Cypher SPM
User Guide
4
4
What Is A Cypher SPM System?
A typical Cypher SPM system consists of a computer, the ARC2 controller, and the microscope
itself.
Ideally the Cypher SPM is set up as shown, with the controller and computer on one table and the
microscope on its own table.
The computer is the primary interface for controlling the microscope; its main communication is
through a USB1.1 connection to the ARC2 and a USB 2.0 directly to the Cypher SPM. For further
information, see
Recommended USB ports on page 23
.
The ARC2 (Asylum Research Controller 2) is referred to as “the controller”. It houses power supplies
and the necessary electronics for controlling the scan motion and acquiring image data from the
microscope.
4.1 Microscope
The microscope itself, where the actual imaging takes place, is the heart of the AFM system.
Although the computer, controller, and microscope all comprise the Cypher, the microscope itself
will often be referred to as the Cypher.
Page 19 of 243
4 What is a Cypher SPM system?
