Geometrical dependence of mechanical properties of Au nanocontacts measured by FM-AFM/TEM with a frequency-modulation force sensing system

Abstract

We have evaluated mechanical properties of nanostructures by combining elasticity (equivalent spring constant) measurement with frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) and geometric measurement with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From the experiments, we found that there is a correlation between the structure of gold nano-contacts, the equivalent spring constants, and the electrical conductance. Equivalent Young's modulus could be determined from the equivalent spring constant that changes as the gold nano-contacts become thinner. I will discuss the dependence of crystal orientation and dimensions on equivalent Young's modulus.