Cypher SPM
User Guide
The DC power of the blue light at the cantilever is fixed. Meanwhile, the drive amplitude, which is
the AC power modulation of the blue light at the drive frequency, can be adjusted continuously on
the Tune panel as with a conventional piezo drive. It is the AC power, not the DC power, which
determines the oscillation amplitude of the cantilever.
16.7 blueDrive software interface
blueDrive requires version 13 or above of the AFM software XXX. The latest version can be down-
loaded here:
https://support.asylumresearch.com/forum/content.php?4-Software
XXX
16.7.1 Turning on blueDrive
1.
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blueDrive can be turned on by selecting the “blueDrive” option on the Tune Panel, as an altern-
ative to the conventional “piezo drive” - see above.
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In blueDrive mode, the drive amplitude changes from units of “V” to units of “mW” to remind
the user that the cantilever is driven by blue light power.
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Also note that there are new View Module controls that appear in the Video Window when
blueDrive is selected. These will be used in the following section.
Tip: Reducing sample exposure to blue light
When blueDrive is turned on, the blue light spot may be directed at the sample inadvertently. If
sample exposure to blue light is potentially problematic, it is advisable to retract the cantilever
from the sample as far as possible before turning blueDrive on. Then, the cantilever should be
approached towards the surface only once the blue spot is positioned at the base of the lever in
order to avoid unnecessary exposure of the sample.
16 blueDrive photothermal excitation
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