Velocity dependence of atomic friction
Sliding friction between the tip of a friction force microscope and NaCl(100) was studied to deduce the velocity dependence of friction forces on the atomic scale. A logarithmic dependence of the mean friction force is revealed at low velocities. The experimental data are interpreted in terms of a modified Tomlinson model which is based on reaction rate theory.
Gnecco
E
Institute of Physics, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 82, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Bennewitz
R
Gyalog
T
Loppacher
C
Bammerlin
M
Meyer
E
Guntherodt
H