摘要 |
A dual- and triple- mode cantilever suitable for simultaneously measuring both normal (adhesion) and lateral (friction) forces independently in three orthogonal directions. The cantilever design allows the measurements to be performed at high sensitivity. The cantilever is useful in Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPM's) and other force-measuring devices, such as the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), the Friction Force Microscope (FFM), and in probe attachments for the Surface Forces Apparatus (SFA) where both normal and lateral forces acting on a tip need to be accurately and unambiguously measured. The cantilever structure may be used for both resistive and optical detection of tip deflections. The cantilever system consists of two cantilever spring sections 10 mounted in series with a probe tip 13 symmetrically situated at the centre of the sections. At least 4 resistance strain gauges 14 may be placed on the cantilever spring sections. |