Force-distance curves on lubricant films: An approach to the characterization of the shape of the AFM tip

By comparing curves acquired at different rates the dynamics of tip-wetting can be investigated. Furthermore, rescaled force-distance curves have been matched with the perimeter of cross sections of the tip, i.e. with the perimeter of the three-phase contact line. Such measurements pave the way for a non-destructive investigation of the tip shape.