Real-time atomic-resolution imaging of crystal growth process in water by phase modulation atomic force microscopy at one frame per second

Journal Article · Mon Nov 11 00:00:00 EST 2013 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4830048· OSTI ID:22254097

Miyata, Kazuki ^[1]; Asakawa, Hitoshi ^[2]; Fukuma, Takeshi ^[1]

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1. Division of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192 (Japan)
2. Bio-AFM Frontier Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192 (Japan)

Recent advancement in dynamic-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) has enabled its operation in liquid with atomic-scale resolution. However, its imaging speed has often been too slow to visualize atomic-scale dynamic processes. Here, we propose a method for making a significant improvement in the operation speed of dynamic-mode AFM. In this method, we use a wideband and low-latency phase detector with an improved algorithm for the signal complexification. We demonstrate atomic-scale imaging of a calcite crystal growth process in water at one frame per second. The significant improvement in the imaging speed should enable various studies on unexplored atomic-scale interfacial processes.

• OSTI ID: 22254097
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 103, Issue 20; Other Information: (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY
CALCITE
CRYSTAL GROWTH
MODULATION