1. Scan (Vibrating Mode)
    • Automated tip approach should have finished with the yellow line in the middle of the range , in the Z drive display. If not, approach again. If this never works, ensure the sample is not moving, and try reselecting the operation frequency.
    • Go to “topo scan” tab.
    • The table below has some suggested initial operating parameters. Some of these may be inappropriate for your sample. For example, you may only be interested in larger or smaller scans than 15 µm.

Parameter

Suggested initial value

type

3d

Scan rate

0.5Hz

Scan lines

128

Scan size

15µm

Samples/pixel

20

Rotation

0 degrees

center

X and Y = 25 µm ( for 50 µm range)

Gain

2

Proportional

200

Integral

2000

Derivative

0

Left image, Right Image

Z_drive, Z_ampl

  • Click “start” to begin scanning.
  • If your images show NOTHING (except laser interference in the amplitude channel), there are several things to try: reduce setpoint, approach again, and / or increase amplitude in prescan (in this order). Typically, the initial setpoint will be too high, so a reduction of 10 to 20% maybe required. Be cautious, and do not reduce setpoint below 60% of it’s initial value.
  • Adjust parameters (especially scan speed, gain, Proportional, integral and Setpoint as required while scanning, watching the effect on the line scan and image. For more on this see chapter 4 of Eaton and West.

 

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