Model-based Q Factor Control for Photothermally Excited Microcantilevers

Photothermal excitation of the cantilever for dynamic atomic force microscopy (AFM) modes is an attractive actuation method as it provides clean cantilever actuation leading to well-defined frequency responses. Unlike conventional piezo-acoustic excitation of the cantilever, it allows for model-based quality (Q) factor control in order to increase the cantilever tracking bandwidth for tapping-mode AFM or to reduce resonant ringing for high-speed photothermal off-resonance tapping (PORT) in ambient conditions. In this work, we present system identification, controller design and experimental results on controlling the Q factor of a photothermally driven cantilever. The work is expected to lay the groundwork for future implementations for high-speed PORT imaging in ambient conditions.