© ICSPI Corp. 2007-2021
nGauge AFM User Manual 2.0
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user. The data should be calibrated using calibration gratings. For more information, refer to
Section 6.2 Calibration.
5.6.3.2.
Phase scan
The phase scan displays the phase shift between the drive frequency and oscillation frequency.
This phase shift changes based on the mechanical interaction between the tip and the sample:
for example, viscoelastic effects. The phase image can show differences in mechanical
properties between components in the scan.
5.6.3.3.
Error scan
The error scan shows the difference between the setpoint (V) and the amplitude (V). The
smaller the error, the better the tip is tracking the topography. Therefore, the error scan should
be as flat (as close to 0 V) as possible.
5.6.4.
Scan Area
The scan area is where the scan will be displayed. The top of the scan area shows the size of
the scan in micrometers or nanometers.
The legend to the right of the scan area changes units depending on the type of scan selected.
The scan is a false color scan, where the highest values are displayed in light gold and the
lowest values are displayed in dark brown.
5.6.5.
Line Profile
The line profile shows the data of the last line that was scanned in the forward and reverse
directions. The line profile will show data that matches the type of image being displayed
(Topography, Phase or Error).
To ensure that the topography of your sample is being tracked properly (for best image quality),
the forward and reverse lines should overlap. Refer to Section 5.8.3 Proportional and Integral
Control for more information.
The colors displayed in the Line Profile change and the change in color does not represent
anything.
