Experiment Guide

This Experiment Guide provides a general Overview of AFM Operation and step-by-step protocols specific to each of the most common Imaging Modes possible with your Dimension Icon SPM.

Because at Bruker we know that the SPM is a tool and users main interest is getting to the data it can provide, the Dimension Icon comes equipped with ScanAsyst, the world's first self-optimizing imaging mode. This breakthrough technology takes much of the complexity from AFM operation, allowing the user to focus on his or her research. Still, for a good understanding of how the Dimension Icon works and what it can do for you, we recommend becoming familiar with some of the workhorse AFM techniques: Contact AFM or TappingMode AFM.

You will find that once you are familiar with one AFM mode the others are remarkably similar. Even Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) operation uses much of the same NanoScope software capabilities as the AFM imaging modes. Strong understanding of one imaging mode, such as Contact AFM or TappingMode AFM will provide a good basis for moving forward with more complex applications.

Before attempting Fluid Imaging, covered in this Experiment Guide, you should first be comfortable operating the same imaging mode in air.

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