You are here: Experiment Guide > Fluid Imaging > AFM Operation in Fluid > Fluid Set Up

Fluid Set Up

The set up for fluid imaging is very similar to set up for other AFM operations, with a few key differences. Fluid imaging is not possible without proper set up of the appropriate hardware.

  1. Select Experiment

Ensure that you have chosen the "Fluid" option for the imaging mode of your choice in the Experiment Group panel.

Example: If you wish to do TappingMode imaging in fluid, select:

  1. Prepare and Load the Probe Holder

A special probe holder must be used for imaging in fluid with the Dimension Icon scanner. See Fluid Operation Hardware for more information.

NOTE: Due to inherent mechanical characteristics of the specialized probe holder necessary for this imaging mode, reduced closed loop X IGain and Y IGain parameters are necessary.
  1. Select Calibrate > Scanner > X-Y... from the main menu. The OptoXY Closed Loop Calibration dialog will open.
  2. Set X IGain and Y IGain to 8.
  3. Click OK to close the window and continue with your experiment.

Ensure that you reset the parameters to their default values (12) when using the standard air tapping or TR holder.

  1. Install the Fluid Probe Holder

The cantilever probe position extends roughly 1 mm further toward the sample with the fluid probe holder, as compared with the standard cantilever holder.

If the height of the scanner needs adjustment, use one of the following methods:

  1. Install the Protective Skirt

The protective skirt is a rubber seal used to protect the SPM scanner tube from liquids. Install it by sliding it over the fluid probe holder and onto the shoulder on the SPM tube. Ensure that the seal is tight on both the probe holder and the SPM tube. Below is an illustration of the SPM head and the fluid probe holder with the protective skirt installed:

Next Steps:

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

 

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