Lateral Force Mode
Advanced LFM Operation
Rev. B
MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual
171
Table 10.2a
Key for LFM Example Above
10.2.4 Understanding the Color Scale
LFM data is typically monitored in the trace direction with the scan angle set to 90 degrees. The
data then follows a convention where lighter colors mean higher friction. Darker colors mean less
friction. The sign of the color is inverted if Retrace is monitored (see
).
Figure 10.2c
Friction Data
Number
Trace or
Retrace?
Tip
Movement
Level of
Friction
Photo Diode Voltage
1
trace
slightly right
slight
slightly positive
2
“
severely right
higher
increases positive
3
“
straightens
slight
returns to slightly positive
4
“
severely right
higher
increases positive
5
“
straightens
slight
returns to slightly positive
6
retrace
slightly left
slight
slightly negative
7
“
severely left
higher
increases negative
8
“
straightens
slight
returns to slightly negative
9
“
severely left
higher
increases negative
10
“
straightens
slight
returns to slightly negative
Trace
Retrace
High Friction
High Friction
Low Friction