Friction Force Microscopy

Friction force microscopy is a key experimental method in nanotribology. The tip of an atomic force microscope is moved in contact over a surfaces and friction forces are detected as deflection of a micro-mechanical force sensor. While the method appears simple, special care must be taken to calibrate the force sensor and to understand the challenges in bridging the gap between molecular forces and macroscopic experiment. We discuss experimental procedures such as measurements of friction as function of load or of temperature, and on inhomogeneous materials. The chapter ends with an overview of dynamic measurements of friction, where the tip is oscillated laterally in contact or above the surface to probe dissipative interactions with the highest sensitivity.