Head, Probe and Sample Preparation
Initial Preparation for Contact AFM Imaging
Rev. B
MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual
77
5.1.4 Install the Tipholder
Figure 5.1g
Install Tipholder in Head without Touching the Sample
Once the tipholder is loaded with a probe (see
above), the tipholder is placed inside the
SPM’s head and clamped into position using the clamping screw at rear of head.
1. Verify that the head is sufficiently raised to clear the sample with the tip. (The top of the
sample should protrude no more than 1-2mm above the plane of the head’s bottom hole.)
2. Insert the loaded AFM tipholder into the MultiMode’s head by lifting the tipholder carefully
over the sample. Do not touch the sample with the tipholder.
3. Press gently forward, then lower the tipholder (see
Three precision ball mounts inside the head mate kinematically with the tipholder underside. If the
scanner cap has been properly positioned, the tipholder will come to rest with the probe just above
the sample surface. If the scanner cap is adjusted too high, the tip will be plunged into the sample
surface and broken. If it appears the probe may crash when the tipholder is installed, remove the
tipholder completely and use the
Up
switch on the MultiMode base to obtain suf
fi
cient clearance. It
is recommended that beginners practice with scrap probes and samples to learn proper loading
procedures.
Rotate clamping screw
CW (rear side of head)
to secure tipholder
(Rear view)
Clamping
screw
