Nanosurf easyScan 2 AFM, Operating Instructions Manual

Page: 81 / 164

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ANOSURF SUPPORT
81
Image quality suddenly deteriorates
Tip picks up material
When a scan line suddenly starts reproducing badly, the tip may have
picked up some particles:
- Continue measuring for a while (1-2 images), the tip may eventually lose
these particles again.
- Retract the cantilever by clicking then perform a new approach.
- Try to induce changes in the tip’s end: While measuring increase the force
‘SetPoint’, or decrease the amplitude ‘SetPoint’ in the Feedback panel.
Restore the set point to its old value when the contrast improves, or if
nothing happens after scanning several lines.
- Change the cantilever if no improvement occurs after following these
procedures.
Set point drift
When part of the scan line in the Line graph is drawn red, the tip has moved
to its maximum or minimum Z-position. This should also be visible in the
range display on the right hand side of the graph. The tip will move to its
maximum Z-position when it has lost contact with the sample:
- In the Static Force based modes, increase the force Set point, in the
Dynamic Force based modes, reduce the amplitude Set point.
If this does not help:
- Click in the Approach panel.
Nanosurf support
Self help
The fastest way to solve a problem is often to solve it yourself. If the previ-
ously suggested actions did not help, or the problem is not described here,
refer to the Nanosurf support pages: