Structure and dynamics of solid surfaces observed by atomic force microscopy

Within a short time, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has developed into a useful tool in surface science. The ability to image insulating surfaces is demonstrated on epitaxially grown AgBr(100) films and on Langmuir-Blodgett films of Cd-arachidate. In addition to the imaging of sur-faces the technique is extended to study dynamic processes. By increasing the force, the onset of plastic deformation is observed. Small nanometer-sized indentations are created. In the case of AgBr these structures are refilled by surface diffusion on a time scale observable by AFM. The results are discussed in relation to other surface-sensitive techniques and compared to theoretical calculations. Another dynamic process which is monitored during the AFM measurements is friction. First results with a bidirectional force sensor are presented, allowing simultaneous acquisition of normal and lateral forces.