Imaging of droplets of aqueous solutions by tapping-mode scanning force microscopy

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • S. Herminghaus - , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Author)
  • A. Fery - , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Author)
  • D. Reim - , University of Konstanz (Author)

Abstract

Droplets of aqueous solutions of CaCl2 and P2O5 have been imaged with a scanning force microscope operated in tapping mode. We found two distinctly different modes of imaging, as revealed by both the obtained topography and the resonance curves of the cantilever under imaging conditions. One mode seems to comprise the formation of a liquid bridge between the tip and the sample and thus leads to distortions of the imaged droplets. The other mode seems to circumvent the formation of a bridge and yields droplet-profiles which are in perfect agreement with theoretical predictions. The phase lag between the cantilever motion and the piezo voltage was monitored simultaneously with the topography signal, providing a strong material contrast between the liquid and the substrate.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)211-217
Number of pages7
JournalUltramicroscopy
Volume69
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 1997
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • AFM, Cantilever resonance, Droplet, Liquids, Phase contrast, Soft materials, Tapping mode, Wetting