Detailed analysis of forces influencing lateral resolution for Q-control and tapping mode

Abstract

The recently introduced active quality factor control for dynamic force microscopy (Q-control) in liquids promises higher sensitivity, and thus, smaller interaction forces compared to normal tapping (intermittent contact) mode. By a careful analysis of force distance curves, we show that the lateral resolution obtained on fragile biological membranes is actually comparable for both modes if scan parameters are optimized accordingly. In addition, Q-control is limited to small scan rates only.