Fluid Operation
Introduction
Rev. B
MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual
123
8.1
Introduction
Imaging of samples in
fl
uid is a growing application of AFM technology. This may be prompted by
a desire to minimize surface forces on delicate samples, the need to observe biological specimens in
their natural,
fl
uid environments, and/or the necessity to make real time observations of samples
undergoing electrochemical reactions (ECAFM). In order to conduct ECAFM observations with
electrical potentials, it is necessary to connect an external potentiostat unit. Contact Veeco for more
information.
Imaging samples under
fl
uid eliminates attractive forces due to surface tension. This enables the
sample surface to be imaged with a minimum of cantilever tip force—a decided advantage when
imaging biological specimens and delicate materials.
Essentially, the procedure for observing samples under
fl
uid is the same as that for Contact Mode or
TappingMode™ AFM in air; however, special hardware is utilized to contain the
fl
uid. In addition,
minor adjustments must be made to correct for refractive effects as the laser beam transits air-
fl
uid
boundaries.
This chapter describes Contact Mode and TappingMode AFM operation of the MultiMode SPM in
fl
uid, including loading the probe into the probe holder, mounting the probe holder into the head
and aligning the laser on the cantilever portion of the probe and then engaging the probe tip with the
sample.
This chapter assumes familiarity with Contact Mode and TappingMode AFM operation of the
MultiMode in air. If you are not familiar with air operation of the MultiMode, refer to the
procedures outlined in
before attempting to operate the AFM with a
fl
uid
cell.
8.2
General Fluid Operation
The
fl
uid cell consists of a small glass assembly with a wire clip for holding an AFM probe (see
). The glass surfaces provide a
fl
at, beveled interface so that the AFM laser beam may
pass into the
fl
uid without being distorted by an unstable
fl
uid surface. The probe is mounted in a
rectangular groove on the bottom of the
fl
uid cell, and held in place by a gold-coated wire clip. A
circular groove surrounds the probe and is used to seat the (optional) O-ring. Additionally, there are
two
fl
uid ports located on the front side of the
fl
uid cell. These ports allow for the introduction and
removal of
fl
uid.