Cypher SPM
User Guide
27.2.1 Install the sample on the scanner and connect the bias lead
1. Place the sample on the scanner stage and connect the bias lead.
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Position the sample so that the magnet is on the
right hand side of the scanner to prevent inter-
ference with the cantilever holder.
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Attach one end of the bias wire to the magnetic con-
tact on the scanner top.
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Place the other end of the lead on the magnet. The
lead is magnetic and will stick to the magnet when
it's close enough.
Note:
The scanner cap is hard anodized aluminum
and will insulate the the sample puck so bias
voltages up to +/-10v can be directly connected
without additional insulation.
2. Adding resistance in the bias voltage path.
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In cases where your sample is highly conductive, you
may want to add a known resistance to keep the OR
CA amplifier from saturating. An example of this is
the HOPG sample provided in the kit.
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Substitute the Bias lead with a bias lead including a
resistor.
Note:
The ORCA holder kit includes a 500 MΩ test
resistor. If you are planning on scanning the HOPG
sample to practice using the ORCA holder, use the
test resistor instead of the bias lead.
Plug one end of a bias voltage lead
into the sample socket on the ter-
minal block
.
27.3 Mounting the cantilever
Mounting a cantilever is the same procedure as is used in all other AFM applications with the excep-
tion of lever type. Conducting AFM (ORCA) requires a conductive path between the tip and the can-
tilever spring clip. The ORCA kit includes a sample pack of 10 Electrilevers. Additional levers can be
purchased from Asylum Research.
For details of mounting the cantilever, see
Loading the cantilever and sample on a standard scan-
Page 192 of 243
27 Preparing for conductive AFM imaging on the standard scanner
