nGauge AFM User Manual
11
4.2 Preparation and Approach
Once the AFM has been set up and the software installed, you are ready to start imaging.
Launch the software, wait for the message "AFM ready", and click the
Enter
button. Place your sample
on the sample platform, making sure you don't touch the tip. If the sample will not fit under the tip,
lower the sample platform by clicking on the
Approach
tab, then clicking and holding down the
Retract
button until the platform is low enough. Position the sample so that the area to be scanned is directly
under the tip. Ensure the sample is stable on the sample platform, and that it won’t tilt, roll, flutter,
drift, or otherwise move while imaging.
Navigate to the Sweep tab and click the
Sweep
button to perform a frequency sweep of the
cantilever. This may take a few seconds. The Amplitude graph should display a smooth curve like the
one below, with a maximum value greater than 1. If not, click on
Show Advanced Controls
and adjust
the Cantilever Drive Amplitude. Continue Sweeping and adjusting the amplitude until the peak is around
3V. Click the
Approach
tab to proceed.
