct measurement of the friction coefficient ξ(c) of two fluctuating contact lines formed on a fiber surface when a long glass fiber intersects the two water-air interfaces of a thin soap film. The glass fiber of diameter d in the range of 0.4-4 μm and length 100-300 μm is glued onto the front end of a rectangular cantilever used for atomic force microscopy. As a sensitive mechanical resonator, the hanging fiber probe can accurately measure a minute change of its viscous damping caused by the soap film. By measuring the broadening of the resonant peak of the hanging fiber probe with varying viscosity η of the soap film and different surface treatments of the glass fiber, we confirm that the contact line dissipation obeys a universal scaling law, ξ(c)=απdη, where the coefficient α=1.1±0.3 is insensitive to the change of liquid-solid contact angle. The experimental result is in good agreement with the numerical result based on the phase field model under the generalized Navier boundary conditions.

Muscle Synergies May Improve Optimization Prediction of Knee Contact Forces During Walking

PubMed Central

Walter, Jonathan P.; Kinney, Allison L.; Banks, Scott A.; D'Lima, Darryl D.; Besier, Thor F.; Lloyd, David G.; Fregly, Benjamin J.

2014-01-01

The ability to predict patient-specific joint contact and muscle forces accurately could improve the treatment of walking-related disorders. Muscle synergy analysis, which decomposes a large number of muscle electromyographic (EMG) signals into a small number of synergy control signals, could reduce the dimensionality and thus redundancy of the muscle and contact force prediction process. This study investigated whether use of subject-specific synergy controls can improve optimization prediction of knee contact forces during walking. To generate the predictions, we performed mixed dynamic muscle force optimizations (i.e., inverse skeletal dynamics with forward muscle activation and contraction dynamics) using data collected from a subject implanted with a force-measuring knee replacement. Twelve optimization problems (three cases with four subcases each) that minimized the sum of squares of muscle excitations were formulated to investigate how synergy controls affect knee contact force predictions. The three cases were: (1) Calibrate+Match where muscle model parameter values were calibrated and experimental knee contact forces were simultaneously matched, (2) Precalibrate+Predict where experimental knee contact forces were predicted using precalibrated muscle model parameters values from the first case, and (3) Calibrate+Predict where muscle model parameter values were calibrated and experimental knee contact forces were simultaneously predicted, all while matching inverse dynamic loads at the hip, knee, and ankle. The four subcases used either 44 independent controls or five synergy controls with and without EMG shape tracking. For the Calibrate+Match case, all four subcases closely reproduced the measured medial and lateral knee contact forces (R2 ≥ 0.94, root-mean-square (RMS) error < 66 N), indicating sufficient model fidelity for contact force prediction. For the Precalibrate+Predict and Calibrate+Predict cases, synergy controls yielded better contact force predictions (0.61 < R2 < 0.90, 83 N < RMS error < 161 N) than did independent controls (-0.15 < R2 < 0.79, 124 N < RMS error < 343 N) for corresponding subcases. For independent controls, contact force predictions improved when precalibrated model parameter values or EMG shape tracking was used. For synergy controls, contact force predictions were relatively insensitive to how model parameter values were calibrated, while EMG shape tracking made lateral (but not medial) contact force predictions worse. For the subject and optimization cost function analyzed in this study, use of subject-specific synergy controls improved the accuracy of knee contact force predictions, especially for lateral contact force when EMG shape tracking was omitted, and reduced prediction sensitivity to uncertainties in muscle model parameter values. PMID:24402438

Muscle synergies may improve optimization prediction of knee contact forces during walking.

PubMed

Walter, Jonathan P; Kinney, Allison L; Banks, Scott A; D'Lima, Darryl D; Besier, Thor F; Lloyd, David G; Fregly, Benjamin J

2014-02-01

The ability to predict patient-specific joint contact and muscle forces accurately could improve the treatment of walking-related disorders. Muscle synergy analysis, which decomposes a large number of muscle electromyographic (EMG) signals into a small number of synergy control signals, could reduce the dimensionality and thus redundancy of the muscle and contact force prediction process. This study investigated whether use of subject-specific synergy controls can improve optimization prediction of knee contact forces during walking. To generate the predictions, we performed mixed dynamic muscle force optimizations (i.e., inverse skeletal dynamics with forward muscle activation and contraction dynamics) using data collected from a subject implanted with a force-measuring knee replacement. Twelve optimization problems (three cases with four subcases each) that minimized the sum of squares of muscle excitations were formulated to investigate how synergy controls affect knee contact force predictions. The three cases were: (1) Calibrate+Match where muscle model parameter values were calibrated and experimental knee contact forces were simultaneously matched, (2) Precalibrate+Predict where experimental knee contact forces were predicted using precalibrated muscle model parameters values from the first case, and (3) Calibrate+Predict where muscle model parameter values were calibrated and experimental knee contact forces were simultaneously predicted, all while matching inverse dynamic loads at the hip, knee, and ankle. The four subcases used either 44 independent controls or five synergy controls with and without EMG shape tracking. For the Calibrate+Match case, all four subcases closely reproduced the measured medial and lateral knee contact forces (R2 ≥ 0.94, root-mean-square (RMS) error < 66 N), indicating sufficient model fidelity for contact force prediction. For the Precalibrate+Predict and Calibrate+Predict cases, synergy controls yielded better contact force predictions (0.61 < R2 < 0.90, 83 N < RMS error < 161 N) than did independent controls (-0.15 < R2 < 0.79, 124 N < RMS error < 343 N) for corresponding subcases. For independent controls, contact force predictions improved when precalibrated model parameter values or EMG shape tracking was used. For synergy controls, contact force predictions were relatively insensitive to how model parameter values were calibrated, while EMG shape tracking made lateral (but not medial) contact force predictions worse. For the subject and optimization cost function analyzed in this study, use of subject-specific synergy controls improved the accuracy of knee contact force predictions, especially for lateral contact force when EMG shape tracking was omitted, and reduced prediction sensitivity to uncertainties in muscle model parameter values.

Preparation of MTMS based transparent superhydrophobic silica films by sol-gel method.

PubMed

Venkateswara Rao, A; Latthe, Sanjay S; Nadargi, Digambar Y; Hirashima, H; Ganesan, V

2009-04-15

Superhydrophobic surfaces with water contact angle higher than 150 degrees generated a lot of interest both in academia and in industry because of the self-cleaning properties. Optically transparent superhydrophobic silica films were synthesized at room temperature (27 degrees C) using sol-gel process by a simple dip coating technique. The molar ratio of MTMS:MeOH:H(2)O (5 M NH(4)OH) was kept constant at 1:10.56:4.16, respectively. Emphasis is given to the effect of the surface modifying agents on the hydrophobic behavior of the films. Methyl groups were introduced in the silica film by post-synthesis grafting from two solutions using trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDZ) silylating agents in hexane solvent, individually. The percentage of silylating agents and silylation period was varied from 2.5 to 7.5% and 1 to 3 h, respectively. The TMCS modified films exhibited a very high water contact angle (166+/-2 degrees) in comparison to the HMDZ (138+/-2 degrees) modified films, indicating the water repellent behavior of the surface. When the TMCS and HMDZ modified films were heated at temperatures higher than 350 degrees C and 335 degrees C, respectively, the films became superhydrophilic; the contact angle for water on the films was smaller than 5 degrees. Further, the humidity study was carried out at a relative humidity of 85% at 30 degrees C temperature over 30 days. The films have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), % optical transmission, humidity tests and contact angle (CA) measurements.

Surface characterization of InP trenches embedded in oxide using scanning probe microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mannarino, Manuel, E-mail: manuel.mannarino@imec.be, E-mail: manuelmannarino@gmail.com; Chintala, Ravi; Vandervorst, Wilfried

2015-12-14

Metrology for structural and electrical analyses at device level has been identified as one of the major challenges to be resolved for the sub-14 nm technology nodes. In these advanced nodes, new high mobility semiconductors, such as III–V compounds, are grown in narrow trenches on a Si substrate. Probing the nature of the defects, the defect density, and the role of processing steps on the surface of such structures are prime metrology requirements. In order to enable defect analysis on a (III–V) surface, a proper sample preparation for oxide removal is of primary importance. In this work, the effectiveness of differentmore » chemical cleanings and thermal annealing procedures is investigated on both blanket InP and oxide embedded InP trenches by means of scanning probe microscopy techniques. It is found that the most effective approach is a combination of an HCl-based chemical cleaning combined with a low-temperature thermal annealing leading to an oxide free surface with atomically flat areas. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been the preferred method for such investigations on blanket films due to its intrinsic sub-nm spatial resolution. However, its application on oxide embedded structures is non-trivial. To perform STM on the trenches of interest (generally <20 nm wide), we propose a combination of non-contact atomic force microscopy and STM using the same conductive atomic force microscopy tip Our results prove that with these procedures, it is possible to perform STM in narrow InP trenches showing stacking faults and surface reconstruction. Significant differences in terms of roughness and terrace formation are also observed between the blanket and the oxide embedded InP.« less

A systematical analysis of in vivo contact forces on virtual catheter tip/tissue surface contact during cardiac mapping and intervention.

PubMed

Okumura, Yasuo; Johnson, Susan B; Bunch, T Jared; Henz, Benhur D; O'Brien, Christine J; Packer, Douglas L

2008-06-01

While catheter tip/tissue contact has been shown to be an important determinant of ablative lesions in in vitro studies, the impact of contact on the outcomes of mapping and ablation in the intact heart has not been evaluated. Twelve dogs underwent atrial ablation guided by the Senesitrade mark robotic catheter remote control system. After intracardiac ultrasound (ICE) validation of contact force measured by an in-line mechanical sensor, the relationship between contact force and individual lesion formation was established during irrigated-tipped ablation (flow 17 mL/sec) at 15 watts for 30 seconds. Minimal contact by ICE correlated with force of 4.7 +/- 5.8 grams, consistent contact 9.9 +/- 8.6 grams and tissue tenting produced 25.0 +/- 14.0 grams. Conversely, catheter tip/tissue contact by ICE was predicted by contact force. A contact force of 10-20 and > or =20 grams generated full-thickness, larger volume ablative lesions than that created with <10 grams (98 +/- 69 and 89 +/- 70 mm(3) vs 40 +/- 42 mm(3), P < 0.05). Moderate (10 grams) and marked contact (15-20 grams) application produced 1.5 X greater electroanatomic map volumes that were seen with minimal contact (5 grams) (26 +/- 3 cm(3) vs 33 +/- 6, 39 +/- 3 cm(3), P < 0.05). The electroanatomic map/CT merge process was also more distorted when mapping was generated at moderate to marked contact force. This study shows that mapping and ablation using a robotic sheath guidance system are critically dependent on generated force. These findings suggest that ablative lesion size is optimized by the application of 10-20 grams of contact force, although mapping requires lower-force application to avoid image distortions.

Vacuum arc plasma deposition of thin titanium dioxide films on silicone elastomer as a functional coating for medical applications.

PubMed

Boudot, Cécile; Kühn, Marvin; Kühn-Kauffeldt, Marina; Schein, Jochen

2017-05-01

Silicone elastomer is a promising material for medical applications and is widely used for implants with blood and tissue contact. However, its strong hydrophobicity limits adhesion of tissue cells to silicone surfaces, which can impair the healing process. To improve the biological properties of silicone, a triggerless pulsed vacuum cathodic arc plasma deposition technique was applied to deposit titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) films onto the surface. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and contact angle measurements were used for coating characterization. Deposited films were about 150nm thick and exhibited good adhesion to the underlying silicone substrate. Surface wettability and roughness both increased after deposition of the TiO 2 layer. In addition, cell-biological investigations demonstrated that the in-vitro cytocompatibility of TiO 2 -coated samples was greatly improved without impacting silicone's nontoxicity. For validation of use in medical devices, further investigations were conducted and demonstrated stability of surface properties in an aqueous environment for a period of 68days and the coating's resistance to several sterilization methods. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization and in vitro biocompatibility study of Ti-Si-N nanocomposite coatings developed by using physical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trivedi, Pramanshu; gupta, Pallavi; Srivastava, Swati; Jayaganthan, R.; Chandra, Ramesh; Roy, Partha

2014-02-01

Amongst the Ti alloys used as orthopedic implant materials, Ti6Al4V is one of the widely used alloys. Magnetron sputtering was used to deposit nanocomposite coating of Ti-Si-N on the Ti6Al4V substrate at different power and then the coating structure and surface properties were characterized through contact angle measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In vitro biocompatibility of the coatings was assessed by using mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMMSC). Antibacterial studies were performed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) microorganisms. The osteogenic differentiation was also carried out in order to get gene expressions. The AFM results confirmed that the coatings deposited at 120 W was smoother as compared to other coatings developed at different power, along with optimum contact angle, also these coatings showed good antibacterial results. The fluorescent and viability results of 120 W sample confirmed their good biocompatibility as compared to the coatings deposited 20, 40, 60, and 100 W power. Hence, the coating deposited at 120 W exhibit desirable microstructural characteristics beneficial for surface modification of orthopedic implants.

Electronic components embedded in a single graphene nanoribbon.

PubMed

Jacobse, P H; Kimouche, A; Gebraad, T; Ervasti, M M; Thijssen, J M; Liljeroth, P; Swart, I

2017-07-25

The use of graphene in electronic devices requires a band gap, which can be achieved by creating nanostructures such as graphene nanoribbons. A wide variety of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons can be prepared through on-surface synthesis, bringing the concept of graphene nanoribbon electronics closer to reality. For future applications it is beneficial to integrate contacts and more functionality directly into single ribbons by using heterostructures. Here, we use the on-surface synthesis approach to fabricate a metal-semiconductor junction and a tunnel barrier in a single graphene nanoribbon consisting of 5- and 7-atom wide segments. We characterize the atomic scale geometry and electronic structure by combined atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and conductance measurements complemented by density functional theory and transport calculations. These junctions are relevant for developing contacts in all-graphene nanoribbon devices and creating diodes and transistors, and act as a first step toward complete electronic devices built into a single graphene nanoribbon.Adding functional electronic components to graphene nanoribbons requires precise control over their atomic structure. Here, the authors use a bottom-up approach to build a metal-semiconductor junction and a tunnel barrier directly into a single graphene nanoribbon, an exciting development for graphene-based electronic devices.

Surface Chemistry, Microstructure, and Tribological Properties of Cubic Boron Nitride Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watanabe, Shuichi; Wheeler, Donald R.; Abel, Phillip B.; Street, Kenneth W.; Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Murakawa, Masao; Miyake, Shojiro

1998-01-01

This report deals with the surface chemistry, microstructure, bonding state, morphology, and friction and wear properties of cubic boron nitride (c-BN) films that were synthesized by magnetically enhanced plasma ion plating. Several analytical techniques - x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and surface profilometry - were used to characterize the films. Sliding friction experiments using a ball-on-disk configuration were conducted for the c-BN films in sliding contact with 440C stainless-steel balls at room temperature in ultrahigh vacuum (pressure, 10(exp -6), in ambient air, and under water lubrication. Results indicate that the boron-to-nitrogen ratio on the surface of the as-deposited c-BN film is greater than 1 and that not all the boron is present as boron nitride but a small percentage is present as an oxide. Both in air and under water lubrication, the c-BN film in sliding contact with steel showed a low wear rate, whereas a high wear rate was observed in vacuum. In air and under water lubrication, c-BN exhibited wear resistance superior to that of amorphous boron nitride, titanium nitride, and titanium carbide.

Reduced graphene oxide growth on 316L stainless steel for medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardenas, L.; MacLeod, J.; Lipton-Duffin, J.; Seifu, D. G.; Popescu, F.; Siaj, M.; Mantovani, D.; Rosei, F.

2014-07-01

We report a new method for the growth of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the 316L alloy of stainless steel (SS) and its relevance for biomedical applications. We demonstrate that electrochemical etching increases the concentration of metallic species on the surface and enables the growth of rGO. This result is supported through a combination of Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density functional theory (DFT) calculations and static water contact angle measurements. Raman spectroscopy identifies the G and D bands for oxidized species of graphene at 1595 cm-1 and 1350 cm-1, respectively, and gives an ID/IG ratio of 1.2, indicating a moderate degree of oxidation. XPS shows -OH and -COOH groups in the rGO stoichiometry and static contact angle measurements confirm the wettability of rGO. SEM and AFM measurements were performed on different substrates before and after coronene treatment to confirm rGO growth. Cell viability studies reveal that these rGO coatings do not have toxic effects on mammalian cells, making this material suitable for biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Multiscale characterization of partially demineralized superficial and deep dentin surfaces.

PubMed

Pelin, Irina M; Trunfio-Sfarghiu, Ana-Maria; Farge, Pierre; Piednoir, Agnes; Pirat, Christophe; Ramos, Stella M M

2013-08-01

The objective of this study was to address the following question: 'Which properties are modified in partially demineralized surfaces, compared with non-demineralized dentin surfaces, following orthophosphoric acid-etching as performed in clinical procedures?'. For this purpose, the complementary techniques atomic force microscopy/spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements were used to provide a multiscale characterization of the dentin substrate undergoing the acidic preconditioning designed to enhance wetting. Special attention was given to the influence of the etching pretreatment on the nanomechanical properties at different levels of dentin surfaces, in both dry and hydrated conditions. The four-sided pyramid model (extended Hertz contact model) proved to be accurate for calculating the apparent Young's modulus, offering new information on the elasticity of dentin. The modulus value notably decreased following etching and surface hydration. This study underlines that after the acid etching pretreatment the contribution of the nanomechanical, morphological, and physicochemical modifications has a strong influence on the dentin adhesion properties and thus plays a significant role in the coupling of the adhesive-resin composite build-up material at the dentin surface. © 2013 Eur J Oral Sci.

Roughness-dependent tribology effects on discontinuous shear thickening

PubMed Central

Hsu, Chiao-Peng; Ramakrishna, Shivaprakash N.; Zanini, Michele; Spencer, Nicholas D.

2018-01-01

Surface roughness affects many properties of colloids, from depletion and capillary interactions to their dispersibility and use as emulsion stabilizers. It also impacts particle–particle frictional contacts, which have recently emerged as being responsible for the discontinuous shear thickening (DST) of dense suspensions. Tribological properties of these contacts have been rarely experimentally accessed, especially for nonspherical particles. Here, we systematically tackle the effect of nanoscale surface roughness by producing a library of all-silica, raspberry-like colloids and linking their rheology to their tribology. Rougher surfaces lead to a significant anticipation of DST onset, in terms of both shear rate and solid loading. Strikingly, they also eliminate continuous thickening. DST is here due to the interlocking of asperities, which we have identified as “stick–slip” frictional contacts by measuring the sliding of the same particles via lateral force microscopy (LFM). Direct measurements of particle–particle friction therefore highlight the value of an engineering-tribology approach to tuning the thickening of suspensions. PMID:29717043

Study the friction behaviour of poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] brush with AFM probes in contact mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raftari, Maryam; Zhang, Zhenyu; Leggett, Graham J.; Geoghegan, Mark

2011-10-01

We have studied the frictional behaviour of grafted poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) films using friction force microscopy (FFM). The films were prepared on native oxide-terminated silicon substrates using the technique of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). We show that single asperity contact mechanics (Johnson-Kendall-Roberts(JKR) and Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov(DMT)) as well as a linear (Amontons) relation between applied load and frictional load depending on the pH of the FFM probe. Measurements were made using functionalized and unfunctionalized silicon nitride triangular probes. Functionalized probes included gold-coated probes, and ones coated with a self-assembled monolayer of dodecanethiol (DDT). The frictional behaviour between PDMAEMA and all tips immersed in pH from 3 to 11 are corresponded to the DMT or JKR model and are linear in pH=1, 2, and 12. These results show that contact mechanics of polyelectrolytes in water is complex and strongly dependent on the environmental pH.

Roughness-dependent tribology effects on discontinuous shear thickening.

PubMed

Hsu, Chiao-Peng; Ramakrishna, Shivaprakash N; Zanini, Michele; Spencer, Nicholas D; Isa, Lucio

2018-05-15

Surface roughness affects many properties of colloids, from depletion and capillary interactions to their dispersibility and use as emulsion stabilizers. It also impacts particle-particle frictional contacts, which have recently emerged as being responsible for the discontinuous shear thickening (DST) of dense suspensions. Tribological properties of these contacts have been rarely experimentally accessed, especially for nonspherical particles. Here, we systematically tackle the effect of nanoscale surface roughness by producing a library of all-silica, raspberry-like colloids and linking their rheology to their tribology. Rougher surfaces lead to a significant anticipation of DST onset, in terms of both shear rate and solid loading. Strikingly, they also eliminate continuous thickening. DST is here due to the interlocking of asperities, which we have identified as "stick-slip" frictional contacts by measuring the sliding of the same particles via lateral force microscopy (LFM). Direct measurements of particle-particle friction therefore highlight the value of an engineering-tribology approach to tuning the thickening of suspensions. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Influence of the softness of the parietal pleura on respiratory sliding mechanisms

PubMed Central

Kim, Jae Hun; Butler, James P.; Loring, Stephen H.

