Figure 5
From: Large Electric Field–Enhanced–Hardness Effect in a SiO2 Film
Representation of possible pleating effect while sliding the tip over the sample surface at different tip bias.
Schematic showing the proposed pleating effect probably caused by the tip deforming the sample while sliding over it. This out–of–plane deformation might increase the contact area and friction between tip and sample surface. (a) In a relatively soft sample (in this case representing the system at 0 tip bias). (b) In a relatively hard sample, where the pleating effect is considerable reduced (in this case representing the system under the influence of an external electric field).
