Dynamical studies of the single point contact electrification of inorganic and polymer substrates

Cunningham, S. (1997) Dynamical studies of the single point contact electrification of inorganic and polymer substrates. Journal of Electrostatics, 40-41, pp. 225-230. (doi: 10.1016/S0304-3886(97)00041-7)

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Abstract

The tip of a scanning probe microscope can be used to make isolated single point contacts on insulating surfaces and to study the dynamics of microscopic patches of enhanced surface potential when the contacts are broken. Comparative studies of dissimilar materials (silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, sapphire and polymethylmethacrylate) reveal common features which include the possibility of inducing positive or negative electrification signals by reversing the bias voltage applied to the tip. However there are clear differences between materials in signal magnitude and decay characteristics. None of the materials exhibit simple exponential decays in surface potential, and the decay mechanisms for silicon dioxide and sapphire are clearly shown to be vohage-dependent.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cunningham, Dr Samia
Authors: Cunningham, S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
Journal Name:Journal of Electrostatics
Publisher:Elsevier BV
ISSN:0304-3886
ISSN (Online):1873-5738

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