Nanotribology and nanomechanics

The recent emergence and proliferation of proximal probes, in particular scanning probe microscopies (the scanning tunneling microscope and the atomic force microscope), the surface force apparatus, and of computational techniques for simulating tip-surface interactions and interfacial properties, have led to the appearance of the new field of nanotribology, which pertains to experimental and theoretical investigations of interfacial processes on scales ranging from the atomic- and molecular- to the microscope, occurring during adhesion, friction, scratching, wear, indentation, and thin-film lubrication at sliding surfaces. Nanotribological studies are needed to develop fundamental understanding of interfacial phenomena on a small scale and to study interfacial phenomena in micro/nanostructures used in magnetic storage systems, micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), and other applications. Proximal probes have also been used for nanomechanics and materials characterization studies. In this paper, we present a review of significant aspects of nanotribology, nanomechanics, and materials characterization studies conducted using an atomic force microscope.