Orientational ordering of polymers by atomic force microscope tip-surface interaction.

Results of studies on the interaction between the tip of an atomic force microscope and polystyrene molecules in a film spread on a surface are reported. The tip produces a persistent deformation on the film; some of the polymer molecules are eventually pulled up by the tip. Nanometer-size structures are induced, resulting in a pattern that is periodic and is oriented perpendicular to the scan direction.