2011-01-01

The pleural surfaces of the lung and chest wall slide against each other with low friction. Normal load support can be effected either by a combination of quasi-static fluid pressure and solid-solid contacts of relatively stiff asperities, or by shear-induced hydrodynamic pressures in the pleural fluid layer. To distinguish between these mechanisms, we measured surface topography and spatial distribution of stiffness of rat parietal pleura using atomic force microscopy. The topography of the pleural surface has unevenness at length scales smaller than the thickness of pleural fluid, similar to mesothelial cell diameters. The estimated maximum normal contact pressure that could be borne by asperities of the soft pleura is much less than that required to support a substantial difference between pleural fluid pressure and the pleural surface pressure. These results suggest that during sliding motion, unevenness of the pleural surface is smoothed by local hydrodynamic pressure, preventing any significant contribution of solid-solid contacts. PMID:21473935

An Improved Tibial Force Sensor to Compute Contact Forces and Contact Locations In Vitro After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Roth, Joshua D; Howell, Stephen M; Hull, Maury L

2017-04-01

Contact force imbalance and contact kinematics (i.e., motion of the contact location in each compartment during flexion) of the tibiofemoral joint are both important predictors of a patient's outcome following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Previous tibial force sensors have limitations in that they either did not determine contact forces and contact locations independently in the medial and lateral compartments or only did so within restricted areas of the tibial insert, which prevented them from thoroughly evaluating contact force imbalance and contact kinematics in vitro. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study was to present the design and verification of an improved tibial force sensor which overcomes these limitations. The improved tibial force sensor consists of a modified tibial baseplate which houses independent medial and lateral arrays of three custom tension-compression transducers each. This sensor is interchangeable with a standard tibial component because it accommodates tibial articular surface inserts with a range of sizes and thicknesses. This sensor was verified by applying known loads at known locations over the entire surface of the tibial insert to determine the errors in the computed contact force and contact location in each compartment. The root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) in contact force are ≤ 6.1 N which is 1.4% of the 450 N full-scale output. The RMSEs in contact location are ≤ 1.6 mm. This improved tibial force sensor overcomes the limitations of the previous sensors and therefore should be useful for in vitro evaluation of new alignment goals, new surgical techniques, and new component designs in TKA.

Evaluation of recovery in lip closing pressure and occlusal force and contact area after orthognathic surgery.

PubMed

Ueki, Koichiro; Moroi, Akinori; Sotobori, Megumi; Ishihara, Yuri; Marukawa, Kohei; Iguchi, Ran; Kosaka, Akihiko; Ikawa, Hiroumi; Nakazawa, Ryuichi; Higuchi, Masatoshi

2014-10-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lip closing force, occlusal contact area and occlusal force after orthognathic surgery in skeletal Class III patients. The subjects consisted of 54 patients (28 female and 26 male) diagnosed with mandibular prognathism who underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy with and without Le Fort I osteotomy. Maximum and minimum lip closing forces, occlusal contact area and occlusal force were measured pre-operatively, 6 months and 1 year post-operative. Maximum and minimum lip closing forces, occlusal contact area and occlusal force increased with time after surgery, however a significant increase was not found in the occlusal contact area in women. In increased ratio (6 months/pre-operative and 1 year/pre-operative), the maximum lip closing force was significantly correlated with the occlusal contact area (P < 0.0001). This study suggested that orthognathic surgery could improve the occlusal force, contact area and lip closing force, and an increase ratio in maximum lip closing force was associated with an increased ratio in occlusal contact area. Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation of superhydrophobic and transparent micro-nano hybrid coatings from polymethylhydroxysiloxane and silica ormosil aerogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagappan, Saravanan; Park, Jin Joo; Park, Sung Soo; Ha, Chang-Sik

2014-12-01

Superhydrophobic and transparent polymethylhydroxysiloxane (PMHOS)/silica ormosil aerogel hybrids were prepared successfully by mixing of PMHOS with various weight percentages of silica ormosil aerogels (as synthesized from methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) precursors) in separate seal perfume glass vials. The hybrids were spin coated on glass substrate at 1000 rpm for 60 seconds and used for further analysis. The surface morphology and chemical compositions of the hybrids were analyzed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force spectroscopy, adsorption and desorption isotherm, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The transparency, thermal decomposition and static contact angle (SCA) of each sample were measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, TGA and drop shape analysis system, respectively. The spin coated substrates showed good superhydrophobic properties, thermal stability as well as transparency on the glass substrates.

Evaluation of Contact Separation Force Testing as a Screening Methodology for Electrical Socket Contacts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, Chris; Greenwell, Chris; Brusse, jay; Krus, Dennis; Leidecker, Henning

2009-01-01

During system level testing intermittent and permanent open circuit failures of mated, crimp removable, electrical contact pairs were experienced. The root cause of the failures was determined to be low (but not zero) contact forces applied by the socket contact tines against the engaging pin. The low contact force reduces the effectiveness of the wiping action of the socket tines against the pin. The observed failure mode may be produced when insufficient wiping during mate, demate and small relative movement in use allows for the accumulation of debris or insulating films that electrically separate the contact pair. The investigation identified at least three manufacturing process control problems associated with the socket contacts that enabled shipment of contacts susceptible to developing low contact forces: (1) Improper heat treatment of the socket tines resulting in plastic rather than elastic behavior; (2) Overly thinned socket tines at their base resulting in reduced pin retention forces; (3) insufficient screening tests to identify parts susceptible to the aforementioned failure mechanisms. The results from an extensive screening program of socket contacts utilizing the industry standard contact separation force test procedures are described herein. The investigation shows this method to be capable of identifying initially weak sockets. However, sockets whose contact retention forces may degrade during use may not be screened out by pin retention testing alone. Further investigations are required to correlate low contact retention forces with increased electrical contact resistance in the presence of insulating films that may accumulate in the use environment.

Micro- and Nano- Porous Adsorptive Materials for Removal of Contaminants from Water at Point-of-Use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakub, Ismaiel

Water is food, a basic human need and a fundamental human right, yet hundreds of millions of people around the world do not have access to clean drinking water. As a result, about 5000 people die each day from preventable water borne diseases. This dissertation presents the results of experimental and theoretical studies on three different types of porous materials that were developed for the removal of contaminants from water at point of use (household level). First, three compositionally distinct porous ceramic water filters (CWFs) were made from a mixture of redart clay and sieved woodchips and processed into frustum shape. The filters were tested for their flow characteristics and bacteria filtration efficiencies. Since, the CWFs are made from brittle materials, and may fail during processing, transportation and usage, the mechanical and physical properties of the porous clays were characterized, and used in modeling designed to provide new insights for the design of filter geometries. The mechanical/physical properties that were characterized include: compressive strength, flexural strength, facture toughness and resistance curve behavior, keeping in mind the anisotropic nature of the filter structure. The measured flow characteristics and mechanical/physical properties were then related to the underlying porosity and characteristic pore size. In an effort to quantify the adhesive interactions associated with filtration phenomena, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the adhesion between bi-material pairs that are relevant to point-of-use ceramic water filters. The force microscopy measurements of pull-off force and adhesion energy were used to rank the adhesive interactions. Similarly, the adsorption of fluoride to hydroxyapatite-doped redart clay was studied using composites of redart clay and hydroxyapatite (C-HA). The removal of fluoride from water was explored by carrying out adsorption experiments on C-HA adsorbents with different ratios of clay to hydroxyapatite (and sintered at different temperatures). The overall adsorption was controlled using water with varying fluoride concentrations and adsorbent-adsorbate contact times. Prototype frustum-shaped C-HA filters were then fabricated and shown to remove both fluoride and E.coli bacteria from water. Finally, "buckyweb", which is a foam comprising carbon nanotubes and graphene was made via thermal ablation of graphite, and tested for its deflouridation capacity. Defluoridation was studied in terms of concentration of fluoride, contact time and pH. The structure and adsorption characteristics of buckyweb foams were elucidated via energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The implications of the results were then explored for potential applications in water filtration.

Structure and local charging of electromigrated Au nanocontacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnold, D.; Marz, M.; Schneider, S.; Hoffmann-Vogel, R.

2017-02-01

We study the structure and the electronic properties of Au nanocontacts created by controlled electromigration of thin film devices, a method frequently used to contact molecules. In contrast to electromigration testing, a current is applied in a cyclic fashion and during each cycle the resistance increase of the metal upon heating is used to avoid thermal runaway. In this way, nanometer sized-gaps are obtained. The thin film devices with an optimized structure at the origin of the electromigration process are made by shadow evaporation without contamination by organic materials. Defining rounded edges and a thinner area in the center of the device allow to pre-determine the location where the electromigration takes place. Scanning force microscopy images of the pristine Au film and electromigrated contact show its grainy structure. Through electromigration, a 1.5 μm-wide slit is formed, with extensions only on the anode side that had previously not been observed in narrower structures. It is discussed whether this could be explained by asymmetric heating of both electrodes. New grains are formed in the slit and on the extensions on both, the anode and the cathode side. The smaller structures inside the slit lead to an electrode distance below 150 nm. Kelvin probe force microscopy images show a local work function difference with fluctuations of 70 mV on the metal before electromigration. Between the electrodes, disconnected through electromigration, a work function difference of 3.2 V is observed due to charging. Some of the grains newly formed by electromigration are electrically disconnected from the electrodes.

Atomic force microscopy and Langmuir–Blodgett monolayer technique to assess contact lens deposits and human meibum extracts☆

PubMed Central

Hagedorn, Sarah; Drolle, Elizabeth; Lorentz, Holly; Srinivasan, Sruthi; Leonenko, Zoya; Jones, Lyndon

2015-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the differences in meibomian gland secretions, contact lens (CL) lipid extracts, and CL surface topography between participants with and without meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods Meibum study: Meibum was collected from all participants and studied via Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) deposition with subsequent Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) visualization and surface roughness analysis. CL Study: Participants with and without MGD wore both etafilcon A and balafilcon A CLs in two different phases. CL lipid deposits were extracted and analyzed using pressure-area isotherms with the LB trough and CL surface topographies and roughness values were visualized using AFM. Results Meibum study: Non-MGD participant meibum samples showed larger, circular aggregates with lower surface roughness, whereas meibum samples from participants with MGD showed more lipid aggregates, greater size variability and higher surface roughness. CL Study: Worn CLs from participants with MGD had a few large tear film deposits with lower surface roughness, whereas non-MGD participant-worn lenses had many small lens deposits with higher surface roughness. Balafilcon A pore depths were shallower in MGD participant worn lenses when compared to non-MGD participant lenses. Isotherms of CL lipid extracts from MGD and non-MGD participants showed a seamless rise in surface pressure as area decreased; however, extracts from the two different lens materials produced different isotherms. Conclusions MGD and non-MGD participant-worn CL deposition were found to differ in type, amount, and pattern of lens deposits. Lipids from MGD participants deposited irregularly whereas lipids from non-MGD participants showed more uniformity. PMID:25620317

Synergistic effect of polyaniline coverage and surface microstructure on the inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation.

PubMed

Gallarato, L A; Mulko, L E; Dardanelli, M S; Barbero, C A; Acevedo, D F; Yslas, E I

2017-02-01

Biofilm Formation is a survival strategy for microorganisms to adapt to their environment. Microbial cells in biofilm become tolerant and resistant to antibiotics and immune responses, increasing the difficulties for the clinical treatment of microbial infections. The surface chemistry and the micro/nano-topography of solid interfaces play a major role in mediating microorganism activity and adhesion. The effect of the surface chemical composition and topography on the adhesion and viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied. Polymeric (polyethylene terephthalate) surfaces were covered with a conducting polymer (polyaniline, PANI) film by in-situ polymerization and microstructured by Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP). The viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the different surfaces was investigated. The physicochemical properties of the surfaces were characterized by water contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Bacterial biofilms were imaged by atomic force and scanning electron microscopies. The bacterial viability decreased on PANI compared with the substrate (polyethylene terephthalate) and it decreased even more upon micro-structuring the PANI films. In addition, the biofilm reduction could be improved using polymers with different chemical composition and/or the same polymer with different topographies. Both methods presented diminish the bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. These findings present a high impact related to materials for biomedical engineer applications regarding medical devices, as prostheses or catheters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of micro-contact resistance between a gold nanocrystalline line and a tungsten electrode probe in interconnect fatigue testing.

PubMed

Ling, Xue; Wang, Yusheng; Li, Xide

2014-10-01

An electromechanically-coupled micro-contact resistance measurement system is built to mimic the contact process during fatigue testing of nanoscale-thickness interconnects using multiple probe methods. The design combines an optical microscope, high-resolution electronic balance, and micromanipulator-controlled electric probe, and is coupled with electrical measurements to investigate microscale contact physics. Experimental measurements are performed to characterize the contact resistance response of the gold nanocrystalline pad of a 35-nm-thick interconnect under mechanical force applied by a tungsten electrode probe. Location of a stable region for the contact resistance and the critical contact force provides better understanding of micro-contact behavior relative to the effects of the contact force and the nature of the contact surface. Increasing contact temperature leads to reduced contact resistance, softens the pad material, and modifies the contact surface. The stability of both contact resistance and interconnect resistance is studied under increasing contact force. Major fluctuations emerge when the contact force is less than the critical contact force, which shows that temporal contact resistance will affect interconnect resistance measurement accuracy, even when using the four-wire method. This performance is demonstrated experimentally by heating the Au line locally with a laser beam. Finally, the contact resistances are calculated using the LET (Li-Etsion-Talke) model together with combined Holm and Sharvin theory under various contact forces. Good agreement between the results is obtained. This research provides a way to measure change in interconnect line resistance directly under a stable contact resistance regime with a two-wire method that will greatly reduce the experimental costs.

Characterization of micro-contact resistance between a gold nanocrystalline line and a tungsten electrode probe in interconnect fatigue testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ling, Xue; Wang, Yusheng; Li, Xide

2014-10-01

An electromechanically-coupled micro-contact resistance measurement system is built to mimic the contact process during fatigue testing of nanoscale-thickness interconnects using multiple probe methods. The design combines an optical microscope, high-resolution electronic balance, and micromanipulator-controlled electric probe, and is coupled with electrical measurements to investigate microscale contact physics. Experimental measurements are performed to characterize the contact resistance response of the gold nanocrystalline pad of a 35-nm-thick interconnect under mechanical force applied by a tungsten electrode probe. Location of a stable region for the contact resistance and the critical contact force provides better understanding of micro-contact behavior relative to the effects of the contact force and the nature of the contact surface. Increasing contact temperature leads to reduced contact resistance, softens the pad material, and modifies the contact surface. The stability of both contact resistance and interconnect resistance is studied under increasing contact force. Major fluctuations emerge when the contact force is less than the critical contact force, which shows that temporal contact resistance will affect interconnect resistance measurement accuracy, even when using the four-wire method. This performance is demonstrated experimentally by heating the Au line locally with a laser beam. Finally, the contact resistances are calculated using the LET (Li-Etsion-Talke) model together with combined Holm and Sharvin theory under various contact forces. Good agreement between the results is obtained. This research provides a way to measure change in interconnect line resistance directly under a stable contact resistance regime with a two-wire method that will greatly reduce the experimental costs.

Gait alterations to effectively reduce hip contact forces.

PubMed

Wesseling, Mariska; de Groote, Friedl; Meyer, Christophe; Corten, Kristoff; Simon, Jean-Pierre; Desloovere, Kaat; Jonkers, Ilse

2015-07-01

Patients with hip pathology present alterations in gait which have an effect on joint moments and loading. In knee osteoarthritic patients, the relation between medial knee contact forces and the knee adduction moment are currently being exploited to define gait retraining strategies to effectively reduce pain and disease progression. However, the relation between hip contact forces and joint moments has not been clearly established. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of changes in hip and pelvis kinematics during gait on internal hip moments and contact forces which is calculated using muscle driven simulations. The results showed that frontal plane kinetics have the largest effect on hip contact forces. Given the high correlation between the change in hip adduction moment and contact force at initial stance (R(2)  = 0.87), this parameter can be used to alter kinematics and predict changes in contact force. At terminal stance the hip adduction and flexion moment can be used to predict changes in contact force (R(2)  = 0.76). Therefore, gait training that focuses on decreasing hip adduction moments, a wide base gait pattern, has the largest potential to reduce hip contact forces. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prediction of Knee Joint Contact Forces From External Measures Using Principal Component Prediction and Reconstruction.

PubMed

Saliba, Christopher M; Clouthier, Allison L; Brandon, Scott C E; Rainbow, Michael J; Deluzio, Kevin J

2018-05-29

Abnormal loading of the knee joint contributes to the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis. Gait retraining is a non-invasive intervention that aims to reduce knee loads by providing audible, visual, or haptic feedback of gait parameters. The computational expense of joint contact force prediction has limited real-time feedback to surrogate measures of the contact force, such as the knee adduction moment. We developed a method to predict knee joint contact forces using motion analysis and a statistical regression model that can be implemented in near real-time. Gait waveform variables were deconstructed using principal component analysis and a linear regression was used to predict the principal component scores of the contact force waveforms. Knee joint contact force waveforms were reconstructed using the predicted scores. We tested our method using a heterogenous population of asymptomatic controls and subjects with knee osteoarthritis. The reconstructed contact force waveforms had mean (SD) RMS differences of 0.17 (0.05) bodyweight compared to the contact forces predicted by a musculoskeletal model. Our method successfully predicted subject-specific shape features of contact force waveforms and is a potentially powerful tool in biofeedback and clinical gait analysis.

Growth and adhesion properties of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrin, Clare M.

The presence of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals in the synovial fluid has long been associated with the joint disease gout. To elucidate the molecular level growth mechanism and adhesive properties of MSU crystals, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques were employed in the characterization of the (010) and (1-10) faces of MSU, as well as physiologically relevant solutions supersaturated with urate. Topographical AFM imaging of both MSU (010) and (1-10) revealed the presence of crystalline layers of urate arranged into v-shaped features of varying height. Growth rates were measured for both monolayers (elementary steps) and multiple layers (macrosteps) on both crystal faces under a wide range of urate supersaturation in physiologically relevant solutions. Step velocities for monolayers and multiple layers displayed a second order polynomial dependence on urate supersaturation on MSU (010) and (1-10), with step velocities on (1-10) generally half of those measured on MSU (010) in corresponding growth conditions. Perpendicular step velocities on MSU (010) were obtained and also showed a second order polynomial dependence of step velocity with respect to urate supersaturation, which implies a 2D-island nucleation growth mechanism for MSU (010). Extensive topographical imaging of MSU (010) showed island adsorption from urate growth solutions under all urate solution concentrations investigated, lending further support for the determined growth mechanism. Island sizes derived from DLS experiments on growth solutions were in agreement with those measured on MSU (010) topographical images. Chemical force microscopy (CFM) was utilized to characterize the adhesive properties of MSU (010) and (1-10). AFM probes functionalized with amino acid derivatives and bio-macromolecules found in the synovial fluid were brought into contact with both crystal faces and adhesion forces were tabulated into histograms for comparison. AFM probes functionalized with -COO-, -CH3, and -OH functionalities displayed similar adhesion force with both crystal surfaces of MSU, while adhesion force on (1-10) was three times greater than (010) for -NH2+ probes. For AFM probes functionalized with bovine serum albumin, adhesion force was three times greater on MSU (1-10) than (010), most likely due to the more ionic nature of (1-10).

32 CFR 806.29 - Administrative processing of Air Force FOIA requests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... section. (c) Contacts with FOIA requesters and non-Air Force submitters of data. (1) Contacts with Air... memoranda documenting requester contacts with Air Force elements regarding a pending FOIA request in the requester's FOIA file. If the requester contacts Air Force elements telephonically about a pending FOIA...

32 CFR 806.29 - Administrative processing of Air Force FOIA requests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... section. (c) Contacts with FOIA requesters and non-Air Force submitters of data. (1) Contacts with Air... memoranda documenting requester contacts with Air Force elements regarding a pending FOIA request in the requester's FOIA file. If the requester contacts Air Force elements telephonically about a pending FOIA...

