title: Fast image scanning method in liquid-AFM without image distortion.
abstract: High speed imaging by atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows one to directly observe the dynamic behavior of a sample surface immersed in liquid media; thus, it has been considered to be an indispensable tool for nanobiotechnology and is used in many research fields, including molecular biology and surface science. For real-time observation of a certain behavior, the high speed imaging technique should be accompanied with a high resolution imaging technique to identify target materials. To improve the image quality at a high scanning rate, we developed a variable-controlled fast scanning method, which originated from the modified squeeze-drag superposition model in liquid media. A collection of non-distorted images was accomplished after proper modification of the operating conditions in a viscous fluid, via the simple handling of loading force and cantilever length. Consequently, a speeded-up AFM imaging process was achieved in the liquid environment at up to 200 µm s(-1), without attachment of additional devices. The reliability of the proposed method was verified by the characterization of a grating sample immersed in three types of liquid media. In addition, the results were visualized for elastic biomolecules submerged in a liquid with high kinematic viscosity.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea.
authors.forename: Inhee
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Younghun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jong Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Young In
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Jeongjin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Suseung
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Surin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Jongheop
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yi