Withdraw and Clean Up

Withdraw the Tip

Select RealTime > Withdraw or click the Withdraw icon in the Workflow Toolbar.

The SPM will stop scanning and ascend to the sample clearance height defined in the SPM Stage Parameters menu. You must withdraw prior to replacing or moving the sample. Ensure that there is enough space—use the Focus Surface command to move the SPM up if you require more clearance between the tip and sample.

CAUTION: Never withdraw samples without verifying that the tip has adequate clearance for the entire sample removal sequence.

Clean Fluid Cell and Protective Skirt

To reduce contamination problems and to obtain high quality images, clean the fluid cell and protective skirt as follows:

1. When sample imaging is complete, carefully remove the protective skirt and fluid probe holder.
2. Place the fluid cell and protective skirt in warm, soapy water and place a few drops of liquid dish soap on them.
3. Gently rub the fluid cell and protective skirt with a cotton swab or finger.

CAUTION: Avoid scratching the glass surface with abrasive material.

4. Using distilled water, rinse the fluid cell and protective skirt completely.
5. Using filtered, compressed air or dry nitrogen, blow dry the fluid cell until all moisture evaporates to prevent the buildup of salts or other contaminants on the parts.

Removing Organic Contamination

CAUTION: When cleaning the probe holder, take care to avoid scratching the glass surfaces in the center of the cantilever holder. Be careful to prevent dripping any liquid onto the Dimension Icon system, especially onto the SPM scanner.

Contaminants on the cantilever tip may limit the AFM’s resolution. Use ultraviolet light to remove contaminants as follows:

1. Place the fluid cell with installed tip face-up on a clean surface.
2. Position a UV lamp very close (3–5 mm) to the fluid cell and irradiate the unit for two minutes at full intensity.

Previous Steps:

1. Fluid Set Up
2. Align the Laser
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

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