Bias controlled capacitive driven cantilever oscillation for high resolution dynamic force microscopy

Well controlled cantilever oscillations are essential for precise measurements in dynamic force microscopy and spectroscopy, especially in demanding conditions such as under solution or at high frequencies. Here, we show that, with a capacitive driving system, an externally introduced DC-bias significantly increases the driving efficiency in solution and in air, as well as at high resonant frequencies, in agreement with theoretical predictions. This DC-voltage dependence not only improves the robustness of the method but also offers the possibility for precise amplitude control. The simplicity of this design further reinforces its potential for widespread implementation in dynamic force microscopy.