32 CFR 806.29 - Administrative processing of Air Force FOIA requests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... section. (c) Contacts with FOIA requesters and non-Air Force submitters of data. (1) Contacts with Air... memoranda documenting requester contacts with Air Force elements regarding a pending FOIA request in the requester's FOIA file. If the requester contacts Air Force elements telephonically about a pending FOIA...

Hidden Nanobubbles in Undersaturated Liquids.

PubMed

Guo, Zhenjiang; Liu, Yawei; Xiao, Qianxiang; Zhang, Xianren

2016-11-01

Here, we propose theoretically the existence of a new type of nanobubble in undersaturated liquids. These nanobubbles have a concave vapor-liquid interface featured with a negative curvature rather than a positive curvature for nanobubbles in supersaturated liquids, so that they often hide inside of the substrate textures and it might not be easy to characterize them through atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. However, these hidden nanobubbles are still stabilized by the contact line pinning effect and stay at the thermodynamically metastable state. We further demonstrate that similar to the nanobubbles in supersaturated liquids the contact angle of the hidden nanobubbles is more sensitive to the nanobubble size rather than the substrate chemistry, and their curvature radius is dependent on the chemical potential but independent of the base radius. Finally, we show several potential situations for the appearance of the hidden nanobubbles.

Grazing Incidence Cross-Sectioning of Thin-Film Solar Cells via Cryogenic Focused Ion Beam: A Case Study on CIGSe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sardashti, Kasra; Haight, Richard; Anderson, Ryan

2016-06-22

Cryogenic focused ion beam (Cryo-FIB) milling at near-grazing angles is employed to fabricate cross-sections on thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 with >8x expansion in thickness. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) on sloped cross sections showed reduction in grain boundaries potential deeper into the film. Cryo Fib-KPFM enabled the first determination of the electronic structure of the Mo/CIGSe back contact, where a sub 100 nm thick MoSey assists hole extraction due to 45 meV higher work function. This demonstrates that CryoFIB-KPFM combination can reveal new targets of opportunity for improvement in thin-films photovoltaics such as high-work-function contacts to facilitate hole extraction through the backmore » interface of CIGS.« less

Sputum Microscopy With Fluorescein Diacetate Predicts Tuberculosis Infectiousness.

PubMed

Datta, Sumona; Sherman, Jonathan M; Tovar, Marco A; Bravard, Marjory A; Valencia, Teresa; Montoya, Rosario; Quino, Willi; D'Arcy, Nikki; Ramos, Eric S; Gilman, Robert H; Evans, Carlton A

2017-09-01

Sputum from patients with tuberculosis contains subpopulations of metabolically active and inactive Mycobacterium tuberculosis with unknown implications for infectiousness. We assessed sputum microscopy with fluorescein diacetate (FDA, evaluating M. tuberculosis metabolic activity) for predicting infectiousness. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was quantified in pretreatment sputum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis using FDA microscopy, culture, and acid-fast microscopy. These 35 patients' 209 household contacts were followed with prevalence surveys for tuberculosis disease for 6 years. FDA microscopy was positive for a median of 119 (interquartile range [IQR], 47-386) bacteria/µL sputum, which was 5.1% (IQR, 2.4%-11%) the concentration of acid-fast microscopy-positive bacteria (2069 [IQR, 1358-3734] bacteria/μL). Tuberculosis was diagnosed during follow-up in 6.4% (13/209) of contacts. For patients with lower than median concentration of FDA microscopy-positive M. tuberculosis, 10% of their contacts developed tuberculosis. This was significantly more than 2.7% of the contacts of patients with higher than median FDA microscopy results (crude hazard ratio [HR], 3.8; P = .03). This association maintained statistical significance after adjusting for disease severity, chemoprophylaxis, drug resistance, and social determinants (adjusted HR, 3.9; P = .02). Mycobacterium tuberculosis that was FDA microscopy negative was paradoxically associated with greater infectiousness. FDA microscopy-negative bacteria in these pretreatment samples may be a nonstaining, slowly metabolizing phenotype better adapted to airborne transmission. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Contact stiffness and damping identification for hardware-in-the-loop contact simulator with measurement delay compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Chenkun; Zhao, Xianchao; Gao, Feng; Ren, Anye; Sun, Qiao

2016-06-01

The hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) contact simulator is to simulate the contact process of two flying objects in space. The contact stiffness and damping are important parameters used for the process monitoring, compliant contact control and force compensation control. In this study, a contact stiffness and damping identification approach is proposed for the HIL contact simulation with the force measurement delay. The actual relative position of two flying objects can be accurately measured. However, the force measurement delay needs to be compensated because it will lead to incorrect stiffness and damping identification. Here, the phase lead compensation is used to reconstruct the actual contact force from the delayed force measurement. From the force and position data, the contact stiffness and damping are identified in real time using the recursive least squares (RLS) method. The simulations and experiments are used to verify that the proposed stiffness and damping identification approach is effective.

Logarithmic contact time dependence of adhesion force and its dominant role among the effects of AFM experimental parameters under low humidity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Tianmao; Meng, Yonggang

2017-10-01

The influences of contact time, normal load, piezo velocity, and measurement number of times on the adhesion force between two silicon surfaces were studied with an atomic force microscope (AFM) at low humidity (17-15%). Results show that the adhesion force is time-dependent and increases logarithmically with contact time until saturation is reached, which is related with the growing size of a water bridge between them. The contact time plays a dominant role among these parameters. The adhesion forces with different normal loads and piezo velocities can be quantitatively obtained just by figuring out the length of contact time, provided that the contact time dependence is known. The time-dependent adhesion force with repeated contacts at one location usually increases first sharply and then slowly with measurement number of times until saturation is reached, which is in accordance with the contact time dependence. The behavior of the adhesion force with repeated contacts can be adjusted by the lengths of contact time and non-contact time. These results may help facilitate the anti-adhesion design of silicon-based microscale systems working under low humidity.

Subject-specific knee joint geometry improves predictions of medial tibiofemoral contact forces.

PubMed

Gerus, Pauline; Sartori, Massimo; Besier, Thor F; Fregly, Benjamin J; Delp, Scott L; Banks, Scott A; Pandy, Marcus G; D'Lima, Darryl D; Lloyd, David G

2013-11-15

Estimating tibiofemoral joint contact forces is important for understanding the initiation and progression of knee osteoarthritis. However, tibiofemoral contact force predictions are influenced by many factors including muscle forces and anatomical representations of the knee joint. This study aimed to investigate the influence of subject-specific geometry and knee joint kinematics on the prediction of tibiofemoral contact forces using a calibrated EMG-driven neuromusculoskeletal model of the knee. One participant fitted with an instrumented total knee replacement walked at a self-selected speed while medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces, ground reaction forces, whole-body kinematics, and lower-limb muscle activity were simultaneously measured. The combination of generic and subject-specific knee joint geometry and kinematics resulted in four different OpenSim models used to estimate muscle-tendon lengths and moment arms. The subject-specific geometric model was created from CT scans and the subject-specific knee joint kinematics representing the translation of the tibia relative to the femur was obtained from fluoroscopy. The EMG-driven model was calibrated using one walking trial, but with three different cost functions that tracked the knee flexion/extension moments with and without constraint over the estimated joint contact forces. The calibrated models then predicted the medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces for five other different walking trials. The use of subject-specific models with minimization of the peak tibiofemoral contact forces improved the accuracy of medial contact forces by 47% and lateral contact forces by 7%, respectively compared with the use of generic musculoskeletal model. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Subject-specific knee joint geometry improves predictions of medial tibiofemoral contact forces

PubMed Central

Gerus, Pauline; Sartori, Massimo; Besier, Thor F.; Fregly, Benjamin J.; Delp, Scott L.; Banks, Scott A.; Pandy, Marcus G.; D’Lima, Darryl D.; Lloyd, David G.

2013-01-01

Estimating tibiofemoral joint contact forces is important for understanding the initiation and progression of knee osteoarthritis. However, tibiofemoral contact force predictions are influenced by many factors including muscle forces and anatomical representations of the knee joint. This study aimed to investigate the influence of subject-specific geometry and knee joint kinematics on the prediction of tibiofemoral contact forces using a calibrated EMG-driven neuromusculoskeletal model of the knee. One participant fitted with an instrumented total knee replacement walked at a self-selected speed while medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces, ground reaction forces, whole-body kinematics, and lower-limb muscle activity were simultaneously measured. The combination of generic and subject-specific knee joint geometry and kinematics resulted in four different OpenSim models used to estimate muscle-tendon lengths and moment arms. The subject-specific geometric model was created from CT scans and the subject-specific knee joint kinematics representing the translation of the tibia relative to the femur was obtained from fluoroscopy. The EMG-driven model was calibrated using one walking trial, but with three different cost functions that tracked the knee flexion/extension moments with and without constraint over the estimated joint contact forces. The calibrated models then predicted the medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces for five other different walking trials. The use of subject-specific models with minimization of the peak tibiofemoral contact forces improved the accuracy of medial contact forces by 47% and lateral contact forces by 7%, respectively compared with the use of generic musculoskeletal model. PMID:24074941

Design and Optimization of Nanomaterials for Sensing Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanderson, Robert Noboru

Nanomaterials, materials with one or more of their dimensions on the nanoscale, have emerged as an important field in the development of next-generation sensing systems. Their high surface-to-volume ratio makes them useful for sensing, but also makes them sensitive to processing defects and inherent material defects. To develop and optimize these systems, it is thus necessary to characterize these defects to understand their origin and how to work around them. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) are important characterization methods which can measure nanoscale topography and electronic structure. These methods are appealing in nanomaterial systems because they are non-damaging and provide local, high-resolution data, and so are capable of detecting nanoscale features such as single defect sites. There are difficulties, however, in the interpretation of SPM data. For instance, AFM-based methods are prone to experimental artifacts due to long-range interactions, such as capacitive crosstalk in Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), and artifacts due to the finite size of the probe tip, such as incorrect surface tracking at steep topographical features. Mechanical characterization (via force spectroscopy) of nanomaterials with significant nanoscale variations, such as tethered lipid bilayer membranes (tLBMs), is also difficult since variations in the bulk system's mechanical behavior must be distinguished from local fluctuations. Additionally, interpretation of STM data is non-trivial due to local variations in electron density in addition to topographical variations. In this thesis we overcome some limitations of SPM methods by supplementing them with additional surface analytical methods as well as computational methods, and we characterize several nanomaterial systems. Current-carrying vapor-liquid-solid Si nanowires (useful for interdigitated-electrode-based sensors) are characterized using finite-element-method (FEM)-supplemented KPFM to retrieve useful information about processing defects, contact resistance, and the primary charge carriers. Next, a tLBM system's stiffness and the stiffness' dependence on tethering molecule concentration is measured using statistical analysis of thousands of AFM force spectra, demonstrating a biosensor-compatible system with a controllable bulk rigidity. Finally, we utilize surface analytical techniques to inform the development of a novel three-dimensional graphene system for sensing applications.

Surface Stresses and a Force Balance at a Contact Line.

PubMed

Liang, Heyi; Cao, Zhen; Wang, Zilu; Dobrynin, Andrey V

2018-06-26

Results of the coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations are used to show that the force balance analysis at the triple-phase contact line formed at an elastic substrate has to include a quartet of forces: three surface tensions (surface free energies) and an elastic force per unit length. In the case of the contact line formed by a droplet on an elastic substrate an elastic force is due to substrate deformation generated by formation of the wetting ridge. The magnitude of this force f el is proportional to the product of the ridge height h and substrate shear modulus G. Similar elastic line force should be included in the force analysis at the triple-phase contact line of a solid particle in contact with an elastic substrate. For this contact problem elastic force obtained from contact angles and surface tensions is a sum of the elastic forces acting from the side of a solid particle and an elastic substrate. By considering only three line forces acting at the triple-phase contact line, one implicitly accounts the bulk stress contribution as a part of the resultant surface stresses. This "contamination" of the surface properties by a bulk contribution could lead to unphysically large values of the surface stresses in soft materials.

Characterization of micro-contact resistance between a gold nanocrystalline line and a tungsten electrode probe in interconnect fatigue testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ling, Xue; Wang, Yusheng; Li, Xide, E-mail: lixide@tsinghua.edu.cn

An electromechanically-coupled micro-contact resistance measurement system is built to mimic the contact process during fatigue testing of nanoscale-thickness interconnects using multiple probe methods. The design combines an optical microscope, high-resolution electronic balance, and micromanipulator-controlled electric probe, and is coupled with electrical measurements to investigate microscale contact physics. Experimental measurements are performed to characterize the contact resistance response of the gold nanocrystalline pad of a 35-nm-thick interconnect under mechanical force applied by a tungsten electrode probe. Location of a stable region for the contact resistance and the critical contact force provides better understanding of micro-contact behavior relative to the effects ofmore » the contact force and the nature of the contact surface. Increasing contact temperature leads to reduced contact resistance, softens the pad material, and modifies the contact surface. The stability of both contact resistance and interconnect resistance is studied under increasing contact force. Major fluctuations emerge when the contact force is less than the critical contact force, which shows that temporal contact resistance will affect interconnect resistance measurement accuracy, even when using the four-wire method. This performance is demonstrated experimentally by heating the Au line locally with a laser beam. Finally, the contact resistances are calculated using the LET (Li–Etsion–Talke) model together with combined Holm and Sharvin theory under various contact forces. Good agreement between the results is obtained. This research provides a way to measure change in interconnect line resistance directly under a stable contact resistance regime with a two-wire method that will greatly reduce the experimental costs.« less

Insights into the relation between adhesion force and chalcopyrite-bioleaching by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

PubMed

Zhu, Jianyu; Wang, Qianfen; Zhou, Shuang; Li, Qian; Gan, Min; Jiang, Hao; Qin, Wenqing; Liu, Xueduan; Hu, Yuehua; Qiu, Guanzhou

2015-02-01

This paper presents a study on the relation between bacterial adhesion force and bioleaching rate of chalcopyrite, which sheds light on the influence of interfacial interaction on bioleaching behavior. In our research, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) were adapted to grow with FeSO4 · 7H2O, element sulfur or chalcopyrite. Then, surface properties of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and chalcopyrite were analyzed by contact angle, zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Adhesion force between bacteria and chalcopyrite was measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Attachment and bioleaching behaviors were also monitored. The results showed that A. ferrooxidans adapted with chalcopyrite exhibited the strongest adhesion force to chalcopyrite and the highest bioleaching rate. Culture adapted with sulfur bacteria took second place and FeSO4 · 7H2O-adapted bacteria were the lowest. Bioleaching rate and bacterial attachment capacity were positively related to bacterial adhesion force, which is affected by the nature of energy source. According to this work, the attachment of bacteria to chalcopyrite surface is one of the most important aspects that influence the bioleaching process of chalcopyrite. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A method for modeling contact dynamics for automated capture mechanisms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Philip J.

1991-01-01

Logicon Control Dynamics develops contact dynamics models for space-based docking and berthing vehicles. The models compute contact forces for the physical contact between mating capture mechanism surfaces. Realistic simulation requires proportionality constants, for calculating contact forces, to approximate surface stiffness of contacting bodies. Proportionality for rigid metallic bodies becomes quite large. Small penetrations of surface boundaries can produce large contact forces.

A MEMS hardness sensor with reduced contact force dependence based on the reference plane concept aimed for medical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Yusaku; Terao, Kyohei; Shimokawa, Fusao; Takao, Hidekuni

2016-04-01

In this study, the stable detection principle of a MEMS hardness sensor with “reference plane” structure is theoretically analyzed and demonstrated with experimental results. Hardness measurement independent of contact force instability is realized by the optimum design of the reference plane. The fabricated devices were evaluated, and a “shore A” hardness scale (JIS K 6301 A) was obtained as the reference in the range from A1 to A54 under a stable contact force. The contact force dependence on hardness sensor signals was effectively reduced by 96.6% using our reference plane design. Below 5 N contact force, the maximal signal error of hardness is suppressed to A8. This result corresponds to the detection capability for fat hardness, even when the contact force is unstable. Through experiments, stable detection of human body hardness has been demonstrated without any control of contact force.

Enhancing Ion Migration in Grain Boundaries of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskites by Chlorine

DOE PAGES

Yang, Bin; Brown, Chance C.; Huang, Jingsong; ...

2017-05-26

Ionicity plays an important role in determining material properties, as well as optoelectronic performance of organometallic trihalide perovskites (OTPs). Ion migration in OTP films has recently been under intensive investigation by various scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Controversial findings regarding the role of grain boundaries (GBs) associated with ion migration are often encountered, likely as a result of feedback errors and topographic effects common in to SPM. In this work, electron microscopy and spectroscopy (scanning transmission electron microscopy/electron energy loss spectroscopy) are combined with a novel, open-loop, band-excitation, (contact) Kelvin probe force microscopy (BE-KPFM and BE-cKPFM), in conjunction with abmore » initio molecular dynamics simulations to examine the ion behavior in the GBs of CH 3NH 3PbI 3 perovskite films. Furthermore, this combination of diverse techniques provides a deeper understanding of the differences between ion migration within GBs and interior grains in OTP films. Our work demonstrates that ion migration can be significantly enhanced by introducing additional mobile Cl - ions into GBs. The enhancement of ion migration may serve as the first step toward the development of high-performance electrically and optically tunable memristors and synaptic devices.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Bin; Brown, Chance C.; Huang, Jingsong

Ionicity plays an important role in determining material properties, as well as optoelectronic performance of organometallic trihalide perovskites (OTPs). Ion migration in OTP films has recently been under intensive investigation by various scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Controversial findings regarding the role of grain boundaries (GBs) associated with ion migration are often encountered, likely as a result of feedback errors and topographic effects common in to SPM. In this work, electron microscopy and spectroscopy (scanning transmission electron microscopy/electron energy loss spectroscopy) are combined with a novel, open-loop, band-excitation, (contact) Kelvin probe force microscopy (BE-KPFM and BE-cKPFM), in conjunction with abmore » initio molecular dynamics simulations to examine the ion behavior in the GBs of CH 3NH 3PbI 3 perovskite films. Furthermore, this combination of diverse techniques provides a deeper understanding of the differences between ion migration within GBs and interior grains in OTP films. Our work demonstrates that ion migration can be significantly enhanced by introducing additional mobile Cl - ions into GBs. The enhancement of ion migration may serve as the first step toward the development of high-performance electrically and optically tunable memristors and synaptic devices.« less

Contact force monitoring during catheter ablation of intraatrial reentrant tachycardia in patients with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Krause, Ulrich; Backhoff, David; Klehs, Sophia; Schneider, Heike E; Paul, Thomas

2016-08-01

Monitoring of catheter contact force during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation has been shown to increase efficacy and safety. However, almost no data exists on the use of this technology in catheter ablation of intraatrial reentrant tachycardia in patients with congenital heart disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of contact force monitoring during catheter ablation of intraatrial reentrant tachycardia in those patients. Catheter ablation of intraatrial reentrant tachycardia using monitoring of catheter contact force was performed in 28 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Thirty-two patients matched according to gender, age, and body weight with congenital heart disease undergoing catheter ablation without contact force monitoring served as control group. Parameters reflecting acute procedural success, long-term efficacy, and safety were compared. Acute procedural success was statistically not different in both groups (contact force 93 % vs. control 84 %, p = 0.3). Likewise the recurrence rate 1 year after ablation as shown by Kaplan-Meier analysis did not differ (contact force 28 % vs. control 37 %, p = 0.63). Major complications were restricted to groin vessel injuries and occurred in 3 out of 60 patients (contact force n = 1; control n = 2). Complications related to excessive catheter contact force were not observed. The present study did not show superiority of catheter contact force monitoring during ablation of intraatrial reentrant tachycardia in patients with CHD in terms of efficacy and safety. Higher contact force compared to pulmonary vein isolation might therefore be required to increase the efficacy of catheter ablation of intraatrial reentrant tachycardia in patients with congenital heart disease.

Are external knee load and EMG measures accurate indicators of internal knee contact forces during gait?

