Interpretation of Frictional-Force Microscopy Images Based on the Two-Dimensional Stick-Slip Motion of the Tip Atom

Abstract
Frictional-force microscopy (FFM) images of graphite are calculated by a numerical simulation using a static model. We find that a remarkable transition of the FFM image pattern occurs depending on the cantilever stiffness. This image transition is interpreted based on the two-dimensional stick-slip motion of the tip atom. It is clarified that the frictional force image pattern reflects two kinds of tip atom motion: 1) straight motion and 2) zigzag motion.