Atomic resolution on LiF (001) by atomic force microscopy

Abstract
The first atomically resolved atomic force microscopy images of the LiF (001) surface are presented. A square lattice with a spacing of 2.8±0.1 Å is resolved, which can be attributed to the F ions. Li+ is not resolved due to its small size. The origin of the image contrast is discussed briefly and the results are compared with those from helium scattering.