Multi-functional SNOM/AFM probe with accurately controlled low spring constant

A low spring constant optical fiber probe was materialized by etching an optical fiber to decrease the diameter and to sharpen the tip-end with HF solution and irradiating a CO2 laser beam to bend the tip. The spring constant of the probe could be accurately controlled and is typically 100 times smaller in a 40 μm diameter probe than that in a conventional optical fiber probe of 125 μm diameter. The probe showed good performance in both dynamic and contact mode AFM in air and liquid. The probe successfully imaged a friction image of Langmuir Blogett films and showed a sensitivity to an electrostatic force as a multi-functional SNOM/AFM probe.