Submolecular resolution viscoelastic imaging of a poly(p-toluene-sulfonate) single crystal using force modulation microscopy

Submolecular resolution viscoelastic imaging of a poly(2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diyl bis(p-toluene-sulfonate)) single crystal was achieved using force modulation microscopy under ambient conditions. The elastic image clearly visualized the structure of p-toluene-sulfonate side chains. The viscotic image visualized that the phase delay on the main chains was smallest, while it became largest on the toluene rings in the side chains. The result is considered to be closely related to the molecular dynamics of the crystal.