Local elasticity imaging of nano bundle structure of polycarbonate surface using atomic force microscopy

The elasticity of the periodic bundle structure formed by the interaction between the tip of an atomic force microscope and a polycarbonate surface was studied. The local elasticity of the bundle was observed using ultrasonic force microscopy, which combines the sensitivity to an elastic structure of acoustic microscopy with atomic force microscopy. The mean height of the bundle increases with increase in the number of scan-scratching cycles. The process of decreasing elasticity of a growing bundle of polycarbonate was observed clearly. Furthermore, the elasticity contrast inside the bundle structure was observed by adjusting the amplitude of ultrasonic vibration of sample height in ultrasonic force microscopy.