PubMed

Meyer, Andrew J; D'Lima, Darryl D; Besier, Thor F; Lloyd, David G; Colwell, Clifford W; Fregly, Benjamin J

2013-06-01

Mechanical loading is believed to be a critical factor in the development and treatment of knee osteoarthritis. However, the contact forces to which the knee articular surfaces are subjected during daily activities cannot be measured clinically. Thus, the ability to predict internal knee contact forces accurately using external measures (i.e., external knee loads and muscle electromyographic [EMG] signals) would be clinically valuable. We quantified how well external knee load and EMG measures predict internal knee contact forces during gait. A single subject with a force-measuring tibial prosthesis and post-operative valgus alignment performed four gait patterns (normal, medial thrust, walking pole, and trunk sway) to induce a wide range of external and internal knee joint loads. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess how much of the variability in internal contact forces was accounted for by variability in the external measures. Though the different gait patterns successfully induced significant changes in the external and internal quantities, changes in external measures were generally weak indicators of changes in total, medial, and lateral contact force. Our results suggest that when total contact force may be changing, caution should be exercised when inferring changes in knee contact forces based on observed changes in external knee load and EMG measures. Advances in musculoskeletal modeling methods may be needed for accurate estimation of in vivo knee contact forces. Copyright © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society.

Role of contact force in ischemic scar-related ventricular tachycardia ablation; optimal force required and impact of left ventricular access route.

PubMed

Elsokkari, Ihab; Sapp, John L; Doucette, Steve; Parkash, Ratika; Gray, Christopher J; Gardner, Martin J; Macintyre, Ciorsti; AbdelWahab, Amir M

2018-06-26

Contact force-sensing technology has become a widely used addition to catheter ablation procedures. Neither the optimal contact force required to achieve adequate lesion formation in the ventricle, nor the impact of left ventricular access route on contact force has been fully clarified. Consecutive patients (n = 24) with ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent ablation for scar-related ventricular tachycardia were included in the study. All ablations (n = 25) were performed using irrigated contact force-sensing catheters (Smart Touch, Biosense Webster). Effective lesion formation was defined as electrical unexcitability post ablation at sites which were electrically excitable prior to ablation (unipolar pacing at 10 mA, 2 ms pulse width). We explored the contact force which achieved effective lesion formation and the impact of left ventricular access route (retrograde aortic or transseptal) on the contact force achieved in various segments of the left ventricle. Scar zone was defined as bipolar signal amplitude < 0.5 mV. Among 427 ablation points, effective lesion formation was achieved at 201 points (47.1%). Contact force did not predict effective lesion formation in the overall group. However, within the scar zone, mean contact force ≥ 10 g was significantly associated with effective lesion formation [OR 3.21 (1.43, 7.19) P = 0.005]. In the 12-segment model of the left ventricle, the retrograde approach was associated with higher median contact force in the apical anterior segment (31 vs 19 g; P = 0.045) while transseptal approach had higher median force in the basal inferior segment (25 vs 15 g; P = 0.021). In the 4-segment model, the retrograde approach had higher force in the anterior wall (28 vs 16 g; P = 0.004) while the transseptal approach had higher force in the lateral wall (21 vs 18 g; P = 0.032). There was a trend towards higher force in the inferior wall with the transseptal approach, but this was not statistically significant (20 vs 15 g; P = 0.063). In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, a mean contact force of 10 g or more within the scar zone had the best correlation with electrical unexcitability post ablation in our study. The retrograde aortic approach was associated with better contact force over the anterior wall while use of a transseptal approach had better contact force over the lateral wall.

Adhesion strength of a living cell to various substrates measured using a cup-attached atomic force microscopy chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyonchol; Ishibashi, Kenta; Matsuo, Kosuke; Kira, Atsushi; Onomura, Yui; Okada, Tomoko; Nakamura, Chikashi

2018-03-01

Cell adhesion strengths to various substrates were quantitatively measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). A cup-shaped metal hemisphere was attached to the apex of the AFM cantilever, the “cup-chip” approached a cell (FP10SC2) to pick it up, the captured cell approached any one of six different substrates [gold (Au), nickel (Ni), bovine serum albumin (BSA), an amino group (NH2), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), and structured PTFE (sPTFE)], and the cell adhesion strength at the initial contact period was evaluated by detaching the cell from the substrate. The results obtained showed that the force needed to detach the cell from the NH2 substrate was more than 3-fold larger than that of metal substrates (Au and Ni), more than 15-fold larger than that of biochemically treated substrates (BSA), and more than 20-fold larger than that of hydrophobic substrates (PTFE and sPTFE). Using differences in adhesion strengths, a cell on a sPTFE substrate was picked up using a BSA-coated cup-chip, placed on a NH2 substrate, repeating this cell manipulation five times, and line patterning of cells was achieved. These results indicate that measurements of cell adhesion strength are fundamental to fabricate desired cell networks and the cup-chip is a useful tool for achieving easy cell manipulation.

Optimized Model Surfaces for Advanced Atomic Force Microscopy Studies of Surface Nanobubbles.

PubMed

Song, Bo; Zhou, Yi; Schönherr, Holger

2016-11-01

The formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of binary mixtures of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHDA) and 1-octadecanethiol (ODT) on ultraflat template-stripped gold (TSG) surfaces was systematically investigated to clarify the assembly behavior, composition, and degree of possible phase segregation in light of atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies of surface nanobubbles on these substrates. The data for SAMs on TSG were compared to those obtained by adsorption on rough evaporated gold, as reported in a previous study. Quartz crystal microbalance and surface plasmon resonance data acquired in situ on TSG indicate that similar to SAM formation on conventional evaporated gold substrates ODT and MHDA form monolayers and bilayers, respectively. The second layer on MHDA, whose formation is attributed to hydrogen bonding, can be easily removed by adequate rinsing with water. The favorable agreement of the grazing incidence reflection Fourier transform infrared (GIR FTIR) spectroscopy and contact angle data analyzed with the Israelachvili-Gee model suggests that the binary SAMs do not segregate laterally. This conclusion is fully validated by high-resolution friction force AFM observations down to a length scale of 8-10 nm, which is much smaller than the typical observed surface nanobubble radii. Finally, correspondingly functionalized TSG substrates are shown to be valuable supports for studying surface nanobubbles by AFM in water and for addressing the relation between surface functionality and nanobubble formation and properties.

Thiolated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) macroligand with vacant coordination sites on gold substrate: Synthesis and surface characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farah, Abdiaziz A.; Zheng, Susan H.; Morin, Sylvie; Bensebaa, Farid; Pietro, William J.

2007-04-01

Surface-confined telechelic poly(ɛ-caprolactone) macroligand with two distinct functional groups per polymeric chain has been synthesized and characterized. The molecular microstructure of the macroligand with regard to the properties of the end-capped functionalities and with those on surface substrate has been studied by solution and surface analytical methods (i.e., X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), grazing angle reflectance-Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (GA-FTIR), water contact angle measurements, and atomic force microscopy (AFM)) to elucidate the structure and properties of such multifunctional polymer on gold (1 1 1) substrate.

Photoactuation behavior of styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene filled with covalently modified carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosnáček, Jaroslav; Ilčíková, Markéta; Chorvát, Dušan; Czaniková, Klaudia; Krupa, Igor

2012-07-01

Styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene (Kraton) was used as polymer matrix for preparation of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) based nanocomposites. In order to suppress aggregation of the he carbon nanotubes and to improve the interations with the Kraton matrix, the MWCNT were modified with cholesteryl molecules and/or polystyrene chains. The effect of the modification on the composite materials was evaluated by using DMTA. The nanocomposite materials were thermoformed to achieve Braille text elements and their elastic response to light (photoactuation) was tested by atomic force microscopy in a contact mode.

A catalytic surface for amyloid fibril formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammarström, P.; Ali, M. M.; Mishra, R.; Svensson, S.; Tengvall, P.; Lundström, I.

2008-03-01

A hydrophobic surface incubated in a solution of protein molecules (insulin monomers) was made into a catalytic surface for amyloid fibril formation by repeatedly incubate, rinse and dry the surface. The present contribution describes how this unexpected transformation occurred and its relation to rapid fibrillation of insulin solutions in contact with the surface. A tentative model of the properties of the catalytic surface is given, corroborated by ellipsometric measurements of the thickness of the organic layer on the surface and by atomic force microscopy. The surfaces used were spontaneously oxidized silicon made hydrophobic through treatment in dichlorodimethylsilane.

High Frequency Electromechanical Imaging of Ferroelectrics in a Liquid Environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jesse, Stephen; Chu, Ying-Hao; Kalinin, Sergei V

The coupling between electrical and mechanical phenomena is a ubiquitous feature of many information and energy storage materials and devices. In addition to involvement in performance and degradation mechanisms, electromechanical effects underpin a broad spectrum of nanoscale imaging and spectroscopies including piezoresponse force and electrochemical strain microscopies. Traditionally, these studies are conducted under ambient conditions. However, applications related to imaging energy storage and electrophysiological phenomena require operation in a liquid phase and therefore the development of electromechanical probing techniques suitable to liquid environments. Due to the relative high conductivity of most liquids and liquid decomposition at low voltages, the transfermore » of characterization techniques from ambient to liquid is not straightforward. Here we present a detailed study of ferroelectric domain imaging and manipulation in thin film BiFeO{sub 3} using piezoresponse force microscopy in liquid environments as model systems for electromechanical phenomena in general. We explore the use of contact resonance enhancement and the application of multifrequency excitation and detection principles to overcome the experimental problems introduced by a liquid environment. Understanding electromechanical sample characterization in liquid is a key aspect not only for ferroelectric oxides but also for biological and electrochemical sample systems.« less

Pressure-assisted fabrication of organic light emitting diodes with MoO{sub 3} hole-injection layer materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Du, J.; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544; Anye, V. C.

2014-06-21

In this study, pressures of ∼5 to ∼8 MPa were applied to organic light emitting diodes containing either evaporated molybdenum trioxide (MoO{sub 3}) or spin-coated poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulphonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole-injection layers (HILs). The threshold voltages for both devices were reduced by about half, after the application of pressure. Furthermore, in an effort to understand the effects of pressure treatment, finite element simulations were used to study the evolution of surface contact between the HIL and emissive layer (EML) under pressure. The blister area due to interfacial impurities was also calculated. This was shown to reduce by about half,more » when the applied pressures were between ∼5 and 8 MPa. The finite element simulations used Young's modulus measurements of MoO{sub 3} that were measured using the nanoindentation technique. They also incorporated measurements of the adhesion energy between the HIL and EML (measured by force microscopy during atomic force microscopy). Within a fracture mechanics framework, the implications of the results are then discussed for the pressure-assisted fabrication of robust organic electronic devices.« less

Crystalline orientation dependent photoresponse and heterogeneous behaviors of grain boundaries in perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Chuanpeng; Zhang, Pengpeng

2018-02-01

Using photoconductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy, we characterize the local electrical properties of grains and grain boundaries of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) thin films on top of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/ITO substrate. Three discrete photoconductivity levels are identified among perovskite grains, likely corresponding to the crystal orientation of each grain. Local J-V curves recorded on these grains further suggest an anti-correlation behavior between the short circuit current (JSC) and open circuit voltage (VOC). This phenomenon can be attributed to diffusion-limited surface recombination at the non-selective perovskite-tip contact, where a higher carrier mobility established in the perovskite grain results in an enhanced surface recombination and thus a lower VOC. In addition, the photoresponse of perovskite films displays a pronounced heterogeneity across the grain boundaries, with the boundaries formed between grains of the same photoconductivity level displaying even enhanced photocurrent and open circuit voltage compared to those of the adjacent grain interiors. These observations highlight the significance of controlling the microstructure of perovskite thin films, which will be a necessary route for further improving the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.

From chloroplasts to photosystems: in situ scanning force microscopy on intact thylakoid membranes

PubMed Central

Kaftan, David; Brumfeld, Vlad; Nevo, Reinat; Scherz, Avigdor; Reich, Ziv

2002-01-01

Envelope-free chloroplasts were imaged in situ by contact and tapping mode scanning force microscopy at a lateral resolution of 3–5 nm and vertical resolution of ∼0.3 nm. The images of the intact thylakoids revealed detailed structural features of their surface, including individual protein complexes over stroma, grana margin and grana-end membrane domains. Structural and immunogold-assisted assignment of two of these complexes, photosystem I (PS I) and ATP synthase, allowed direct determination of their surface density, which, for both, was found to be highest in grana margins. Surface rearrangements and pigment– protein complex redistribution associated with salt-induced membrane unstacking were followed on native, hydrated specimens. Unstacking was accompanied by a substantial increase in grana diameter and, eventually, led to their merging with the stroma lamellae. Concomitantly, PS IIα effective antenna size decreased by 21% and the mean size of membrane particles increased substantially, consistent with attachment of mobile light-harvesting complex II to PS I. The ability to image intact photosynthetic membranes at molecular resolution, as demonstrated here, opens up new vistas to investigate thylakoid structure and function. PMID:12426386

Nanostructures and surface hydrophobicity of self-assembled thermosets involving epoxy resin and poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) amphiphilic diblock copolymer.

PubMed

Yi, Fangping; Zheng, Sixun; Liu, Tianxi

2009-02-19

Poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PTFEA-b-PEO) amphiphilic diblock copolymer was synthesized via the reversible addition-fragmentation transfer polymerization of 2,2,2-triffluroethyl acrylate with dithiobenzoyl-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) as a chain-transfer agent. The amphiphilic diblock copolymer was incorporated into epoxy resin to prepare the nanostructured epoxy thermosets. The nanostructures were investigated by means of atomic force microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and dynamic mechanical analysis. In terms of the miscibility of the subchains of the block copolymer with epoxy after and before curing reaction, it is judged that the formation of the nanostructures follows the mechanism of self-assembly. The static contact angle measurements indicate that the nanostructured thermosets containing PTFEA-b-PEO diblock copolymer displayed a significant enhancement in surface hydrophobicity as well as a reduction in surface free energy. The improvement in surface properties was ascribed to the enrichment of the fluorine-containing subchain (i.e., PTFEA block) of the amphiphilic diblock copolymer on the surface of the nanostructured thermosets, which was evidenced by surface atomic force microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Challenges in graphene integration for high-frequency electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giannazzo, F.; Fisichella, G.; Greco, G.; Roccaforte, F.

2016-06-01

This paper provides an overview of the state-of-the-art research on graphene (Gr) for high-frequency (RF) devices. After discussing current limitations of lateral Gr RF transistors, novel vertical devices concepts such as the Gr Base Hot Electron Transistor (GBHET) will be introduced and the main challenges in Gr integration within these architectures will be discussed. In particular, a GBHET device based on Gr/AlGaN/GaN heterostructure will be considered. An approach to the fabrication of this heterostructure by transfer of CVD grown Gr on copper to the AlGaN surface will be presented. The morphological and electrical properties of this system have been investigated at nanoscale by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM). In particular, local current-voltage measurements by the CAFM probe revealed the formation of a Schottky contact with low barrier height (˜0.41 eV) and excellent lateral uniformity between Gr and AlGaN. Basing on the electrical parameters extracted from this characterization, the theoretical performances of a GBHET formed by a metal/Al2O3/Gr/AlGaN/GaN stack have been evaluated.

Small nanoparticles, surface geometry and contact forces.

PubMed

Takato, Yoichi; Benson, Michael E; Sen, Surajit

2018-03-01

In this molecular dynamics study, we examine the local surface geometric effects of the normal impact force between two approximately spherical nanoparticles that collide in a vacuum. Three types of surface geometries-(i) crystal facets, (ii) sharp edges, and (iii) amorphous surfaces of small nanoparticles with radii R <10 nm-are considered. The impact forces are compared with their macroscopic counterparts described by nonlinear contact forces based on Hertz contact mechanics. In our simulations, edge and amorphous surface contacts with weak surface energy reveal that the average impact forces are in excellent agreement with the Hertz contact force. On the other hand, facet collisions show a linearly increasing force with increasing compression. Our results suggest that the nearly spherical nanoparticles are likely to enable some nonlinear dynamic phenomena, such as breathers and solitary waves observed in granular materials, both originating from the nonlinear contact force.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effects of Silver-Coated Stainless Steel Orthodontic Brackets

PubMed Central

Arash, Valiollah; Keikhaee, Fatemeh; Rajabnia, Ramazan; Khafri, Soraya; Tavanafar, Saeid

2016-01-01

Objectives: White spots and enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets are among the most important complications resulting from orthodontic treatments. Since the antibacterial properties of metals and metallic particles have been well documented, the aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial effect of stainless steel orthodontic brackets coated with silver (Ag) particles. Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 standard metal brackets were divided into two groups of 20 cases and 20 controls. The brackets in the case group were coated with Ag particles using an electroplating method. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the adequacy of the coating process. In addition, antibacterial tests, i.e., disk diffusion and direct contact tests were performed at three, six, 24, and 48 hours, and 15 and 30 days using a Streptococcus mutans strain. The results were analyzed using Student’s t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Analyses via SEM and AFM confirmed that excellent coatings were obtained by using an electroplating method. The groups exhibited similar behavior when subjected to the disk diffusion test in the agar medium. However, the bacterial counts of the Ag-coated brackets were, in general, significantly lower (P<0.001) than those of their non-coated counterparts. Conclusions: Brackets coated with Ag, via an electroplating method, exhibited antibacterial properties when placed in direct contact with Streptococcus mutans. This antibacterial effect persisted for 30 days after contact with the bacteria. PMID:27536328

Separating the influence of electric charges in magnetic force microscopy images of inhomogeneous metal samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arenas, Mónica P.; Lanzoni, Evandro M.; Pacheco, Clara J.; Costa, Carlos A. R.; Eckstein, Carlos B.; de Almeida, Luiz H.; Rebello, João M. A.; Deneke, Christoph F.; Pereira, Gabriela R.

2018-01-01

In this study, we investigate artifacts arising from electric charges present in magnetic force microscopy images. Therefore, we use two austenitic steel samples with different microstructural conditions. Furthermore, we examine the influence of the surface preparation, like etching, in magnetic force images. Using Kelvin probe force microscopy we can quantify the charges present on the surface. Our results show that electrical charges give rise to a signature in the magnetic force microscopy, which is indistinguishable from a magnetic signal. Our results on two differently aged steel samples demonstrate that the magnetic force microscopy images need to be interpreted with care and must be corrected due to the influence of electrical charges present. We discuss three approaches, how to identify these artifacts - parallel acquisition of magnetic force and electric force images on the same position, sample surface preparation to decrease the presence of charges and inversion of the magnetic polarization in two succeeding measurement.

Detachment of agglutinin-bonded red blood cells. I. Forces to rupture molecular-point attachments.

PubMed Central

Evans, E; Berk, D; Leung, A

1991-01-01

A simple micromechanical method has been developed to measure the rupture strength of a molecular-point attachment (focal bond) between two macroscopically smooth membrane capsules. In the procedure, one capsule is prepared with a low density coverage of adhesion molecules, formed as a stiff sphere, and held at fixed position by a micropipette. The second capsule without adhesion molecules is pressurized into a spherical shape with low suction by another pipette. This capsule is maneuvered to initiate point contact at the pole opposite the stiff capsule which leads to formation of a few (or even one) molecular attachments. Then, the deformable capsule is slowly withdrawn by displacement of the pipette. Analysis shows that the end-to-end extension of the capsule provides a direct measure of the force at the point contact and, therefore, the rupture strength when detachment occurs. The range for point forces accessible to this technique depends on the elastic moduli of the membrane, membrane tension, and the size of the capsule. For biological and synthetic vesicle membranes, the range of force lies between 10(-7)-10(-5) dyn (10(-12)-10(-10) N) which is 100-fold less than presently measurable by Atomic Force Microscopy! Here, the approach was used to study the forces required to rupture microscopic attachments between red blood cells formed by a monoclonal antibody to red cell membrane glycophorin, anti-A serum, and a lectin from the snail-helix pomatia. Failure of the attachments appeared to be a stochastic function of the magnitude and duration of the detachment force. We have correlated the statistical behavior observed for rupture with a random process model for failure of small numbers of molecular attachments. The surprising outcome of the measurements and analysis was that the forces deduced for short-time failure of 1-2 molecular attachments were nearly the same for all of the agglutinin, i.e., 1-2 x 10(-6) dyn. Hence, microfluorometric tests were carried out to determine if labeled agglutinins and/or labeled surface molecules were transferred between surfaces after separation of large areas of adhesive contact. The results showed that the attachments failed because receptors were extracted from the membrane. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 4 PMID:2065188

Contact position sensor using constant contact force control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sturdevant, Jay (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A force control system (50) and method are provided for controlling a position contact sensor (10) so as to produce a constant controlled contact force therewith. The system (50) includes a contact position sensor (10) which has a contact probe (12) for contacting the surface of a target to be measured and an output signal (V.sub.o) for providing a position indication thereof. An actuator (30) is provided for controllably driving the contact position sensor (10) in response to an actuation control signal (I). A controller (52) receives the position indication signal (V.sub.o) and generates in response thereto the actuation control signal (I) so as to provide a substantially constant selective force (F) exerted by the contact probe (12). The actuation drive signal (I) is generated further in response to substantially linear approximation curves based on predetermined force and position data attained from the sensor (10) and the actuator (30).

