Load the Sample and Adjust the SPM Scanner

Prepare the Sample for Imaging

Set the sample on the microscope stage. For operation in fluid, use a petri dish, or if the sample is hydrophobic, image the surface within a drop of fluid. See Sample Mounting for Fluid Applications for more information.

NOTE: Immersed samples may tend to dry out during imaging due to evaporation; therefore, keep a quantity of fluid nearby to periodically replenish lost fluid.

Remount the Dimension Icon Scanner

With the sample prepared and positioned on the stage, slowly remount the Dimension Icon Dimension Icon SPM Scanner in its dovetailed, vertical mount.

Caution/Attention/Vorsicht:

If the fluid level is too high, the end of the scanner tube may be dunked too far into fluid. Do not allow this to happen. Permanent damage to the scanner tube may occur.
Si le niveau du liquide est trop important, l’extrémité des céramiques piézo-électriques peut tremper dans le liquide. Ceci ne doit jamais arriver. Ce cas de figure peut entraîner des dommages définitifs sur les céramiques piézo-électriques.
Falls der Flüssigkeitsspiegel zu hoch ist, könnte das Ende des Scannerröhrchens in die Flüssigkeit eintauchen-dies darf auf keinen Fall passieren. Es könnte sonst eine dauerhafte Schädigung des Scannerröhrchens eintreten.

Ideally, the Dimension Icon scanner should come to rest in its mount at a level where the tip is just above the level of the fluid. If the scanner rests too low in its mount, use either of the following methods to raise the mount:

Raise the mount further by using the Microscope > Step Motor > Tip Up command.
Remove the scanner from its mount and lower the fluid level over the sample.

NOTE: Because the tip is lowered through a fluid layer the laser beam will refract slightly, requiring minor adjustments. Instructions are provided below.

Verify that the Microscope is Dry

Verify that all Dimension Icon surfaces are free of spilled fluid. Wick away moisture and droplets with filter paper.

Final Probe and Head Adjustments

Lower the Probe into the Fluid

Lower the head, allowing the fluid probe holder to enter the liquid. The fluid should form a meniscus around the fluid probe holder:

NOTE: The laser sum signal must be greater than 0.5 V to use the Z motor. It may be necessary to use the detector mirror adjustment screws to roughly center the reflected laser beam on the detector before using either the Focus Surface or Stepper Motor commands.

HINT: To prevent air bubbles try placing a drop of fluid on the probe before lowering it into the sample solution.

Readjust the Laser Alignment

Lowering the probe holder into fluid causes the laser spot to move towards the fixed end of the cantilever by roughly 25 µm. To compensate for this shift:

Turn the right-rear laser aiming screw slightly counter-clockwise to move the laser spot back to the free end of the cantilever.
Check that a bright reflected laser spot is still present on the laser viewing window.

Occasionally, air bubbles will become trapped near the cantilever and these may interfere with the laser beam's optical path. If this occurs, it may be impossible to get a good reflection from the cantilever after putting the probe holder into fluid. In this case, do the following:

Remove the SPM head from the dovetail.
Lightly rinse the probe holder with liquid.
Replace the SPM head.

Adjust the Photodetector

Turn the detector mirror adjustment screws to center the laser spot on the laser detector (see Adjust the Photodetector for more information). Verify that the red dot is centered and elliptical in shape in the laser alignment window.

Set the following parameters:

For Contact Mode: Vertical Deflection signal = roughly –1 V, and Setpoint = 0 V
For TappingMode: Vertical Deflection signal = 0 V

NOTE: The difference between the vertical deflection before engaging and the setpoint is related to the amount of force that the cantilever probe tip applies to the sample.

NOTE: Verify that there is not too large a difference between the setpoint and the vertical deflection signal before engaging. Samples in liquid are typically softer than in air. It may be desirable to reduce the setpoint once engaged to obtain the minimum tracking force.

www.bruker.com	Bruker Corporation
www.brukerafmprobes.com	112 Robin Hill Rd.
nanoscaleworld.bruker-axs.com/nanoscaleworld/	Santa Barbara, CA 93117

	Customer Support: (800) 873-9750
	Copyright 2010, 2011. All Rights Reserved.

Load the Sample and Adjust the SPM Scanner

Final Probe and Head Adjustments

Previous Steps:

Next Steps: