8 GENERAL
8.1 STORAGE
8.1.1 Instrument
When the instrument is not in use, put the provided glass bell-jar on the top of the SPM
base.
If the ambient humidity is very high, dehumidify the room or evacuate the instrument if
the optional evacuation system is installed.
Head units, scanners, cantilevers, specimen holders must be stored in a desiccator when
they are not in use.
When storing the instrument, avoid high humidity. Excess humidity
brings deterioration of insulation at the tunneling current detector and
scanner high-voltage circuits, causing insufficient instrument
performance or electric shock.
WARNING
8.1.2 Cantilever
CAUTION
Cantilevers must be stored in a desiccator when they are not in use. If
they are stored at high humidity, the cantilevers could bend, causing the
reflected laser beam not to reach the correct position. Especially, a
gold-coated Si
3
N
4
cantilever is prone to deteriorate with humidity.
8.1.3 Handling the Instrument
When handling the instrument, be sure to wear nylon gloves.
Grease from hands may cause deterioration of the vacuum especially
when you observe a specimen in the vacuum using an optional
evacuation system. At the worst, there is a risk of deterioration of
insulation at the tunneling current detector and scanner high-voltage
circuits, causing insufficient instrument performance or electric shock.
If any parts happen to have hand grease on them, softly wipe it off with
ethanol-soaked lint-free tissue or cloth.
WARNING
8.1.4 Maintenance
Parts
Vacuum-seal O rings are built into the instrument and they deteriorate with time. Replace
them every ten years.
TMPM5200-2
8-1
