Development of atomic force microscopy for investigating in liquid metal

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K13362
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Thin film/Surface and interfacial physical properties
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Ichii Takashi 京都大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 准教授 (30447908)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): UTSUNOMIYA Toru 京都大学, 大学院工学研究科, 助教 (70734979)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): SUGIMURA Hiroyuki 京都大学, 大学院工学研究科, 教授 (10293656)
• Research Collaborator: TAGAI Nobumasa 京都大学, 大学院工学研究科, 修士課程学生(在学中) ; UCHIDA Tatsunori 京都大学, 大学院工学研究科, 修士課程学生
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 液体金属 / 固-液界面 / 原子間力顕微鏡 / 走査プローブ顕微鏡

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Structural analysis on interfaces between liquid metal (or molten metal) and solid materials is of practically importance for jointing different materials and developing composite materials. While atomic force microscopy (AFM) is known as a powerful technique for investigating liquid/solid interfaces, most of the AFMs use cantilevers as their force sensors, which requires optical detection system and they cannot applied for non-transparent liquid including liquid metal. In this study, we newly developed AFM for investigating in liquid metal. A quartz tuning fork sensor with a sharpened metal tip, where its deflection is electrically detected, was used as its force sensor. In addition, we modified the tip surface by a organic monolayer and a silicone-rubber holder for fixing the liquid metal droplet was developed. The surface of solid substrates were successfully imaged in liquid metal on the nanometer scale.

Free Research Field

表界面科学