© ICSPI Corp. 2007-2021
nGauge AFM User Manual 2.0
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7.3.7.
Disengage Routine Not Functioning
If clicking on
Disengage
does not start the disengage routine, click on the Advanced Menu
button on the top right and click and hold on
Retract
. This will slowly move the sample platform
downwards, moving the sample away from the tip.
The Amplitude graph will show a gradual increase as the sample is moved away from the tip.
After about twenty seconds, you can safely increase the Motor Speed by dragging the indicator
to the right.
7.4.
Scan Troubleshooting
7.4.1.
Drift
If there are large line-to-line variations in height, the sample may not be secure. For instance, if
imaging a lightweight sample (e.g., piece of paper), air drafts may cause significant drifts.
Fasten the sample down with a heavy object or affix it to a substrate (glass slide, AFM sample
disc, etc.).
7.4.2.
Noise in images
7.4.2.1.
Noisy Scan (Periodic Noise)
If the image results are excessively noisy, this may be caused by nearby vibrations or air drafts.
The nGauge is generally resistant to normal building vibrations, but nearby sources of
mechanical or electrical noise can affect image quality.
