Torsional harmonic cantilevers allow measurement of time varying tip-sample forces in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy. Accuracy of these force measurements is important for quantitative nanomechanical measurements. Here we demonstrate a method to convert the torsional deflection signals into a calibrated force waveform with the use of non-linear dynamical response of the tapping cantilever. Specifically the transitions between steady oscillation regimes are used to calibrate the torsional deflection signals.
@article{arxiv.0709.0533,
title = {Harnessing bifurcations in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy to calibrate time-varying tip-sample force measurements},
author = {Ozgur Sahin},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0709.0533},
year = {2008}
}