The probe dynamics under shear force in near-field scanning optical microscopy

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We present here the results of theoretical as well as experimental studies of shear force interactions in near-field scanning optical microscopy. A continuum mechanical model that considers the realistic tapered fiber shape was used to calculate the shear force during the interactions. The frequency spectra at different probe/sample separations show that the shear force is a combination of elastic and frictional force. The relative strengths of these two forces depend on the tilt angle between the probe and the sample surface.