Cypher SPM
User Guide
28. Move the cantilever toward the sample.
l
Place your eyes level with the cantilever and sample,
so you can clearly see the gap between cantilever
and sample.
l
Slowly turn the Engage Control Knob on the AFM
enclosure counterclockwise.
The more you turn, the faster it goes.
Nothing but your attentiveness will prevent the
cantilever holder from crashing into the sample. If
you crash the cantilever holder you may cause ser-
ious damage to your cantilever holder and scanner.
l
Close the gap between tip and sample to about 1 mil-
limeter.
You can stop further away. Doing so causes the auto-
mated engage to take a little longer.
You are now ready to begin imaging by controlling the instrument with the AZtecAFM software.
30.3 AC mode imaging in air with the standard scanner
Note:
All new users should complete and understand this tutorial before attempting any ima-
ging.
This tutorial provides a quick path to learning the basic operation of the Cypher SPM equipped
with the standard scanner. It contains a set of steps that will teach a new user with a basic under-
standing of AFM operation how to obtain an AC mode topography image in air. The tutorial takes
approximately 3 hours to complete.
Note:
If you own the standard scannerenvironmental scanner, please follow the tutorial in
The following assumptions have been made:
l
You understand the aspects of running this system safely (see
).
l
You are familiar with the basic names of the hardware components and software controls (see
What is a Cypher SPM system? on page 19
).
l
You have powered up the Cypher (see
Starting and stopping the system on page 30
).
l
You have launched the software.
The Cypher is a research grade instrument and improper use of the instrument can cause both
damage to the instrument and injury to the user.
30.4 AC mode imaging in air with the environmental scanner
Note:
All new users should complete and understand this tutorial before attempting any ima-
ging.
Page 214 of 243
30 Workflows
