Tip–sample distance dependence of local work function in Kelvin probe force microscopy on Pb/Si(111) islands

IF 3 3区化学 Q3 CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Pub Date : 2026-10-14 DOI:10.1039/d6cp02307j

Daniel Rothhardt,Thomas Späth,Paul Philip Schmidt,Ralf Metzler,Regina Hoffmann-Vogel

引用次数: 0

Abstract

To gain a better understanding of the Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) method, it is important to obtain a quantitative understanding of the measured contact potential dierence (CPD) values as a function of tip-sample distance. This will allow a more complete quantitative understanding of the electronic properties and the forces acting on the tip. Here, we chose Pb islands on the Si(111) 7 × 7 surface, metallic islands on a semiconducting surface. Using a Scanning Force Microscope in frequency modulation mode we perform point bias-approach measurements at 120 K on Pb islands. We investigate how the CPD changes as a function of tip-sample distance and how the electrostatic force changes as a function of the applied bias between tip and sample. The measured distance dependence of the CPD not only allows to connect between the point-of-view of atomic resolution KPFM and of averaging effects of the body of the tip but also allows to investigate the shape of charged objects on the surface.

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Pb/Si（111）岛开尔文探针力显微镜局部功函数的端样距离依赖性

为了更好地理解开尔文探针力显微镜（KPFM）方法，重要的是定量理解测量的接触电位差（CPD）值作为尖端样品距离的函数。这将允许对电子性质和作用在尖端上的力有一个更完整的定量理解。在这里，我们在Si(111) 7 × 7表面上选择了Pb岛，在半导体表面上选择了金属岛。利用扫描力显微镜在调频模式下对Pb岛进行了120 K的点偏置测量。我们研究了CPD如何随针尖与样品之间的距离而变化，以及静电力如何随针尖与样品之间施加的偏压而变化。测量的CPD的距离依赖关系不仅可以连接原子分辨率KPFM的观点和尖端体的平均效应，而且可以研究表面上带电物体的形状。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 化学-物理：原子、分子和化学物理

CiteScore

5.50

自引率

9.10%

发文量

2675

审稿时长

2.0 months

期刊介绍： Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) is an international journal co-owned by 19 physical chemistry and physics societies from around the world. This journal publishes original, cutting-edge research in physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry. To be suitable for publication in PCCP, articles must include significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry; this is the most important criterion that reviewers and Editors will judge against when evaluating submissions. The journal has a broad scope and welcomes contributions spanning experiment, theory, computation and data science. Topical coverage includes spectroscopy, dynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, catalysis, surface science, quantum mechanics, quantum computing and machine learning. Interdisciplinary research areas such as polymers and soft matter, materials, nanoscience, energy, surfaces/interfaces, and biophysical chemistry are welcomed if they demonstrate significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry. Joined experimental/theoretical studies are particularly appreciated when complementary and based on up-to-date approaches.