Journal article

Authors list: Ebeling, D; Zhong, QG; Ahles, S; Chi, L; Wegner, HA; Schirmeisen, A

Publication year: 2017

Pages: 183102-

Journal: Applied Physics Letters

Volume number: 110

Issue number: 18

ISSN: 0003-6951

eISSN: 1077-3118

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4982801

Publisher: American Institute of Physics

Abstract: 
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.

Harvard Citation style: Ebeling, D., Zhong, Q., Ahles, S., Chi, L., Wegner, H. and Schirmeisen, A. (2017) Chemical bond imaging using higher eigenmodes of tuning fork sensors in atomic force microscopy, Applied Physics Letters, 110(18), p. 183102. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4982801

APA Citation style: Ebeling, D., Zhong, Q., Ahles, S., Chi, L., Wegner, H., & Schirmeisen, A. (2017). Chemical bond imaging using higher eigenmodes of tuning fork sensors in atomic force microscopy. Applied Physics Letters. 110(18), 183102. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4982801