Cleaning AFM colloidal probes by mechanically scrubbing with supersharp "brushes"

Abstract

Contamination control of atomic force microscope (AFM) tips (including standard but supersharp imaging tips and particle/colloidal probes) is very important for reliable AFM imaging and surface/interface force measurements. Traditional cleaning methods such as plasma, UV-ozone and solvent treatments have their shortcomings. Here, we demonstrate that calibration gratings with supersharp spikes can be employed to scrub away contaminants accumulated on a colloidal sphere probe by scanning the probe against the spikes at high load at constant-force mode. The present method is superior to traditional cleaning methods in several aspects. First, accumulated lump-like organic/inorganic material can ..