Nanoindentation of a supported Au cluster

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Abstract
An atomic force microscope has been used in the attractive (noncontact) force mode to image individual nanometer‐size Au clusters preformed in the gas phase and deposited on a variety of atomically flat substrates. Using this technique, it is possible to reliably image preformed clusters in their as‐deposited positions. This capability allows nanoindentation studies to measure the mechanical properties of individual nanometer‐size clusters supported on atomically flat substrates. We find that the elastic modulus of a 3.1‐nm Au cluster is 56−19+33 GPa. This should be compared to a bulk value of 80 GPa for polycrystalline Au and 120 GPa for crystalline Au in the [111] direction.