MODIFICATION OF THIN GOLD-FILMS WITH A SCANNING FORCE MICROSCOPE

Thin gold films grown on mica were investigated with the scanning forc e microscope. By rising the set-point force of the microscope working in the constant-force mode holes and grooves were created in the films . Two basic mechanisms of thin film modification were observed: cuttin g of gold grains, and displacement of grains on the mica substrate as a whole. Small grains were moved on the mica substrate with forces of only a few nN. Bigger grains could be crushed or cut by the tip when f orces in the range of mu N were applied. Using this technique lines co uld be written in the films.