Combined dynamic adhesion and friction measurement with the scanning forcemicroscope

In this letter, we present a promising scanning probe microscopy mode, call ed combined dynamic X mode or short CODYMode (R). In CODYMode (R) scanning force microscopy, at least two modulations with sufficiently different freq uencies and amplitudes are superpositioned and interact with the sample sur face. This enables the concurrent measurement of the topography, adhesive a nd frictional forces, and further mechanical surface properties of the samp le. The general advantages of CODYMode (R) are discussed. This technique is predestined for investigation of delicate samples (polymers, biological sa mples, etc.) in which common scanning force microscope techniques are not a dequate. An ABC-triblock copolymer system served as sample system. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)00349-1].