Mechanical Testing

Nanoindentation is a means of mechanically testing material properties using a hard tip (for example Diamond) whose mechanical properties are understood. The tip is pressed into the sample at a specific location and a plot of the load applied vs. the tip displacement is made.

From these parameters it is possible to deduce properties such as:

- Hardness (Load/indentation area)
- Modulus
- Stiffness (force / displacement)

These properties can be measured as a single point or an XY array or map. The set up also allows for additional measurements such as Nanoscelometry (scratch testing), lithography and even combination with Scanning Probe Microscopy or Raman via a special transparent indentation probe and optics.