Intra-Articular Knee Contact Force Estimation During Walking Using Force-Reaction Elements and Subject-Specific Joint Model.

PubMed

Jung, Yihwan; Phan, Cong-Bo; Koo, Seungbum

2016-02-01

Joint contact forces measured with instrumented knee implants have not only revealed general patterns of joint loading but also showed individual variations that could be due to differences in anatomy and joint kinematics. Musculoskeletal human models for dynamic simulation have been utilized to understand body kinetics including joint moments, muscle tension, and knee contact forces. The objectives of this study were to develop a knee contact model which can predict knee contact forces using an inverse dynamics-based optimization solver and to investigate the effect of joint constraints on knee contact force prediction. A knee contact model was developed to include 32 reaction force elements on the surface of a tibial insert of a total knee replacement (TKR), which was embedded in a full-body musculoskeletal model. Various external measurements including motion data and external force data during walking trials of a subject with an instrumented knee implant were provided from the Sixth Grand Challenge Competition to Predict in vivo Knee Loads. Knee contact forces in the medial and lateral portions of the instrumented knee implant were also provided for the same walking trials. A knee contact model with a hinge joint and normal alignment could predict knee contact forces with root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 165 N and 288 N for the medial and lateral portions of the knee, respectively, and coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.70 and -0.63. When the degrees-of-freedom (DOF) of the knee and locations of leg markers were adjusted to account for the valgus lower-limb alignment of the subject, RMSE values improved to 144 N and 179 N, and R2 values improved to 0.77 and 0.37, respectively. The proposed knee contact model with subject-specific joint model could predict in vivo knee contact forces with reasonable accuracy. This model may contribute to the development and improvement of knee arthroplasty.

Determining efficacy of monitoring devices on ceramic bond to resin composite

PubMed Central

Osorio, Estrella; Aguilera, Fátima S.; Osorio, Raquel; García-Godoy, Franklin; Cabrerizo-Vilchez, Miguel A.; Toledano, Manuel

2012-01-01

Objectives: This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of 3D nanoroughness and 2D microroughness evaluations, by their correlation with contact angle measurements and shear bond strength test, in order to evaluate the effect of two different acids conditioning on the bonding efficacy of a leucite-based glass-ceramic to a composite resin. Study Design: Ceramic (IPS Empress) blocks were treated as follows: 1) no treatment, 2) 37% phosphoric acid (H3PO4), 15 s, 3) 9% hydrofluoric acid (HF), 5 min. Micro- and nano-roughness were assessed with a profilometer and by means of an atomic force microscopy (AFM). Water contact angle (CA) measurements were determined to assess wettability of the ceramic surfaces with the asixymetric drop shape analysis contact diameter technique. Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested to a resin composite (Z100) with three different adhesive systems (Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus, Clearfil New Bond, ProBOND). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were performed. Results: Nanoroughness values assessed in 50x50 μm areas were higher for the HF group, these differences were not detected by profilometric analysis. HF treatment created the nano- roughest surfaces and the smallest CA (p<0.05), producing the highest SBS to the composite resin with all tested adhesive systems (p<0.05). No differences existed between the SBS produced by the adhesive systems evaluated with any of the surface treatments tested. Conclusions: Nano-roughness obtained in a 50x50 µm scan size areas was the most reliable data to evaluate the topographical changes produced by the different acid treatments on ceramic surfaces. Key words:Dental ceramic, acid etching, bonding efficacy, resin composite, adhesive systems, contact angle, roughness. PMID:22549693

Surface modification of argon/oxygen plasma treated vulcanized ethylene propylene diene polymethylene surfaces for improved adhesion with natural rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basak, Ganesh C.; Bandyopadhyay, Abhijit; Neogi, Sudarsan; Bhowmick, Anil K.

2011-01-01

Vulcanized ethylene propylene diene polymethylene (EPDM) rubber surface was treated in a radio frequency capacitatively coupled low pressure argon/oxygen plasma to improve adhesion with compounded natural rubber (NR) during co-vulcanization. The plasma modified surfaces were analyzed by means of contact angle measurement, surface energy, attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray sulfur mapping and atomic force microscopy. Several experimental variables such as plasma power, length of exposure time and composition of the argon-oxygen gas mixture were considered. It was delineated that plasma treatment changed both surface composition and roughness, and consequently increased peel strength. The change in surface composition was mainly ascribed to the formation of C-O and -Cdbnd O functional groups on the vulcanized surfaces. A maximum of 98% improvement in peel strength was observed after plasma treatment.

Synthesis of Graphene Based Membranes: Effect of Substrate Surface Properties on Monolayer Graphene Transfer.

PubMed

Kafiah, Feras; Khan, Zafarullah; Ibrahim, Ahmed; Atieh, Muataz; Laoui, Tahar

2017-01-21

In this work, we report the transfer of graphene onto eight commercial microfiltration substrates having different pore sizes and surface characteristics. Monolayer graphene grown on copper by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process was transferred by the pressing method over the target substrates, followed by wet etching of copper to obtain monolayer graphene/polymer membranes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle (CA) measurements were carried out to explore the graphene layer transferability. Three factors, namely, the substrate roughness, its pore size, and its surface wetting (degree of hydrophobicity) are found to affect the conformality and coverage of the transferred graphene monolayer on the substrate surface. A good quality graphene transfer is achieved on the substrate with the following characteristics; being hydrophobic (CA > 90°), having small pore size, and low surface roughness, with a CA to RMS (root mean square) ratio higher than 2.7°/nm.

Toward investigating changes in cell mechanoelastic properties in response to nanosecond pulsed electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coker, Zachary; Troyanova-Wood, Maria; Traverso, Andrew; Meng, Zhaokai; Ballmann, Charles; Petrov, Georgi; Ibey, Bennett L.; Yakovlev, Vladislav

2017-02-01

Nanosecond electric pulses (nsEPs) are known to cause a variety of effects on mammalian cells, ranging from destabilization of cell membranes to changes in cytoskeleton and elastic moduli. Measurement of a cells mechanoelastic properties have previously been limited to only invasive and destructive techniques such as atomic force microscopy or application of optical tweezers. However, due to recent advances, Brillouin spectroscopy has now become viable as a non-contact, non-invasive method for measuring these properties in cells and other materials. Here, we present progress toward applying Brillouin spectroscopy using a unique microscopy system for measuring changes in CHO-K1 cells when exposed to nsEPs of 600ns pulse duration with intensity of 50kV/cm. Successful measurement of mechanoelastic changes in these cells will demonstrate Brillouin spectroscopy as a viable method for measuring changes in elastic properties of other cells and living organisms.

Superstrong encapsulated monolayer graphene by the modified anodic bonding.

PubMed

Jung, Wonsuk; Yoon, Taeshik; Choi, Jongho; Kim, Soohyun; Kim, Yong Hyup; Kim, Taek-Soo; Han, Chang-Soo

2014-01-07

We report a superstrong adhesive of monolayer graphene by modified anodic bonding. In this bonding, graphene plays the role of a superstrong and ultra-thin adhesive between SiO2 and glass substrates. As a result, monolayer graphene presented a strong adhesion energy of 1.4 J m(-2) about 310% that of van der Waals bonding (0.45 J m(-2)) to SiO2 and glass substrates. This flexible solid state graphene adhesive can tremendously decrease the adhesive thickness from about several tens of μm to 0.34 nm for epoxy or glue at the desired bonding area. As plausible causes of this superstrong adhesion, we suggest conformal contact with the rough surface of substrates and generation of C-O chemical bonding between graphene and the substrate due to the bonding process, and characterized these properties using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Structural Evolution of Low-Molecular-Weight Poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polystyrene Diblock Copolymer Thin Film

PubMed Central

Huang, Xiaohua

2013-01-01

The structural evolution of low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polystyrene (PEO-b-PS) diblock copolymer thin film with various initial film thicknesses on silicon substrate under thermal annealing was investigated by atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy, and contact angle measurement. At film thickness below half of the interlamellar spacing of the diblock copolymer (6.2 nm), the entire silicon is covered by a polymer brush with PEO blocks anchored on the Si substrate due to the substrate-induced effect. When the film is thicker than 6.2 nm, a dense polymer brush which is equal to half of an interlamellar layer was formed on the silicon, while the excess material dewet this layer to form droplets. The droplet surface was rich with PS block and the PEO block crystallized inside the bigger droplet to form spherulite. PMID:24302862

Preparation of highly hydrophobic cotton fabrics by modification with bifunctional silsesquioxanes in the sol-gel process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Przybylak, Marcin; Maciejewski, Hieronim; Dutkiewicz, Agnieszka

2016-11-01

The surface modification of cotton fabrics was carried out using two types of bifunctional fluorinated silsesquioxanes with different ratios of functional groups. The modification was performed either by one- or two-step process. Two methods, the sol-gel and the dip coating method were used in different configurations. The heat treatment and the washing process were applied after modification. The wettability of cotton fabric was evaluated by measuring water contact angles (WCA). Changes in the surface morphology were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, SEM-LFD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Moreover, the modified fabrics were subjected to analysis of elemental composition of the applied coatings using SEM-EDS techniques. Highly hydrophobic textiles were obtained in all cases studied and one of the modifications resulted in imparting superhydrophobic properties. Most of impregnated textiles remained hydrophobic even after multiple washing process which shows that the studied modification is durable.

Nanosurgery with near-infrared 12-femtosecond and picosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchugonova, Aisada; Zhang, Huijing; Lemke, Cornelius; König, Karsten

2011-03-01

Laser-assisted surgery based on multiphoton absorption of NIR laser light has great potential for high precision surgery at various depths within the cells and tissues. Clinical applications include refractive surgery (fs-LASIK). The non-contact laser method also supports contamination-free cell nanosurgery. Here we apply femtosecond laser scanning microscopes for sub-100 nm surgery of human cells and metaphase chromosomes. A mode-locked 85 MHz Ti:Sapphire laser with an M-shaped ultrabroad band spectrum (maxima: 770 nm/830 nm) with an in situ pulse duration at the target ranging from 12 femtoseconds up to 3 picoseconds was employed. The effects of laser nanoprocessing in cells and chromosomes have been quantified by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electron microscopy. These studies demonstrate the potential of extreme ultrashort femtosecond laser pulses at low mean milliwatt powers for sub-100 nm surgery.

Preparation of Langmuir-Blodgett thin films of calix[6]arenes and p-tert butyl group effect on their gas sensing properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozmen, Mustafa; Ozbek, Zikriye; Bayrakci, Mevlut; Ertul, Seref; Ersoz, Mustafa; Capan, Rifat

2015-12-01

Organic vapor sensing properties of Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin films of p-tert-butyl calix[6]arene and calix[6]arene, and their certain characterization are reported in this work. LB films of these calixarenes have been characterized by contact angle measurement, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). QCM system was used for the measurement of sensor response against chloroform, benzene, toluene and ethanol vapors. Forming of stable monolayers was observed at the water surface using surface pressure-area isotherm graph. The results indicate that good quality, uniform LB films can be prepared with a transfer ratio of over 0.95. Due to the adsorption of vapors into the LB film structures; they yield a response to all vapors as of large, fast, and reproducible.

A low-noise measurement system for scanning thermal microscopy resistive nanoprobes based on a transformer ratio-arm bridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Świątkowski, Michał; Wojtuś, Arkadiusz; Wielgoszewski, Grzegorz; Rudek, Maciej; Piasecki, Tomasz; Jóźwiak, Grzegorz; Gotszalk, Teodor

2018-04-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a widely used technology for the investigation and characterization of nanomaterials. Its functionality can be easily expanded by applying dedicated extension modules, which can measure the electrical conductivity or temperature of a sample. In this paper, we introduce a transformer ratio-arm bridge setup dedicated to AFM-based thermal imaging. One of the key features of the thermal module is the use of a low-power driving signal that prevents undesirable tip heating during resistance measurement, while the other is the sensor location in a ratio-arm transformer bridge working in the audio frequency range and ensuring galvanic isolation of the tip, enabling contact-mode scanning of electronic circuits. The proposed expansion module is compact and it can be integrated onto the AFM head close to the cantilever. The calibration process and the resolution of 11 mK of the proposed setup are shown.

Endogenous Sheet-Averaged Tension Within a Large Epithelial Cell Colony.

PubMed

Dumbali, Sandeep P; Mei, Lanju; Qian, Shizhi; Maruthamuthu, Venkat

2017-10-01

Epithelial cells form quasi-two-dimensional sheets that function as contractile media to effect tissue shape changes during development and homeostasis. Endogenously generated intrasheet tension is a driver of such changes, but has predominantly been measured in the presence of directional migration. The nature of epithelial cell-generated forces transmitted over supracellular distances, in the absence of directional migration, is thus largely unclear. In this report, we consider large epithelial cell colonies which are archetypical multicell collectives with extensive cell-cell contacts but with a symmetric (circular) boundary. Using the traction force imbalance method (TFIM) (traction force microscopy combined with physical force balance), we first show that one can determine the colony-level endogenous sheet forces exerted at the midline by one half of the colony on the other half with no prior assumptions on the uniformity of the mechanical properties of the cell sheet. Importantly, we find that this colony-level sheet force exhibits large variations with orientation-the difference between the maximum and minimum sheet force is comparable to the average sheet force itself. Furthermore, the sheet force at the colony midline is largely tensile but the shear component exhibits significantly more variation with orientation. We thus show that even an unperturbed epithelial colony with a symmetric boundary shows significant directional variation in the endogenous sheet tension and shear forces that subsist at the colony level.

Modeling and estimation of tip contact force for steerable ablation catheters.

PubMed

Khoshnam, Mahta; Skanes, Allan C; Patel, Rajni V

2015-05-01

The efficacy of catheter-based cardiac ablation procedures can be significantly improved if real-time information is available concerning contact forces between the catheter tip and cardiac tissue. However, the widely used ablation catheters are not equipped for force sensing. This paper proposes a technique for estimating the contact forces without direct force measurements by studying the changes in the shape of the deflectable distal section of a conventional 7-Fr catheter (henceforth called the "deflectable distal shaft," the "deflectable shaft," or the "shaft" of the catheter) in different loading situations. First, the shaft curvature when the tip is moving in free space is studied and based on that, a kinematic model for the deflectable shaft in free space is proposed. In the next step, the shaft shape is analyzed in the case where the tip is in contact with the environment, and it is shown that the curvature of the deflectable shaft provides useful information about the loading status of the catheter and can be used to define an index for determining the range of contact forces exerted by the ablation tip. Experiments with two different steerable ablation catheters show that the defined index can detect the range of applied contact forces correctly in more than 80% of the cases. Based on the proposed technique, a framework for obtaining contact force information by using the shaft curvature at a limited number of points along the deflectable shaft is constructed. The proposed kinematic model and the force estimation technique can be implemented together to describe the catheter's behavior before contact, detect tip/tissue contact, and determine the range of contact forces. This study proves that the flexibility of the catheter's distal shaft provides a means of estimating the force exerted on tissue by the ablation tip.

Magnetoelectric versus thermal actuation characteristics of shear force AFM probes with piezoresistive detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sierakowski, Andrzej; Kopiec, Daniel; Majstrzyk, Wojciech; Kunicki, Piotr; Janus, Paweł; Dobrowolski, Rafał; Grabiec, Piotr; Rangelow, Ivo W.; Gotszalk, Teodor

2017-03-01

In this paper the authors compare methods used for piezoresistive microcantilevers actuation for the atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging in the dynamic shear force mode. The piezoresistive detection is an attractive technique comparing the optical beam detection of deflection. The principal advantage is that no external alignment of optical source and detector are needed. When the microcantilever is deflected, the stress is transferred into a change of resistivity of piezoresistors. The integration of piezoresistive read-out provides a promising solution in realizing a compact non-contact AFM. Resolution of piezoresistive read-out is limited by three main noise sources: Johnson, 1/f and thermomechanical noise. In the dynamic shear force mode measurement the method used for cantilever actuation will also affect the recorded noise in the piezoresistive detection circuit. This is the result of a crosstalk between an aluminium path (current loop used for actuation) and piezoresistors located near the base of the beam. In this paper authors described an elaborated in ITE (Institute of Electron Technology) technology of fabrication cantilevers with piezoresistive detection of deflection and compared efficiency of two methods used for cantilever actuation.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eslami, Babak; López-Guerra, Enrique A.; Raftari, Maryam

Addition of a strong base to Nafion{sup ®} proton exchange membranes is a common practice in industry to increase their overall performance in fuel cells. Here, we investigate the evolution of the nano-rheological properties of Nafion thin films as a function of the casting pH, via characterization with static and dynamic, contact and intermittent-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The addition of KOH causes non-monotonic changes in the viscoelastic properties of the films, which behave as highly dissipative, softer materials near neutral pH values, and as harder, more elastic materials at extreme pH values. We quantify this behavior through calculationmore » of the temporal evolution of the compliance and the glassy compliance under static AFM measurements. We complement these observations with dynamic AFM metrics, including dissipated power and virial (for intermittent-contact-mode measurements), and contact resonance frequency and quality factor (for dynamic contact-mode measurements). We explain the non-monotonic material property behavior in terms of the degree of ionic crosslinking and moisture content of the films, which vary with the addition of KOH. This work focuses on the special case study of the addition of strong bases, but the observed mechanical property changes are broadly related to water plasticizing effects and ionic crosslinking, which are also important in other types of films.« less

Surface chemical structure for soft contact lenses as a function of polymer processing.

PubMed

Grobe, G L; Valint, P L; Ammon, D M

1996-09-01

The surface chemistry and topography of cast-molded Etafilcon-A and doubled-sided lathed Etafilcon-A soft contact lenses were determined to be significantly different. The variations in surface chemical and morphologic structure between the two lenses were the result of contact lens manufacturing methods. The surface of the cast-molded Etafilcon-A had a consistently less rough surface compared to the doubled sided lathed Etafilcon-A as determined by atomic force microscopy. The surface of the doubled sided lathed Etafilcon-A contained primarily silicone and wax contamination in addition to minute amounts of HEMA. The cast-molded Etafilcon-A had an elemental and chemical content which was consistent with the polymer stoichiometry. Contact angle wettability profiles revealed inherent wettability differences between the two lenses types. The cast-molded Etafilcon-A had an inherently greater water wettability, polarity, and critical surface tension. This means that these two lenses cannot be compared as similar or identical lens materials in terms of surface composition. The manufacturing method used to produce a soft contact lens directly determines the surface elemental and chemical structure as well as the morphology of the finished lens material. These results suggest possible differences in the clinical comfort, spoilage, and lubricity felt during patient wear.

Length-dependent transport in molecular junctions based on SAMs of alkanethiols and alkanedithiols: effect of metal work function and applied bias on tunneling efficiency and contact resistance.

PubMed

Engelkes, Vincent B; Beebe, Jeremy M; Frisbie, C Daniel

2004-11-03

Nanoscopic tunnel junctions were formed by contacting Au-, Pt-, or Ag-coated atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiol or alkanedithiol molecules on polycrystalline Au, Pt, or Ag substrates. Current-voltage traces exhibited sigmoidal behavior and an exponential attenuation with molecular length, characteristic of nonresonant tunneling. The length-dependent decay parameter, beta, was found to be approximately 1.1 per carbon atom (C(-1)) or 0.88 A(-)(1) and was independent of applied bias (over a voltage range of +/-1.5 V) and electrode work function. In contrast, the contact resistance, R(0), extrapolated from resistance versus molecular length plots showed a notable decrease with both applied bias and increasing electrode work function. The doubly bound alkanedithiol junctions were observed to have a contact resistance approximately 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than the singly bound alkanethiol junctions. However, both alkanethiol and dithiol junctions exhibited the same length dependence (beta value). The resistance versus length data were also used to calculate transmission values for each type of contact (e.g., Au-S-C, Au/CH(3), etc.) and the transmission per C-C bond (T(C)(-)()(C)).

Nanoscale electrical characteristics of metal (Au, Pd)-graphene-metal (Cu) contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruffino, F.; Meli, G.; Grimaldi, M. G.

