Figure 2: AFM force spectroscopy and designed experimental configurations.

(a) Schematic illustration of measurement principles of the AFM force spectroscopy for the Os–terpy complex. The cantilever deflection is determined by the position of a reflected laser beam and translated into an interaction force transmitted via the samples. The ligand-functionalized tip approaches the sample and is brought to interact with the sample. (b) Schematic illustrations of four types of experimental configurations for measurements of force spectra: (I) absence of Os ions, (II) Os ions pre-bound to the Au(111) substrate, (III) Os ions pre-loaded on the AFM tip and (IV) Os ions pre-loaded on both the substrate and AFM tip.