Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Nanoscale indentation experiments were performed on Au using the Interfacial Force Microscope (IFM) in an indentation mode. The indentation modulus and yield point were measured for three orientations of the Au surface: (111), (110), and (001). The indentation modulus for the (111) surface was found to be 36% greater than for the (001) surface and only 3% higher than the (110) surface. Additionally, the yield point was found to vary between orientations, but the shear stress resolved on {111} slip planes beneath the indenter on the axis of symmetry was found to be approximately 1.8 GPa for yield points of all three orientations.