Predictions and Observations of Multiple Slip Modes in Atomic-Scale Friction

Using the quasistatic Tomlinson model as a simple representation of an atomic force microscope, conditions for transitions in atomic-scale friction behavior from smooth sliding to single slips and then multiple slip regimes are derived based on energy minimization. The calculations predict and give a general explanation for transitions between different stick-slip regimes in the limit of low damping. The predictions are consistent with experimental observations of these transitions.