Abbreviated Instructions for Dimension Series AFMs
Rev. F
Scanning Probe Microscope Training Notebook
29
14.0 Abbreviated Instructions for Dimension Series AFMs
14.1 Mode of Operation
1. In the
Other Controls
panel, set the
AFM Mode
to Tapping or Contact, or select
Microscope
>
Profile
and then the appropriate mode.
2. Mount the probe into the cantilever holder. Be sure that it is in firm contact with the end of
the groove.
•
Tapping: Use an etched single crystal silicon probe (TESP).
•
Contact: Use a silicon nitride probe (DNP).
3. Mount the cantilever holder onto the end of the scanner head.
14.2 Align the Laser
Adjust the laser so that it is on the cantilever using the two screws on the top of the scanner.
•
Tapping: The Sum signal should be about 2V.
•
Contact: The Sum signal should be 4-6V.
14.3 Adjust the Photodetector
Adjust the photodetector so that the red dot moves towards the center of the square, using the two
screws on the side of the scanner.
•
Tapping: Center the red dot and set the vertical deflection (
Vert Defl
) to a value close to
0.0 volts.
•
Contact:
Horiz Defl
should be about 0.0 volts, and
Vert Defl
should be about -2.0 volts.
14.4 Locate
Tip
1. Using the mouse, select
Stage
>
Locate Tip
(or click on the
Locate Tip
icon).
2. Center the tip on the cantilever under the cross hairs using the two adjustment screws to the
left of the optical objective on the microscope.
3. Focus on the tip end of the cantilever using the trackball while holding down on the bottom
left button.