2016-01-01

Free-standing graphene presents exceptional physical properties (as a high carrier mobility) making it the ideal candidate for the next generation nanoelectronics. However, when graphene layers are inserted in real electronics devices, metal contacting is required. The metal-graphene interaction significantly affects the graphene electrical properties, drastically changing its behavior with respect to the free-standing configuration. So, this work presents an experimental study on the nanoscale electric characteristics of metal/graphene/metal contacts. In particular, starting from single-layer graphene grown on Cu foil we deposited on the graphene surface two different metal films (Au or Pd) and the Au/graphene/Cu and Pd/graphene/Cu current-voltage characteristics are acquired, on the nanometric scale, by the conductive atomic force microscopy. Both systems presented a current voltage rectifying behavior. However, the Au/graphene/Cu system conducts significantly at negative applied bias (graphene behaves as a p-type semiconductor in a meta/semiconductor contact), while in the Pd/graphene/Cu at positive applied bias (graphene behaves as a n-type semiconductor in a metal/semiconductor contact). This difference is discussed on the basis of the band energy diagram at the metal/graphene interface and the modification of the graphene Fermi level due to the Au/graphene or Pd/graphene interaction.

Preparation and characterization of a novel highly hydrophilic and antifouling polysulfone/nanoporous TiO2 nanocomposite membrane.

PubMed

Bidsorkhi, H Cheraghi; Riazi, H; Emadzadeh, D; Ghanbari, M; Matsuura, T; Lau, W J; Ismail, A F

2016-10-14

In this research, novel ultrafiltration nanocomposite membranes were prepared by incorporating self-synthesized nanoporous titanium dioxide (NTiO2) nanoparticles into polysulfone. The surface of the nanoparticle was treated with a silane-based modifier to improve its distribution in the host polymer. Atomic-force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, porosity and contact angle tests were conducted to characterize the properties of the particles as well as the fabricated nanocomposite membranes. The effects of the nanoparticle incorporation were evaluated by conducting ultrafiltration experiments. It was reported that the membrane pure water flux was increased with increasing NTiO2 loading owing to the high porosity of the nanoparticles embedded and/or formation of enlarged pores upon addition of them. The antifouling capacity of the membranes was also tested by ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin fouling solution. It was found that both water flux and antifouling capacity tended to reach desired level if the NTiO2 added was at optimized loading.

Active voltage contrast imaging of cross-sectional surface of multilayer ceramic capacitor using helium ion microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakai, C.; Ishida, N.; Masuda, H.; Nagano, S.; Kitahara, M.; Ogata, Y.; Fujita, D.

2016-08-01

We studied active voltage contrast (AVC) imaging using helium ion microscopy (HIM). We observed secondary electron (SE) images of the cross-sectional surface of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) with and without a voltage applied to the internal electrodes. When no voltage was applied, we obtained an image reflecting the material contrast between the Ni internal electrode region and the BaTiO3 dielectric region of the cross-sectional surface of the MLCC. When a voltage was applied, the electrical potential difference between the grounded and the positively biased internal electrodes affected the contrast (voltage contrast). Moreover, attenuation of the SE intensity from the grounded to the positively biased internal electrodes was observed in the dielectric region. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements of the contact potential difference (CPD) were performed on the same sample. By using the AVC image from the HIM observation and the CPD image from the KPFM measurement, we could quantitatively evaluate the electrical potential. We think that the results of this study will lead to an expansion in the number of applications of HIM.

A Parametric Approach to Numerical Modeling of TKR Contact Forces

PubMed Central

Lundberg, Hannah J.; Foucher, Kharma C.; Wimmer, Markus A.

2009-01-01

In vivo knee contact forces are difficult to determine using numerical methods because there are more unknown forces than equilibrium equations available. We developed parametric methods for computing contact forces across the knee joint during the stance phase of level walking. Three-dimensional contact forces were calculated at two points of contact between the tibia and the femur, one on the lateral aspect of the tibial plateau, and one on the medial side. Muscle activations were parametrically varied over their physiologic range resulting in a solution space of contact forces. The obtained solution space was reasonably small and the resulting force pattern compared well to a previous model from the literature for kinematics and external kinetics from the same patient. Peak forces of the parametric model and the previous model were similar for the first half of the stance phase, but differed for the second half. The previous model did not take into account the transverse external moment about the knee and could not calculate muscle activation levels. Ultimately, the parametric model will result in more accurate contact force inputs for total knee simulators, as current inputs are not generally based on kinematics and kinetics inputs from TKR patients. PMID:19155015

Magnetoelectric force microscopy based on magnetic force microscopy with modulated electric field.

PubMed

Geng, Yanan; Wu, Weida

2014-05-01

We present the realization of a mesoscopic imaging technique, namely, the Magnetoelectric Force Microscopy (MeFM), for visualization of local magnetoelectric effect. The basic principle of MeFM is the lock-in detection of local magnetoelectric response, i.e., the electric field-induced magnetization, using magnetic force microscopy. We demonstrate MeFM capability by visualizing magnetoelectric domains on single crystals of multiferroic hexagonal manganites. Results of several control experiments exclude artifacts or extrinsic origins of the MeFM signal. The parameters are tuned to optimize the signal to noise ratio.

Spectrally dependent photovoltages in Schottky photodiode based on (100) B-doped diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čermák, Jan; Koide, Yasuo; Takeuchi, Daisuke; Rezek, Bohuslav

2014-02-01

Spectrally and spatially resolved photovoltages were measured by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) on a Schottky photo-diode made of a 4 nm thin tungsten-carbide (WC) layer on a 500 nm oxygen-terminated boron-doped diamond epitaxial layer (O-BDD) that was grown on a Ib (100) diamond substrate. The diode was grounded by the sideways ohmic contact (Ti/WC), and the semitransparent Schottky contact was let unconnected. The electrical potentials across the device were measured in dark (only 650 nm LED of KPFM being on), under broad-band white light (halogen lamp), UV (365 nm diode), and deep ultraviolet (deuterium lamp) illumination. Illumination induced shift of the electrical potential remains within 210 mV. We propose that the photovoltage actually corresponds to a shift of Fermi level inside the BDD channel and thereby explains orders of magnitude changes in photocurrent.

Rubber friction on road surfaces: Experiment and theory for low sliding speeds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lorenz, B.; Persson, B. N. J.; Oh, Y. R.

We study rubber friction for tire tread compounds on asphalt road surfaces. The road surface topographies are measured using a stylus instrument and atomic force microscopy, and the surface roughness power spectra are calculated. The rubber viscoelastic modulus mastercurves are obtained from dynamic mechanical analysis measurements and the large-strain effective modulus is obtained from strain sweep data. The rubber friction is measured at different temperatures and sliding velocities, and is compared to the calculated data obtained using the Persson contact mechanics theory. We conclude that in addition to the viscoelastic deformations of the rubber surface by the road asperities, theremore » is an important contribution to the rubber friction from shear processes in the area of contact. The analysis shows that the latter contribution may arise from rubber molecules (or patches of rubber) undergoing bonding-stretching-debonding cycles as discussed in a classic paper by Schallamach.« less

Some Characteristics of Free Cell Population in the Airways of Rats after Intratracheal Instillation of Copper-Containing Nano-Scale Particles

PubMed Central

Privalova, Larisa I.; Katsnelson, Boris A.; Loginova, Nadezhda V.; Gurvich, Vladimir B.; Shur, Vladimir Y.; Beikin, Yakov B.; Sutunkova, Marina P.; Minigalieva, Ilzira A.; Shishkina, Ekaterina V.; Pichugova, Svetlana V.; Tulakina, Ludmila G.; Beljayeva, Svetlana V.

2014-01-01

We used stable water suspensions of copper oxide particles with mean diameter 20 nm and of particles containing copper oxide and element copper with mean diameter 340 nm to assess the pulmonary phagocytosis response of rats to a single intratracheal instillation of these suspensions using optical, transmission electron, and semi-contact atomic force microscopy and biochemical indices measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Although both nano and submicron ultrafine particles were adversely bioactive, the former were found to be more toxic for lungs as compared with the latter while evoking more pronounced defense recruitment of alveolar macrophages and especially of neutrophil leukocytes and more active phagocytosis. Based on our results and literature data, we consider both copper solubilization and direct contact with cellular organelles (mainly, mitochondria) of persistent particles internalized by phagocytes as probable mechanisms of their cytotoxicity. PMID:25421246

Surface Modification of Polyimide for Improving Adhesion Strength by Inductively Coupled Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byun, Tae Joon; Kim, Sung Il; Kim, Youn Joon; Choi, Yoon Suk; Choi, In Sik; Setsuhara, Yuichi; Geon Han, Jeon

2009-08-01

This study examined the effect of an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) treatment using an argon and helium gas mixture on the adhesion between polyimide and a copper film. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) of the ICP revealed the emission intensity of helium and argon at various intensities with the helium mixing ratio. The treated polyimide surface was analyzed using a contact angle analyzer, Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The contact angle and RMS roughness ranged from 66 to 31° and 2.3 to 4.1 nm, respectively. XPS showed an increase in C-O bonding. The highest peel strength was 0.43 kgf/cm at a 40% of helium mixing ratio, which contained the highest level of activate species. Overall, an ICP treatment of a polyimide surface with a 40% helium gas mixture improves the adhesion strength between copper and polyimide significantly.

Facile surface modification of glass with zwitterionic polymers for improving the blood compatibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lingling; Chen, Xiaojuan; Liu, Pingsheng; Wang, Jing; Zhu, Haomiao; Li, Li

2018-06-01

A facile procedure to modify glass film with zwitterionic polymers for improving the blood compatibility was introduced. The glass slides were first silanized with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPT) to generate methacrylate groups on the surface. Then, N, N’-dimethyl-N-methacryloxyethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium (DMMSA), a sulfobetaine zwitterionic monomer, was polymerized on the silanized glass substrates by free-radical polymerization in order to graft the zwitterionic polymers onto the substrates. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were utilized to analyze the surface properties of the grafted glass. The blood compatibility of the grafted glass was verified by whole blood contacting and platelet adhesion experiments in vitro. The results showed that the zwitterionic polymers were successfully grafted on the glass surface, and consequently significantly inhibited the platelet adhesion and whole blood cell attachment.

Mapping of elasticity and damping in an α + β titanium alloy through atomic force acoustic microscopy

PubMed Central

Phani, M Kalyan; Kumar, Anish; Jayakumar, T; Samwer, Konrad

2015-01-01

Summary The distribution of elastic stiffness and damping of individual phases in an α + β titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) measured by using atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM) is reported in the present study. The real and imaginary parts of the contact stiffness k * are obtained from the contact-resonance spectra and by using these two quantities, the maps of local elastic stiffness and the damping factor are derived. The evaluation of the data is based on the mass distribution of the cantilever with damped flexural modes. The cantilever dynamics model considering damping, which was proposed recently, has been used for mapping of indentation modulus and damping of different phases in a metallic structural material. The study indicated that in a Ti-6Al-4V alloy the metastable β phase has the minimum modulus and the maximum damping followed by α′- and α-phases. Volume fractions of the individual phases were determined by using a commercial material property evaluation software and were validated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) studies on one of the heat-treated samples. The volume fractions of the phases and the modulus measured through AFAM are used to derive average modulus of the bulk sample which is correlated with the bulk elastic properties obtained by ultrasonic velocity measurements. The average modulus of the specimens estimated by AFAM technique is found to be within 5% of that obtained by ultrasonic velocity measurements. The effect of heat treatments on the ultrasonic attenuation in the bulk sample could also be understood based on the damping measurements on individual phases using AFAM. PMID:25977847

Electrical property heterogeneity at transparent conductive oxide/organic semiconductor interfaces: mapping contact ohmicity using conducting-tip atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

MacDonald, Gordon A; Veneman, P Alexander; Placencia, Diogenes; Armstrong, Neal R

2012-11-27

We demonstrate mapping of electrical properties of heterojunctions of a molecular semiconductor (copper phthalocyanine, CuPc) and a transparent conducting oxide (indium-tin oxide, ITO), on 20-500 nm length scales, using a conductive-probe atomic force microscopy technique, scanning current spectroscopy (SCS). SCS maps are generated for CuPc/ITO heterojunctions as a function of ITO activation procedures and modification with variable chain length alkyl-phosphonic acids (PAs). We correlate differences in small length scale electrical properties with the performance of organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) based on CuPc/C(60) heterojunctions, built on these same ITO substrates. SCS maps the "ohmicity" of ITO/CuPc heterojunctions, creating arrays of spatially resolved current-voltage (J-V) curves. Each J-V curve is fit with modified Mott-Gurney expressions, mapping a fitted exponent (γ), where deviations from γ = 2.0 suggest nonohmic behavior. ITO/CuPc/C(60)/BCP/Al OPVs built on nonactivated ITO show mainly nonohmic SCS maps and dark J-V curves with increased series resistance (R(S)), lowered fill-factors (FF), and diminished device performance, especially near the open-circuit voltage. Nearly optimal behavior is seen for OPVs built on oxygen-plasma-treated ITO contacts, which showed SCS maps comparable to heterojunctions of CuPc on clean Au. For ITO electrodes modified with PAs there is a strong correlation between PA chain length and the degree of ohmicity and uniformity of electrical response in ITO/CuPc heterojunctions. ITO electrodes modified with 6-8 carbon alkyl-PAs show uniform and nearly ohmic SCS maps, coupled with acceptable CuPc/C(60)OPV performance. ITO modified with C14 and C18 alkyl-PAs shows dramatic decreases in FF, increases in R(S), and greatly enhanced recombination losses.

The synergistic effect of TiO2 nanoporous modification and platelet-rich plasma treatment on titanium-implant stability in ovariectomized rats.

PubMed

Jiang, Nan; Du, Pinggong; Qu, Weidong; Li, Lin; Liu, Zhonghao; Zhu, Songsong

For several decades, titanium and its alloys have been commonly utilized for endosseous implantable materials, because of their good mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. But associated low bone mass, wear and loss characteristics, and high coefficients of friction have limited their long-term stable performance, especially in certain abnormal bone-metabolism conditions, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and TiO 2 nanoporous modification on the stability of titanium implants in osteoporotic bone. After surface morphology, topographical structure, and chemical changes of implant surface had been detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, contact-angle measurement, and X-ray diffraction, we firstly assessed in vivo the effect of PRP treatment on osseointegration of TiO 2 -modified implants in ovariectomized rats by microcomputed tomography examinations, histology, biomechanical testing, and SEM observation. Meanwhile, the potential molecular mechanism involved in peri-implant osseous enhancement was also determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that this TiO 2 -modified surface was able to lead to improve bone implant contact, while PRP treatment was able to increase the implant surrounding bone mass. The synergistic effect of both was able to enhance the terminal force of implants drastically in biomechanical testing. Compared with surface modification, PRP treatment promoted earlier osteogenesis with increased expression of the RUNX2 and COL1 genes and suppressed osteoclastogenesis with increased expression of OPG and decreased levels of RANKL. These promising results show that PRP treatment combined with a TiO 2 -nanomodified surface can improve titanium-implant biomechanical stability in ovariectomized rats, suggesting a beneficial effect to support the success of implants in osteoporotic bone.

Atomic force microscopy and Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer technique to assess contact lens deposits and human meibum extracts.

PubMed

Hagedorn, Sarah; Drolle, Elizabeth; Lorentz, Holly; Srinivasan, Sruthi; Leonenko, Zoya; Jones, Lyndon

2015-01-01

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the differences in meibomian gland secretions, contact lens (CL) lipid extracts, and CL surface topography between participants with and without meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Meibum study: Meibum was collected from all participants and studied via Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition with subsequent Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) visualization and surface roughness analysis. CL Study: Participants with and without MGD wore both etafilcon A and balafilcon A CLs in two different phases. CL lipid deposits were extracted and analyzed using pressure-area isotherms with the LB trough and CL surface topographies and roughness values were visualized using AFM. Meibum study: Non-MGD participant meibum samples showed larger, circular aggregates with lower surface roughness, whereas meibum samples from participants with MGD showed more lipid aggregates, greater size variability and higher surface roughness. CL Study: Worn CLs from participants with MGD had a few large tear film deposits with lower surface roughness, whereas non-MGD participant-worn lenses had many small lens deposits with higher surface roughness. Balafilcon A pore depths were shallower in MGD participant worn lenses when compared to non-MGD participant lenses. Isotherms of CL lipid extracts from MGD and non-MGD participants showed a seamless rise in surface pressure as area decreased; however, extracts from the two different lens materials produced different isotherms. MGD and non-MGD participant-worn CL deposition were found to differ in type, amount, and pattern of lens deposits. Lipids from MGD participants deposited irregularly whereas lipids from non-MGD participants showed more uniformity. Copyright © 2014 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

The synergistic effect of TiO2 nanoporous modification and platelet-rich plasma treatment on titanium-implant stability in ovariectomized rats

PubMed Central

Jiang, Nan; Du, Pinggong; Qu, Weidong; Li, Lin; Liu, Zhonghao; Zhu, Songsong

2016-01-01

For several decades, titanium and its alloys have been commonly utilized for endosseous implantable materials, because of their good mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. But associated low bone mass, wear and loss characteristics, and high coefficients of friction have limited their long-term stable performance, especially in certain abnormal bone-metabolism conditions, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and TiO2 nanoporous modification on the stability of titanium implants in osteoporotic bone. After surface morphology, topographical structure, and chemical changes of implant surface had been detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, contact-angle measurement, and X-ray diffraction, we firstly assessed in vivo the effect of PRP treatment on osseointegration of TiO2-modified implants in ovariectomized rats by microcomputed tomography examinations, histology, biomechanical testing, and SEM observation. Meanwhile, the potential molecular mechanism involved in peri-implant osseous enhancement was also determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that this TiO2-modified surface was able to lead to improve bone implant contact, while PRP treatment was able to increase the implant surrounding bone mass. The synergistic effect of both was able to enhance the terminal force of implants drastically in biomechanical testing. Compared with surface modification, PRP treatment promoted earlier osteogenesis with increased expression of the RUNX2 and COL1 genes and suppressed osteoclastogenesis with increased expression of OPG and decreased levels of RANKL. These promising results show that PRP treatment combined with a TiO2-nanomodified surface can improve titanium-implant biomechanical stability in ovariectomized rats, suggesting a beneficial effect to support the success of implants in osteoporotic bone. PMID:27695328

Mapping of elasticity and damping in an α + β titanium alloy through atomic force acoustic microscopy.

PubMed

Phani, M Kalyan; Kumar, Anish; Jayakumar, T; Arnold, Walter; Samwer, Konrad

2015-01-01

The distribution of elastic stiffness and damping of individual phases in an α + β titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) measured by using atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM) is reported in the present study. The real and imaginary parts of the contact stiffness k (*) are obtained from the contact-resonance spectra and by using these two quantities, the maps of local elastic stiffness and the damping factor are derived. The evaluation of the data is based on the mass distribution of the cantilever with damped flexural modes. The cantilever dynamics model considering damping, which was proposed recently, has been used for mapping of indentation modulus and damping of different phases in a metallic structural material. The study indicated that in a Ti-6Al-4V alloy the metastable β phase has the minimum modulus and the maximum damping followed by α'- and α-phases. Volume fractions of the individual phases were determined by using a commercial material property evaluation software and were validated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) studies on one of the heat-treated samples. The volume fractions of the phases and the modulus measured through AFAM are used to derive average modulus of the bulk sample which is correlated with the bulk elastic properties obtained by ultrasonic velocity measurements. The average modulus of the specimens estimated by AFAM technique is found to be within 5% of that obtained by ultrasonic velocity measurements. The effect of heat treatments on the ultrasonic attenuation in the bulk sample could also be understood based on the damping measurements on individual phases using AFAM.

Characterization of the Intrinsic Water Wettability of Graphite Using Contact Angle Measurements: Effect of Defects on Static and Dynamic Contact Angles.

PubMed

Kozbial, Andrew; Trouba, Charlie; Liu, Haitao; Li, Lei

2017-01-31

Elucidating the intrinsic water wettability of the graphitic surface has increasingly attracted research interests, triggered by the recent finding that the well-established hydrophobicity of graphitic surfaces actually results from airborne hydrocarbon contamination. Currently, static water contact angle (WCA) is often used to characterize the intrinsic water wettability of graphitic surfaces. In the current paper, we show that because of the existence of defects, static WCA does not necessarily characterize the intrinsic water wettability. Freshly exfoliated graphite of varying qualities, characterized using atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, was studied using static, advancing, and receding WCA measurements. The results showed that graphite of different qualities (i.e., defect density) always has a similar advancing WCA, but it could have very different static and receding WCAs. This finding indicates that defects play an important role in contact angle measurements, and the static contact angle does not always represent the intrinsic water wettability of pristine graphite. On the basis of the experimental results, a qualitative model is proposed to explain the effect of defects on static, advancing, and receding contact angles. The model suggests that the advancing WCA reflects the intrinsic water wettability of pristine (defect-free) graphite. Our results showed that the advancing WCA for pristine graphite is 68.6°, which indicates that graphitic carbon is intrinsically mildly hydrophilic.

