Align the Laser

Use the regular laser alignment technique for aligning the laser onto the cantilever (see Align the Laser for details).

In the fluid probe holder, the probe substrate rests on a smooth, angled, glass surface. The laser reflects off the this angled glass surface, resulting in a visible laser reflection on the laser viewing window on the Dimension Icon SPM Scanner, even when the laser is not aimed at the cantilever:

This reflection from the glass surface does not affect the operation of the AFM, but it can cause confusion when aligning the laser on the cantilever. Ignore this fainter reflection and look instead for the much brighter reflection off the cantilever.

NOTE: The SUM signalThe sum of all four photodetector quadrants (A+B+C+D); indicates how much laser power is reaching the detector. Reflective cantilevers have a higher SUM signal than non-reflective cantilevers. The first step of aligning the laser is to ensure that there is sufficient SUM signal measured from the detector. will typically show less than 1 V when the laser is not yet aligned on the cantilever. The SUM signal should rise above 1 V when the laser is truly reflecting off the cantilever.

Previous Step:

1. Fluid Set Up

Next Steps:

3. Load the Sample and Adjust the SPM Scanner
4. Locate the Tip
5. Tune the Cantilever (TappingMode Only)
6. Focus on the Sample Surface
7. Check Initial Scan Parameters
8. Engage and Adjust Scan Parameters
9. Withdraw and Clean Up

Open topic with navigation