phase atomic force micrograph electrostatic force microscopy image EFM image An image obtained by using a conducting sharp spike (known as a 'tip') mounted on the end of a cantilever to scan the surface of the specimen, line by line, and recording the drop in amplitude of the oscillating cantilever caused by the electrostatic force it experiences while the tip is biased with a voltage of a few volts, as a function of position. EFM phase image 2009-12-11T02:55:31Z https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5985-7429 CHMO:0002641 EFM images EFM phase images