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Section 6 -
Care & Maintenance
6.1
System Care
Recommended system care procedures should be followed by any users of the system. For further
information on any of these procedures, contact an authorized service representative for assistance.
When handling the stage for cryogenic environments, take the necessary precautions when handling
the stage, such as wearing clean latex gloves, clean room clothing, etc. Avoid any contaminants.
Maximum cryogenic temperature is down to <4 Kelvin. Montana Instruments optionally supplies the
stage with cryogenic compatible connectors, see chart below.
6.1.1
Maintenance of Nanopositioner Stack
•
The Rook linear stage utilizes a maintenance free design. Do not modify the stage or perform any
maintenance unless specifically instructed to do so by Montana Instruments personnel. If the stage
is not performing up to the original specifications, please contact Montana Instruments.
•
The Rook linear stage is a precision mechanical device and should be handled with care. Do not
drop or mishandle the stage.
•
Follow the Installation Preparation requirements and use proper cable management to ensure a
clean and safe operating environment.
6.1.2
When Working in the Sample Chamber
•
Keep surfaces clean. Avoid touching any surfaces inside the sample space with your fingers as oils or
other foreign contaminants can easily be transferred to the surfaces, the sample, or optics.
Always
wear clean gloves.
•
Use proper grease and adhesives in the sample chamber. The accessory kit includes Apiezon® L-
grease, N-grease, and the adhesive GE Varnish (VGE).
•
Avoid using too much grease
–
a thin layer (just enough so the surface is shiny) is best for metal-to-
metal surfaces and O-rings. Too much grease can outgas and contaminate other surfaces in the
sample chamber
•
Do not apply N-grease anywhere above the positioner stack assembly e.g. flex link top plate or
above: N-grease tends to run when system is baked out and can contaminate the bearings, rails,
and encoders which will render the positioners non-operational at cryogenic temperatures.
•
Inspect, wipe, and grease O-rings. Make sure that the O-rings are clean with a thin layer of L-grease.
The exposed surface should be wiped with a dry Kimwipe or lens tissue and re-greased every 10-15
uses.
