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Apparatus for imaging liquid and dielectric materials with scanning polarization force microscopy

Patent ·
OSTI ID:644427
The invention images dielectric polarization forces on surfaces induced by a charged scanning force microscope (SFM) probe tip. On insulators, the major contribution to the surface polarizability at low frequencies is from surface ions. The mobility of these ions depends strongly on the humidity. Using the inventive SFM, liquid films, droplets, and other weakly adsorbed materials have been imaged. 9 figs.
Research Organization:
University of California
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
Assignee:
Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,744,704/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-476,441
OSTI ID:
644427
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English