Nanorheology measurement on a single polymer chain

The mechanical properties of a single chain of a synthesized polystyrene were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). In the conventional force-distance curve measurement, the stress-strain behavior of a chain was obtained. We also measured the dynamic sinusoidal response, as in macroscopic rheological studies, repeatedly at several extension lengths before full stretching or rupturing, by a nanorheology AFM that we constructed. It enabled us to design any required movements on a z-piezoelectric scanner, especially sinusoidal movements. The rheological properties of a single polymer chain were discussed from the frequency-dependent measurement. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.