High resolution electromechanical imaging of ferroelectric materials in a liquid environment by piezoresponse force microscopy

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Jun 16;96(23):237602. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.237602. Epub 2006 Jun 16.

Abstract

High-resolution imaging of ferroelectric materials using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) is demonstrated in an aqueous environment. The elimination of both long-range electrostatic forces and capillary interactions results in a localization of the ac field to the tip-surface junction and allows the tip-surface contact area to be controlled. This approach results in spatial resolutions approaching the limit of the intrinsic domain-wall width. Imaging at frequencies corresponding to high-order cantilever resonances minimizes the viscous damping and added mass effects on cantilever dynamics and allows sensitivities comparable to ambient conditions. PFM in liquids will provide novel opportunities for high-resolution studies of ferroelectric materials, imaging of soft polymer materials, and imaging of biological systems in physiological environments on, ultimately, the molecular level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Iron / analysis*
  • Microscopy, Acoustic / methods*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Solutions
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Solutions
  • Iron