7. Glossary

Dangling bond

Electronic cloud of an atom that is not bonded to another atom.

Density functional theory (DFT)

Quantum mechanical simulation method that can be used to calculate a wide variety of properties of almost any type of atomic system.

Focused ion beam (FIB)

Placed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), it enables us to image and modify a sample by removing, depositing and manipulating material at a precise point in a controlled manner. It is a destructive technique, and its field of application is more microfabrication than characterization.

Shear force

Force existing between an object oscillating parallel to the surface of a sample. This force dampens the amplitude of oscillation,...