Nanometer resolution of liquid surface topography by scanning force microscopy

In this paper, we present a model for the imaging process in tapping mode s canning force microscopy on liquid surfaces. The distortions induced by the imaging process can be calculated from measurements of the tip's oscillati on characteristics. Furthermore, the momentum transfer and the average forc e acting on the liquid during imaging can be calculated from the measured q uantities as well. Both the achieved lateral resolutions and the measured s hifts of the tip's resonance frequency agree with the model. Any liquid-tip combination can be modelled and the feasibility of high-resolution imaging (lateral resolution < 10 nm) can be predicted. The predictions are confirm ed by results reported so far in this field.