The design, simulation, fabrication and testing of AFM probes for thermomechanical testing at the nanoscale

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The use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) probes to measure the mechanical properties of samples at the nanoscale is relatively well established. In recent years, this technique has been extended by employing Scanning Thermal Microscopy (SThM) probes that enable the simultaneous control of local sample temperature and mechanical loading. However, whilst offering great potential, this nano thermomechanical testing typically generates results with poor reproducibility and large uncertainties. This is due to the fact that current SThM probes are poorly suited to delivering well characterised thermal and mechanical performance.The aim of this PhD project is to design SThM probes specifically suited to nano thermomechanical measurements. In order to achieve this, the project will be broken down into stages. Firstly, the mechanical and thermal interaction between current SThM probes and samples will be studied through experimentation and theoretical analysis. The insights gained will then be used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current probe designs. This knowledge will permit a number of improved SThM probes to be designed and evaluated using engineering modelling techniques (e.g. Finite Element Analysis). Finally, the most promising designs will be fabricated and tested using the facilities available at Glasgow. Once fully characterised, these new probes can then be deployed to accurately characterise the thermomechanical properties of novel nanomaterials (e.g. graphene).This exciting project plays to the strengths of Glasgow University in the areas of Atomic Force Microscopy, Nanofabrication and nanoscale heat transfer. As such, it is anticipated that the results and IP generated will be ideally suited to publication in leading journals as well as possible commercial exploitation.