Diminution of contact angle hysteresis under the influence of an oscillating force.

PubMed

Manor, Ofer

2014-06-17

We suggest a simple quantitative model for the diminution of contact angle hysteresis under the influence of an oscillatory force invoked by thermal fluctuations, substrate vibrations, acoustic waves, or oscillating electric fields. Employing force balance rather than the usual description of contact angle hysteresis in terms of Gibbs energy, we highlight that a wetting system, such as a sessile drop or a bubble adhered to a solid substrate, appears at long times to be partially or fully independent of contact angle hysteresis and thus independent of static friction forces, as a result of contact line pinning. We verify this theory by studying several well-known experimental observations such as the approach of an arbitrary contact angle toward the Young contact angle and the apparent decrease (or increase) in an advancing (or a receding) contact angle under the influence of an external oscillating force.

Quantifying effects of cyclic stretch on cell-collagen substrate adhesiveness of vascular endothelial cells.

PubMed

Omidvar, Ramin; Tafazzoli-Shadpour, Mohammad; Mahmoodi-Nobar, Farbod; Azadi, Shohreh; Khani, Mohammad-Mehdi

2018-05-01

Vascular endothelium is continuously subjected to mechanical stimulation in the form of shear forces due to blood flow as well as tensile forces as a consequence of blood pressure. Such stimuli influence endothelial behavior and regulate cell-tissue interaction for an optimized functionality. This study aimed to quantify influence of cyclic stretch on the adhesive property and stiffness of endothelial cells. The 10% cyclic stretch with frequency of 1 Hz was applied to a layer of endothelial cells cultured on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate. Cell-substrate adhesion of endothelial cells was examined by the novel approach of atomic force microscope-based single-cell force spectroscopy and cell stiffness was measured by atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, the adhesive molecular bonds were evaluated using modified Hertz contact theory. Our results show that overall adhesion of endothelial cells with substrate decreased after cyclic stretch while they became stiffer. Based on the experimental results and theoretical modeling, the decrease in the number of molecular bonds after cyclic stretch was quantified. In conclusion, in vitro cyclic stretch caused alterations in both adhesive capacity and elastic modulus of endothelial cells through mechanotransductive pathways as two major determinants of the function of these cells within the cardiovascular system.

Tibiofemoral Contact Forces in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Reconstructed Knee.

PubMed

Saxby, David John; Bryant, Adam L; Modenese, Luca; Gerus, Pauline; Killen, Bryce A; Konrath, Jason; Fortin, Karine; Wrigley, Tim V; Bennell, Kim L; Cicuttini, Flavia M; Vertullo, Christopher; Feller, Julian A; Whitehead, Tim; Gallie, Price; Lloyd, David G

2016-11-01

To investigate differences in anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed (ACLR) and healthy individuals in terms of the magnitude of the tibiofemoral contact forces, as well as the relative muscle and external load contributions to those contact forces, during walking, running, and sidestepping gait tasks. A computational EMG-driven neuromusculoskeletal model was used to estimate the muscle and tibiofemoral contact forces in those with single-bundle combined semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autograft ACLR (n = 104, 29.7 ± 6.5 yr, 78.1 ± 14.4 kg) and healthy controls (n = 60, 27.5 ± 5.4 yr, 67.8 ± 14.0 kg) during walking (1.4 ± 0.2 m·s), running (4.5 ± 0.5 m·s) and sidestepping (3.7 ± 0.6 m·s). Within the computational model, the semitendinosus of ACLR participants was adjusted to account for literature reported strength deficits and morphological changes subsequent to autograft harvesting. ACLR had smaller maximum total and medial tibiofemoral contact forces (~80% of control values, scaled to bodyweight) during the different gait tasks. Compared with controls, ACLR were found to have a smaller maximum knee flexion moment, which explained the smaller tibiofemoral contact forces. Similarly, compared with controls, ACLR had both a smaller maximum knee flexion angle and knee flexion excursion during running and sidestepping, which may have concentrated the articular contact forces to smaller areas within the tibiofemoral joint. Mean relative muscle and external load contributions to the tibiofemoral contact forces were not significantly different between ACLR and controls. ACLR had lower bodyweight-scaled tibiofemoral contact forces during walking, running, and sidestepping, likely due to lower knee flexion moments and straighter knee during the different gait tasks. The relative contributions of muscles and external loads to the contact forces were equivalent between groups.

Investigation of index finger triggering force using a cadaver experiment: Effects of trigger grip span, contact location, and internal tendon force.

PubMed

Chang, Joonho; Freivalds, Andris; Sharkey, Neil A; Kong, Yong-Ku; Mike Kim, H; Sung, Kiseok; Kim, Dae-Min; Jung, Kihyo

2017-11-01

A cadaver study was conducted to investigate the effects of triggering conditions (trigger grip span, contact location, and internal tendon force) on index finger triggering force and the force efficiency of involved tendons. Eight right human cadaveric hands were employed, and a motion simulator was built to secure and control the specimens. Index finger triggering forces were investigated as a function of different internal tendon forces (flexor digitorum profundus + flexor digitorum superficialis = 40, 70, and 100 N), trigger grip spans (40, 50, and 60 mm), and contact locations between the index finger and a trigger. Triggering forces significantly increased when internal tendon forces increased from 40 to 100 N. Also, trigger grip spans and contact locations had significant effects on triggering forces; maximum triggering forces were found at a 50 mm span and the most proximal contact location. The results revealed that only 10-30% of internal tendon forces were converted to their external triggering forces. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sputum Microscopy With Fluorescein Diacetate Predicts Tuberculosis Infectiousness

PubMed Central

Datta, Sumona; Sherman, Jonathan M; Tovar, Marco A; Bravard, Marjory A; Valencia, Teresa; Montoya, Rosario; Quino, Willi; D’Arcy, Nikki; Ramos, Eric S; Gilman, Robert H; Evans, Carlton A

2017-01-01

Abstract Background Sputum from patients with tuberculosis contains subpopulations of metabolically active and inactive Mycobacterium tuberculosis with unknown implications for infectiousness. Methods We assessed sputum microscopy with fluorescein diacetate (FDA, evaluating M. tuberculosis metabolic activity) for predicting infectiousness. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was quantified in pretreatment sputum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis using FDA microscopy, culture, and acid-fast microscopy. These 35 patients’ 209 household contacts were followed with prevalence surveys for tuberculosis disease for 6 years. Results FDA microscopy was positive for a median of 119 (interquartile range [IQR], 47–386) bacteria/µL sputum, which was 5.1% (IQR, 2.4%–11%) the concentration of acid-fast microscopy–positive bacteria (2069 [IQR, 1358–3734] bacteria/μL). Tuberculosis was diagnosed during follow-up in 6.4% (13/209) of contacts. For patients with lower than median concentration of FDA microscopy–positive M. tuberculosis, 10% of their contacts developed tuberculosis. This was significantly more than 2.7% of the contacts of patients with higher than median FDA microscopy results (crude hazard ratio [HR], 3.8; P = .03). This association maintained statistical significance after adjusting for disease severity, chemoprophylaxis, drug resistance, and social determinants (adjusted HR, 3.9; P = .02). Conclusions Mycobacterium tuberculosis that was FDA microscopy negative was paradoxically associated with greater infectiousness. FDA microscopy–negative bacteria in these pretreatment samples may be a nonstaining, slowly metabolizing phenotype better adapted to airborne transmission. PMID:28510693

Study of role of meniscus and viscous forces during liquid-mediated contacts separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhital, Prabin

Menisci may form between two solid surfaces with the presence of an ultra-thin liquid film. When the separation operation is needed, meniscus and viscous forces contribute to an adhesion leading stiction, high friction, possibly high wear and potential failure of the contact systems, for instance microdevices, magnetic head disks and diesel fuel injectors. The situation may become more pronounced when the contacting surfaces are ultra-smooth and the normal load is small. Various design parameters, such as contact angle, initial separation height, surface tension and liquid viscosity, have been investigated during liquid-mediated contact separation. However, how the involved forces will change roles for various liquid is of interest and is necessary to be studied. In this study, meniscus and viscous forces due to water and liquid lubricants during separation of two flat surfaces are studied. Previously established mathematical model for meniscus and viscous forces during flat on flat contact separation is simulated. The effect of meniscus and viscous force on critical meniscus area at which those forces change role is studied with different liquid properties for flat on flat contact surfaces. The roles of the involved forces at various meniscus areas are analyzed. Experiments are done in concerns to studying the effect of surface roughness on contact angle. The impact of liquid properties, initial separation heights and contact angle on critical meniscus area for different liquid properties are analyzed. The study provides a fundamental understanding of the forces of the separation process and its value for the design of interfaces. The effect of surface roughness and liquid properties on contact angle are studied.

Contact forces during hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation: an in vitro evaluation.

PubMed

Lozekoot, Pieter W J; de Jong, Monique M J; Gelsomino, Sandro; Parise, Orlando; Matteucci, Francesco; Lucà, Fabiana; Kumar, N; Nijs, Jan; Czapla, Jens; Kwant, Paul; Bani, Daniele; Gensini, Gian Franco; Pison, Laurent; Crijns, Harry J G M; Maessen, Jos G; La Meir, Mark

2016-03-01

Data on epicardial contact force efficacy in dual epicardial-endocardial atrial fibrillation ablation procedures are lacking. We present an in vitro study on the importance of epicardial and endocardial contact forces during this procedure. The in vitro setup consists of two separate chambers, mimicking the endocardial and epicardial sides of the heart. A circuit, including a pump and a heat exchanger, circulates porcine blood through the endocardial chamber. A septum, with a cut out, allows the placement of a magnetically fixed tissue holder, securing porcine atrial tissue, in the middle of both chambers. Two trocars provide access to the epicardium and endocardium. Force transducers mounted on both catheter holders allow real-time contact force monitoring, while a railing system allows controlled contact force adjustment. We histologically assessed different combinations of epi-endocardial radiofrequency ablation contact forces using porcine atria, evaluating the ablation's diameters, area, and volume. An epicardial ablation with forces of 100 or 300 g, followed by an endocardial ablation with a force of 20 g did not achieve transmurality. Increasing endocardial forces to 30 and 40 g combined with an epicardial force ranging from 100 to 300 and 500 g led to transmurality with significant increases in lesion's diameters, area, and volumes. Increased endocardial contact forces led to larger ablation lesions regardless of standard epicardial pressure forces. In order to gain transmurality in a model of a combined epicardial-endocardial procedure, a minimal endocardial force of 30 g combined with an epicardial force of 100 g is necessary.

Periodic Forced Response of Structures Having Three-Dimensional Frictional Constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

CHEN, J. J.; YANG, B. D.; MENQ, C. H.

2000-01-01

Many mechanical systems have moving components that are mutually constrained through frictional contacts. When subjected to cyclic excitations, a contact interface may undergo constant changes among sticks, slips and separations, which leads to very complex contact kinematics. In this paper, a 3-D friction contact model is employed to predict the periodic forced response of structures having 3-D frictional constraints. Analytical criteria based on this friction contact model are used to determine the transitions among sticks, slips and separations of the friction contact, and subsequently the constrained force which consists of the induced stick-slip friction force on the contact plane and the contact normal load. The resulting constrained force is often a periodic function and can be considered as a feedback force that influences the response of the constrained structures. By using the Multi-Harmonic Balance Method along with Fast Fourier Transform, the constrained force can be integrated with the receptance of the structures so as to calculate the forced response of the constrained structures. It results in a set of non-linear algebraic equations that can be solved iteratively to yield the relative motion as well as the constrained force at the friction contact. This method is used to predict the periodic response of a frictionally constrained 3-d.o.f. oscillator. The predicted results are compared with those of the direct time integration method so as to validate the proposed method. In addition, the effect of super-harmonic components on the resonant response and jump phenomenon is examined.

Three-dimensional knee joint contact forces during walking in unilateral transtibial amputees.

PubMed

Silverman, Anne K; Neptune, Richard R

2014-08-22

Individuals with unilateral transtibial amputations have greater prevalence of osteoarthritis in the intact knee joint relative to the residual leg and non-amputees, but the cause of this greater prevalence is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare knee joint contact forces and the muscles contributing to these forces between amputees and non-amputees during walking using forward dynamics simulations. We predicted that the intact knee contact forces would be higher than those of the residual leg and non-amputees. In the axial and mediolateral directions, the intact and non-amputee legs had greater peak tibio-femoral contact forces and impulses relative to the residual leg. The peak axial contact force was greater in the intact leg relative to the non-amputee leg, but the stance phase impulse was greater in the non-amputee leg. The vasti and hamstrings muscles in early stance and gastrocnemius in late stance were the largest contributors to the joint contact forces in the non-amputee and intact legs. Through dynamic coupling, the soleus and gluteus medius also had large contributions, even though they do not span the knee joint. In the residual leg, the prosthesis had large contributions to the joint forces, similar to the soleus in the intact and non-amputee legs. These results identify the muscles that contribute to knee joint contact forces during transtibial amputee walking and suggest that the peak knee contact forces may be more important than the knee contact impulses in explaining the high prevalence of intact leg osteoarthritis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface improvement of EPDM rubber by plasma treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moraes, J. H.; da Silva Sobrinho, A. S.; Maciel, H. S.; Dutra, J. C. N.; Massi, M.; Mello, S. A. C.; Schreiner, W. H.

2007-12-01

The surface of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber was treated in N2/Ar and N2/H2/Ar RF plasmas in order to achieve similar or better adhesion properties than NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene) rubber, nowadays used as thermal protection of rocket chambers. The surface properties were studied by contact angle measurements and by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The treated surfaces of the EPDM samples show a significant reduction in the contact angle measurement, indicating an increase in the surface energy. XPS analyses show the incorporation of polar nitrogen- and oxygen-containing groups on the rubber surface. After plasma treatment the presence of oxygen is observed due to surface oxidation which occurs when the samples are exposed to the air. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicate a decrease in the EPDM rubber surface roughness, promoted by surface etching during the plasma treatment. Strength tests indicate improvement of about 30% and 110% in the adhesion strength for the plasma treated EPDM/polyurethane liner interface and for the EPDM/epoxy adhesive interface, respectively. The adhesion strength of the EPDM/liner is similar to that obtained for the NBR/liner, which indicates that EPDM rubber can safely be used as thermal protection of the solid propellant rocket chamber.

Selective generation of laser-induced periodic surface structures on Al2O3-ZrO2-Nb composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunz, Clemens; Bartolomé, José F.; Gnecco, Enrico; Müller, Frank A.; Gräf, Stephan

2018-03-01

Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) were selectively fabricated on the metal phase of Al2O3-nZrO2-Nb (78.3-1.7-20 vol.%) ceramic matrix composites. For this purpose, sample surfaces were irradiated with fs-laser pulses (τ = 300 fs, λ = 1025 nm) of different laser peak fluences ranging from 0.23 to 0.40 J/cm2. The structured surfaces were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and by measuring the water contact angle. Well-pronounced LIPSS with a period of Λ ≈ 750 nm and a height of h ≈ 263 nm were found solely on the metal phase of the composite when applying the highest fluence whereas no structural and chemical modifications were found on the surface of the ceramic matrix. This can be explained by the different light absorption behaviour of both phases, which results in different ablation thresholds. The water contact angle of composite surfaces was successfully reduced from 68.4° for untreated samples to 40.9° for structured samples. Selectively structured composites with adjustable wettability are of particular interest for biomedical and tribological applications.

Effects of DMSO and glycerol additives on the property of polyamide reverse osmosis membrane.

PubMed

Wu, Fengjing; Liu, Xiaojuan; Au, Chaktong

2016-10-01

The polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes were prepared through interfacial polymerization of m-phenylenediamine (MPD) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol as additives for the formation of thin-film composite (TFC) was investigated. We studied the effect of DMSO and glycerol addition on membrane property and RO performance. Microscopic morphology was examined by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The surface hydrophilicity was characterized on the basis of water contact angle and surface solid-liquid interfacial free energy (-ΔG SL ). Water flux and salt rejection ability of the membranes prepared with or without the additives were evaluated by cross-flow RO tests. The results reveal that the addition of DMSO and glycerol strongly influences the property of the TFC RO membrane. Compared to the MPD/TMC membrane fabricated without DMSO and glycerol, the MPD/TMC/DMSO/glycerol membrane has a rougher surface and is more hydrophilic, showing smaller water contact angle and larger -ΔG SL value. Without decrease in salt rejection ability, the MPD/TMC/DMSO/glycerol membrane shows water flux significantly larger than that of the MPD/TMC membrane. The unique property of the MPD/TMC/DMSO/glycerol membrane is attributed to the cooperative effect of DMSO and glycerol on membrane structure during the interfacial polymerization process.

Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Deposited Copper Sulphide Thin Films for Solar Cell Applications

PubMed Central

Firat, Y. E.; Yildirim, H.; Erturk, K.

2017-01-01

Polycrystalline copper sulphide (CuxS) thin films were grown by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method using aqueous solutions of copper chloride and thiourea without any complexing agent at various substrate temperatures of 240, 280, and 320°C. The films were characterized for their structural, optical, and electrical properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle (CA), optical absorption, and current-voltage (I-V) measurements. The XRD analysis showed that the films had single or mixed phase polycrystalline nature with a hexagonal covellite and cubic digenite structure. The crystalline phase of the films changed depending on the substrate temperature. The optical band gaps (Eg) of thin films were 2.07 eV (CuS), 2.50 eV (Cu1.765S), and 2.28 eV (Cu1.765S–Cu2S). AFM results indicated that the films had spherical nanosized particles well adhered to the substrate. Contact angle measurements showed that the thin films had hydrophobic nature. Hall effect measurements of all the deposited CuxS thin films demonstrated them to be of p-type conductivity, and the current-voltage (I-V) dark curves exhibited linear variation. PMID:29109807

Inverse polarity of the resistive switching effect and strong inhomogeneity in nanoscale YBCO-metal contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Truchly, M.; Plecenik, T.; Zhitlukhina, E.; Belogolovskii, M.; Dvoranova, M.; Kus, P.; Plecenik, A.

2016-11-01

We have studied a bipolar resistive switching phenomenon in c-axis oriented normal-state YBa2Cu3O7-c (YBCO) thin films at room temperature by scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) techniques. The most striking experimental finding has been the opposite (in contrast to the previous room and low-temperature data for planar metal counter-electrode-YBCO bilayers) voltage-bias polarity of the switching effect in all SSRM and a number of STM measurements. We have assumed that the hysteretic phenomena in current-voltage characteristics of YBCO-based contacts can be explained by migration of oxygen-vacancy defects and, as a result, by the formation or dissolution of more or less conductive regions near the metal-YBCO interface. To support our interpretation of the macroscopic resistive switching phenomenon, a minimalist model that describes radical modifications of the oxygen-vacancy effective charge in terms of a charge-wind effect was proposed. It was shown theoretically that due to the momentum exchange between current carriers (holes in the YBCO compound) and activated oxygen ions, the direction in which oxygen vacancies are moving is defined by the balance between the direct electrostatic force on them and that caused by the current-carrier flow.

Wetting behaviour of carbon nitride nanostructures grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad Kamal, Shafarina Azlinda; Ritikos, Richard; Abdul Rahman, Saadah

2015-02-01

Tuning the wettability of various coating materials by simply controlling the deposition parameters is essential for various specific applications. In this work, carbon nitride (CNx) films were deposited on silicon (1 1 1) substrates using radio-frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition employing parallel plate electrode configuration. Effects of varying the electrode distance (DE) on the films' structure and bonding properties were investigated using Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The wettability of the films was analyzed using water contact angle measurements. At high DE, the CNx films' surface was smooth and uniform. This changed into fibrous nanostructures when DE was decreased. Surface roughness of the films increased with this morphological transformation. Nitrogen incorporation increased with decrease in DE which manifested the increase in both relative intensities of Cdbnd N to Cdbnd C and Nsbnd H to Osbnd H bonds. sp2-C to sp3-C ratio increased as DE decreased due to greater deformation of sp2 bonded carbon at lower DE. The films' characteristics changed from hydrophilic to super-hydrophobic with the decrease in DE. Roughness ratio, surface porosity and surface energy calculated from contact angle measurements were strongly dependent on the morphology, surface roughness and bonding properties of the films.

