We see that the voltage drop now occurs along the entire wire. Specific material can also be placed between electron beam structures to create useful nanodevices . Liquids are a rich and relatively unexplored environment in which SPM studies can be undertaken. It has proved extremely difficult to achieve true atomic resolution using AFM in liquid environments. To attack this problem a new AFM has been constructed for use in liquids.
Molecular layers can act as lubricants.
Mapping the spatial distribution of such forces may give greater understanding of the structure of biomolecules. In a related, practical application, fundamental studies of the molecular nature of boundary layer lubrication and rheology can be done. When the AFM tip penetrates the last layer of liquid molecules and contacts the underlying surface a large increase in friction occurs. The thickness of thin films encountered in many technologies, such as hard disc drives, is sufficiently thin that characterization of the media is required at the nanometre scale. A technical problem therefore is to measure mechanical properties such as hardness, elasticity, and friction of such thin films.