Reduction of Friction Force by Light

概要

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The reduction of the friction force between a silicon nitride cantilever coated with pyrene molecules and a sapphire substrate in water was observed upon light irradiation. The friction force was analyzed by lateral force microscopy in water. The wavelength of the irradiated light was changed using an optical monochromator combined with a Xe lamp. The pyrene molecules on the surface of the cantilever absorbed the light and were photoexcited. As a result of the photoexcitation, the interaction between the pyrene molecules and sapphire in water was changed, thereby changing the friction force. This observation may open a new area of research in the field of tribology.
2013-04-25