The role of haptic cues from rough and slippery surfaces in human postural control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeka, J. J.; Lackner, J. R.

1995-01-01

Haptic information is critically important in complex sensory-motor tasks such as manipulating objects. Its comparable importance in spatial orientation is only beginning to be recognized. We have shown that postural sway in humans is significantly reduced by lightly touching a stable surface with a fingertip at contact force levels far below those physically necessary to stabilize the body. To investigate further the functional relationship between contact forces at the hand and postural equilibrium, we had subjects stand in the tandem Romberg stance while being allowed physically supportive (force contact) and non-physically supportive (touch contact) amounts of index fingertip force on surfaces with different frictional characteristics. Mean sway amplitude (MSA) was reduced by over 50% with both touch and force contact of the fingertip, compared to standing without fingertip contact. No differences in MSA were observed when touching rough or slippery surfaces. The amplitude of EMG activity in the peroneal muscles and the timing relationships between fingertip forces, body sway and EMG activity suggested that with touch contact of the finger or with force contact on a slippery surface long-loop "reflexes" involving postural muscles were stabilizing sway. With force contact of the fingertip on a rough surface, MSA reduction was achieved primarily through physical support of the body. This pattern of results indicates that light touch contact cues from the fingertip in conjunction with proprioceptive signals about arm configuration are providing information about body sway that can be used to reduce MSA through postural muscle activation.

Sensitivity of medial and lateral knee contact force predictions to frontal plane alignment and contact locations.

PubMed

Saliba, Christopher M; Brandon, Scott C E; Deluzio, Kevin J

2017-05-24

Musculoskeletal models are increasingly used to estimate medial and lateral knee contact forces, which are difficult to measure in vivo. The sensitivity of contact force predictions to modeling parameters is important to the interpretation and implication of results generated by the model. The purpose of this study was to quantify the sensitivity of knee contact force predictions to simultaneous errors in frontal plane knee alignment and contact locations under different dynamic conditions. We scaled a generic musculoskeletal model for N=23 subjects' stature and radiographic knee alignment, then perturbed frontal plane alignment and mediolateral contact locations within experimentally-possible ranges of 10° to -10° and 10 to -10mm, respectively. The sensitivity of first peak, second peak, and mean medial and lateral knee contact forces to knee adduction angle and contact locations was modeled using linear regression. Medial loads increased, and lateral loads decreased, by between 3% and 6% bodyweight for each degree of varus perturbation. Shifting the medial contact point medially increased medial loads and decreased lateral loads by between 1% and 4% bodyweight per millimeter. This study demonstrates that realistic measurement errors of 5mm (contact distance) or 5° (frontal plane alignment) could result in a combined 50% BW error in subject specific contact force estimates. We also show that model sensitivity varies between subjects as a result of differences in gait dynamics. These results demonstrate that predicted knee joint contact forces should be considered as a range of possible values determined by model uncertainty. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variation in predicting pantograph-catenary interaction contact forces, numerical simulations and field measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nåvik, Petter; Rønnquist, Anders; Stichel, Sebastian

2017-09-01

The contact force between the pantograph and the contact wire ensures energy transfer between the two. Too small of a force leads to arching and unstable energy transfer, while too large of a force leads to unnecessary wear on both parts. Thus, obtaining the correct contact force is important for both field measurements and estimates using numerical analysis. The field contact force time series is derived from measurements performed by a self-propelled diagnostic vehicle containing overhead line recording equipment. The measurements are not sampled at the actual contact surface of the interaction but by force transducers beneath the collector strips. Methods exist for obtaining more realistic measurements by adding inertia and aerodynamic effects to the measurements. The variation in predicting the pantograph-catenary interaction contact force is studied in this paper by evaluating the effect of the force sampling location and the effects of signal processing such as filtering. A numerical model validated by field measurements is used to study these effects. First, this paper shows that the numerical model can reproduce a train passage with high accuracy. Second, this study introduces three different options for contact force predictions from numerical simulations. Third, this paper demonstrates that the standard deviation and the maximum and minimum values of the contact force are sensitive to a low-pass filter. For a specific case, an 80 Hz cut-off frequency is compared to a 20 Hz cut-off frequency, as required by EN 50317:2012; the results show an 11% increase in standard deviation, a 36% increase in the maximum value and a 19% decrease in the minimum value.

Scanning Probe Microscopy for Identifying the Component Materials of a Nanostripe Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizuno, Akira; Ando, Yasuhisa

2010-08-01

The authors prepared a nanostripe structure in which two types of metal are arranged alternately, and successfully identified the component materials using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to measure the lateral force distribution image. The nanostripe structure was prepared using a new method developed by the authors and joint development members. The lateral force distribution image was measured in both friction force microscopy (FFM) and lateral modulation friction force microscopy (LM-FFM) modes. In FFM mode, the effect of slope angle appeared in the lateral force distribution image; therefore, no difference in the type of material was observed. On the other hand, in LM-FFM mode, the effect of surface curvature was observed in the lateral force distribution image. A higher friction force on chromium than on gold was identified, enabling material identification.

Effects of surface roughness and energy on ice adhesion strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, M.; Beckford, S.; Wei, R.; Ellis, C.; Hatton, G.; Miller, M. A.

2011-02-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of surface roughness and surface energy on ice adhesion strength. Sandblasting technique was used to prepare samples with high roughness. Silicon-doped hydrocarbon and fluorinated-carbon thin films were employed to alter the surface energy of the samples. Silicon-doped hydrocarbon films were deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, while fluorinated-carbon films were produced using deep reactive ion etching equipment by only activating the passivation step. Surface topographies were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and a stylus profilometer. The surface wetting properties were characterized by a video-based contact angle measurement system. The adhesion strength of ice formed from a water droplet on these surfaces was studied using a custom-built shear force test apparatus. It was found that the ice adhesion strength is correlated to the water contact angles of the samples only for surfaces with similar roughness: the ice adhesion strength decreases with the increase in water contact angle. The study also shows that smoother as-received sample surfaces have lower ice adhesion strength than the much rougher sandblasted surfaces.

Contact force and mechanical loss of multistage cable under tension and bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ru, Yanyun; Yong, Huadong; Zhou, Youhe

2016-10-01

A theoretical model for calculating the stress and strain states of cabling structures with different loadings has been developed in this paper. We solve the problem for the first- and second-stage cable with tensile or bending strain. The contact and friction forces between the strands are presented by two-dimensional contact model. Several theoretical models have been proposed to verify the results when the triplet subjected to the tensile strain, including contact force, contact stresses, and mechanical loss. It is found that loadings will affect the friction force and the mechanical loss of the triplet. The results show that the contact force and mechanical loss are dependent on the twist pitch. A shorter twist pitch can lead to higher contact force, while the trend of mechanical loss with twist pitch is complicated. The mechanical loss may be reduced by adjusting the twist pitch reasonably. The present model provides a simple analysis method to investigate the mechanical behaviors in multistage-structures under different loads.

Glenohumeral contact force during flat and topspin tennis forehand drives.

PubMed

Blache, Yoann; Creveaux, Thomas; Dumas, Raphaël; Chèze, Laurence; Rogowski, Isabelle

2017-03-01

The primary role of the shoulder joint in tennis forehand drive is at the expense of the loadings undergone by this joint. Nevertheless, few studies investigated glenohumeral (GH) contact forces during forehand drives. The aim of this study was to investigate GH compressive and shearing forces during the flat and topspin forehand drives in advanced tennis players. 3D kinematics of flat and topspin forehand drives of 11 advanced tennis players were recorded. The Delft Shoulder and Elbow musculoskeletal model was implemented to assess the magnitude and orientation of GH contact forces during the forehand drives. The results showed no differences in magnitude and orientation of GH contact forces between the flat and topspin forehand drives. The estimated maximal GH contact force during the forward swing phase was 3573 ± 1383 N, which was on average 1.25 times greater than during the follow-through phase, and 5.8 times greater than during the backswing phase. Regardless the phase of the forehand drive, GH contact forces pointed towards the anterior-superior part of the glenoid therefore standing for shearing forces. Knowledge of GH contact forces during real sport tasks performed at high velocity may improve the understanding of various sport-specific adaptations and causative factors for shoulder problems.

Design and testing of an innovative measurement device for tyre-road contact forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheli, F.; Braghin, F.; Brusarosco, M.; Mancosu, F.; Sabbioni, E.

2011-08-01

The measurement of tyre-road contact forces is the first step towards the development of new control systems for improving vehicle safety and performances. Tyre-road contact forces measurement systems are very expensive and significantly modify the unsprung masses of the vehicle as well as the rotational inertia of the tyres. Thus, vehicle dynamics results are significantly affected. As a consequence, the measured contact forces do not correspond to the contact forces under real working conditions. A new low-cost tyre-road contact forces measurement system is proposed in this paper that can be applied to passenger cars. Its working principle is based on the measurement of three deformations of the wheel rim through strain gauges. The tyre-rim assembly is thus turned into a sensor for tyre-road contact forces. The influence of the strain gauges position onto the measurement results has been assessed through finite element simulations and experimental tests. It has been proven that, for a large variety of rims, the strain gauge position that leads to high signal-to-noise ratios is almost the same. A dynamic calibration procedure has been developed in order to allow the reconstruction of contact force and torque components once per wheel turn. The capability of the developed device to correctly estimate tyre-road contact forces has been assessed, in a first stage, through indoor laboratory experimental test on an MTS Flat-Trac ® testing machine. Results show that the implemented measuring system allows to reconstruct contact forces once per wheel turn with a precision that is comparable to that of existing high-cost measurement systems. Subsequently, outdoor tests with a vehicle having all four wheels equipped with the developed measuring device have also been performed. Reliability of the measurements provided by the developed sensor has been assessed by comparing the global measured longitudinal/lateral forces and the product of the measured longitudinal/lateral accelerations times the vehicle mass. A good agreement has been found during all the performed manoeuvres.

How tibiofemoral alignment and contact locations affect predictions of medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces.

PubMed

Lerner, Zachary F; DeMers, Matthew S; Delp, Scott L; Browning, Raymond C

2015-02-26

Understanding degeneration of biological and prosthetic knee joints requires knowledge of the in-vivo loading environment during activities of daily living. Musculoskeletal models can estimate medial/lateral tibiofemoral compartment contact forces, yet anthropometric differences between individuals make accurate predictions challenging. We developed a full-body OpenSim musculoskeletal model with a knee joint that incorporates subject-specific tibiofemoral alignment (i.e. knee varus-valgus) and geometry (i.e. contact locations). We tested the accuracy of our model and determined the importance of these subject-specific parameters by comparing estimated to measured medial and lateral contact forces during walking in an individual with an instrumented knee replacement and post-operative genu valgum (6°). The errors in the predictions of the first peak medial and lateral contact force were 12.4% and 11.9%, respectively, for a model with subject-specific tibiofemoral alignment and contact locations determined through radiographic analysis, vs. 63.1% and 42.0%, respectively, for a model with generic parameters. We found that each degree of tibiofemoral alignment deviation altered the first peak medial compartment contact force by 51N (r(2)=0.99), while each millimeter of medial-lateral translation of the compartment contact point locations altered the first peak medial compartment contact force by 41N (r(2)=0.99). The model, available at www.simtk.org/home/med-lat-knee/, enables the specification of subject-specific joint alignment and compartment contact locations to more accurately estimate medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces in individuals with non-neutral alignment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How Tibiofemoral Alignment and Contact Locations Affect Predictions of Medial and Lateral Tibiofemoral Contact Forces

PubMed Central

Lerner, Zachary F.; DeMers, Matthew S.; Delp, Scott L.; Browning, Raymond C.

2015-01-01

Understanding degeneration of biological and prosthetic knee joints requires knowledge of the in-vivo loading environment during activities of daily living. Musculoskeletal models can estimate medial/lateral tibiofemoral compartment contact forces, yet anthropometric differences between individuals make accurate predictions challenging. We developed a full-body OpenSim musculoskeletal model with a knee joint that incorporates subject-specific tibiofemoral alignment (i.e. knee varus-valgus) and geometry (i.e. contact locations). We tested the accuracy of our model and determined the importance of these subject-specific parameters by comparing estimated to measured medial and lateral contact forces during walking in an individual with an instrumented knee replacement and post-operative genu valgum (6°). The errors in the predictions of the first peak medial and lateral contact force were 12.4% and 11.9%, respectively, for a model with subject-specific tibiofemoral alignment and contact locations determined via radiographic analysis, vs. 63.1% and 42.0%, respectively, for a model with generic parameters. We found that each degree of tibiofemoral alignment deviation altered the first peak medial compartment contact force by 51N (r2=0.99), while each millimeter of medial-lateral translation of the compartment contact point locations altered the first peak medial compartment contact force by 41N (r2=0.99). The model, available at www.simtk.org/home/med-lat-knee/, enables the specification of subject-specific joint alignment and compartment contact locations to more accurately estimate medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces in individuals with non-neutral alignment. PMID:25595425

The Frictional Force with Respect to the Actual Contact Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holm, Ragnar

1944-01-01

Hardy's statement that the frictional force is largely adhesion, and to a lesser extent, deformation energy is proved by a simple experiment. The actual contact surface of sliding contacts and hence the friction per unit of contact surface was determined in several cases. It was found for contacts in normal atmosphere to be about one-third t-one-half as high as the macroscopic tearing strength of the softest contact link, while contacts annealed in vacuum and then tested, disclosed frictional forces which are greater than the macroscopic strength.

Roughness-dependent friction force of the tarsal claw system in the beetle Pachnoda marginata (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae).

PubMed

Dai, Zhendong; Gorb, Stanislav N; Schwarz, Uli

2002-08-01

This paper studies slide-resisting forces generated by claws in the free-walking beetle Pachnoda marginata (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) with emphasis on the relationship between the dimension of the claw tip and the substrate texture. To evaluate the force range by which the claw can interact with a substrate, forces generated by the freely moving legs were measured using a load cell force transducer. To obtain information about material properties of the claw, its mechanical strength was tested in a fracture experiment, and the internal structure of the fractured claw material was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The bending stress of the claw was evaluated as 143.4-684.2 MPa, depending on the cross-section model selected. Data from these different approaches led us to propose a model explaining the saturation of friction force with increased texture roughness. The forces are determined by the relative size of the surface roughness R(a) (or an average particle diameter) and the diameter of the claw tip. When surface roughness is much bigger than the claw tip diameter, the beetle can grasp surface irregularities and generate a high degree of attachment due to mechanical interlocking with substrate texture. When R(a) is lower than or comparable to the claw tip diameter, the frictional properties of the contact between claw and substrate particles play a key role in the generation of the friction force.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and cartilage contact forces--A 3D computational simulation.

PubMed

Wang, Lianxin; Lin, Lin; Feng, Yong; Fernandes, Tiago Lazzaretti; Asnis, Peter; Hosseini, Ali; Li, Guoan

2015-12-01

Clinical outcome studies showed a high incidence of knee osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Abnormal joint kinematics and loading conditions were assumed as risking factors. However, little is known on cartilage contact forces after the surgery. A validated computational model was used to simulate anatomic and transtibial single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Two graft fixation angles (0° and 30°) were simulated for each reconstruction. Biomechanics of the knee was investigated in intact, anterior cruciate ligament deficient and reconstructed conditions when the knee was subjected to 134 N anterior load and 400 N quadriceps load at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° of flexion. The tibial translation and rotation, graft forces, medial and lateral contact forces were calculated. When the graft was fixed at 0°, the anatomic reconstruction resulted in slightly larger lateral contact force at 0° compared to the intact knee while the transtibial technique led to higher contact force at both 0° and 30° under the muscle load. When graft was fixed at 30°, the anatomic reconstruction overstrained the knee at 0° with larger contact forces, while the transtibial technique resulted in slightly larger contact forces at 30°. This study suggests that neither the anatomic nor the transtibial reconstruction can consistently restore normal knee biomechanics at different flexion angles. The anatomic reconstruction may better restore anteroposterior stability and contact force with the graft fixed at 0°. The transtibial technique may better restore knee anteroposterior stability and articular contact force with the graft fixed at 30° of flexion. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of anti-adhesion surfaces on aluminium substrates of rubber plastic moulds using electrolysis plasma treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Jianbing; Dong, Xiaojuan; Wei, Xiuting; Yin, Zhanmin

2015-04-01

An anti-adhesion surface with a water contact angle of 167° was fabricated on aluminium samples of rubber plastic moulds by electrolysis plasma treatment using mixed electrolytes of C6H5O7(NH4)3 and Na2SO4, followed by fluorination. To optimise the fabrication conditions, several important processing parameters such as the discharge voltage, discharge time, concentrations of supporting electrolyte and stearic acid ethanol solution were examined systematically. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyse surfaces morphology, micrometer scale pits, and protrusions were found on the surface, with numerous nanometer mastoids contained in the protrusions. These binary micro/nano-scale structures, which are similar to the micro-structures of soil-burrowing animals, play a critical role in achieving low adhesion properties. Otherwise, the anti-adhesion behaviours of the resulting samples were analysed by the atomic force microscope (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), electrons probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), optical contact angle meter, digital Vickers microhardness (Hv) tester, and electronic universal testing. The results show that the electrolysis plasma treatment does not require complex processing parameters, using a simple device, and is an environment-friendly and effective method. Under the optimised conditions, the contact angle (CA) for the modified anti-adhesion surface is up to 167°, the sliding angle (SA) is less than 2°, roughness of the sample surface is only 0.409μm. Moreover, the adhesion force and Hv are 0. 9KN and 385, respectively.

TOPICAL REVIEW: Aspects of scanning force microscope probes and their effects on dimensional measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yacoot, Andrew; Koenders, Ludger

2008-05-01

The review will describe the various scanning probe microscopy tips and cantilevers used today for scanning force microscopy and magnetic force microscopy. Work undertaken to quantify the properties of cantilevers and tips, e.g. shape and radius, is reviewed together with an overview of the various tip-sample interactions that affect dimensional measurements.

Single-molecule force spectroscopy: optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy

PubMed Central

Neuman, Keir C.; Nagy, Attila

2012-01-01

Single-molecule force spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool to investigate the forces and motions associated with biological molecules and enzymatic activity. The most common force spectroscopy techniques are optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy. These techniques are described and illustrated with examples highlighting current capabilities and limitations. PMID:18511917

Observation of DNA Molecules Using Fluorescence Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ito, Takashi

2008-01-01

This article describes experiments for an undergraduate instrumental analysis laboratory that aim to observe individual double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecules using fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). dsDNA molecules are observed under several different conditions to discuss their chemical and physical properties. In…

Microscopic Approach to the Nonlinear Elasticity of Compressed Emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jorjadze, Ivane; Pontani, Lea-Laetitia; Brujic, Jasna

2013-01-01

Using confocal microscopy, we measure the packing geometry and interdroplet forces as a function of the osmotic pressure in a 3D emulsion system. We assume a harmonic interaction potential over a wide range of volume fractions and attribute the observed nonlinear elastic response of the pressure with density to the first corrections to the scaling laws of the microstructure away from the critical point. The bulk modulus depends on the excess contacts created under compression, which leads to the correction exponent α=1.5. Microscopically, the nonlinearities manifest themselves as a narrowing of the distribution of the pressure per particle as a function of the global pressure.

Seeing and believing: recent advances in imaging cell-cell interactions

PubMed Central

Yap, Alpha S.; Michael, Magdalene; Parton, Robert G.

2015-01-01

Advances in cell and developmental biology have often been closely linked to advances in our ability to visualize structure and function at many length and time scales. In this review, we discuss how new imaging technologies and new reagents have provided novel insights into the biology of cadherin-based cell-cell junctions. We focus on three developments: the application of super-resolution optical technologies to characterize the nanoscale organization of cadherins at cell-cell contacts, new approaches to interrogate the mechanical forces that act upon junctions, and advances in electron microscopy which have the potential to transform our understanding of cell-cell junctions. PMID:26543555

Seeing and believing: recent advances in imaging cell-cell interactions.

PubMed

Yap, Alpha S; Michael, Magdalene; Parton, Robert G

2015-01-01

Advances in cell and developmental biology have often been closely linked to advances in our ability to visualize structure and function at many length and time scales. In this review, we discuss how new imaging technologies and new reagents have provided novel insights into the biology of cadherin-based cell-cell junctions. We focus on three developments: the application of super-resolution optical technologies to characterize the nanoscale organization of cadherins at cell-cell contacts, new approaches to interrogate the mechanical forces that act upon junctions, and advances in electron microscopy which have the potential to transform our understanding of cell-cell junctions.