  Small-amplitude dynamic atomic force microscopy (dynamic-AFM) in a simple
nonpolar liquid was studied through molecular dynamics simulations. We find
that within linear dynamics regime, the contact stiffness and damping of the
confined film exhibit the similar solvation force oscillations, and they are
generally out-of-phase. For the solidified film with integer monolayer
thickness, further compression of the film before layering transition leads to
higher stiffness and lower damping. We find that molecular diffusion in the
solidified film was nevertheless enhanced due to the mechanical excitation of
AFM tip.

Materials Science;Soft Condensed Matter