Size effect on Young's modulus of thin chromium cantilevers

Thin chromium cantilevers with sub-100 nm thickness have been characterized by an atomic force microscope operating in contact mode. A continuous determination of the local mechanical properties at all lengths was accomplished by applying force along the length of the cantilevers. The result show a decrease of the Young's modulus as the cantilevers get thinner. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.