title: Atomic-scale distribution of water molecules at the mica-water interface visualized by three-dimensional scanning force microscopy.
abstract: We have developed a method referred to as three-dimensional scanning force microscopy (3D-SFM) which enables us to visualize water distribution at a solid-liquid interface with an atomic-scale resolution in less than 1 min. The 3D-SFM image obtained at a mica-water interface visualizes 3D distributions of adsorbed water molecules above the center of hexagonal cavities and the laterally distributed hydration layer. The atomically resolved 3D-SFM image showing mirror symmetry suggests the existence of surface relaxation of the cleaved mica surface next to the aqueous environment.
authors.affiliation: Frontier Science Organization, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan. fukuma@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fukuma
authors.forename: Yasumasa
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ueda
authors.forename: Shunsuke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yoshioka
authors.forename: Hitoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Asakawa