Local elasticity was measured on polymers by modifying atomic force mi
croscopy (AFM) in which the sample height was modulated and the respon
se of the cantilever was detected. Tn a case of polystyrene (PS) on mi
ca, there existed many circular holes in the film that were stiffer th
an the rest parts. The holes were identified as the substrate mica sur
face and the rest as PS films. In the case of a polyethyleneoxide surf
ace on mica, a crystalline nature was observed. In addition, the surfa
ce was modified by scanning an AFM tip at large forces of 20 nN. The s
canned area exhibited an increase in elasticity as well as formation o
f a striped structure.