Auto Panel

The Columns parameter specifies the number of columns to be indented. Columns are numbered along the X-axis, from right to left.

Similarly, the Rows parameter specifies the number of rows to be indented. Rows are numbered along the Y-axis, from top to bottom.

The Column step parameter specifies the distance between each column. For example, a Column step value of 500 nm will move the tip from column #1 a distance of 500 nm to column #2. At each location an indentation is performed.

Similarly, the Row step specifies the distance between each row. For example, a Row step value of 700 nm will move the tip from row #1 a distance of 700 nm to row #2. Again, an indentation is performed at each location.

The array is performed by stepping the tip in the X direction, from right to left, by the Column step amount and performing an indentation at each location. After each row is complete, the tip is returned to its initial X position and stepped down in the Y direction by the Row step amount. Thus, the array is performed row by row in a downward direction, with the first indentation made at the top-right and the last at the bottom-left.

The Threshold step parameter is the increment used to vary the indentation force. When a row of indents is executed, the Trigger threshold is incremented by the Threshold step amount at each position along the row. Each row in the array is executed the same way. Thus, the force is varied in the X direction and held constant in the Y direction.

The Threshold step can be set to both positive and negative values in order to increase or decrease the force respectively. Threshold step values increment the force from right to left along each row. The Trigger threshold should be set to the starting value of the cantilever deflection desired. This value will be used for the first indent in any row. If the Threshold step is positive, this will be the minimum force used to indent.

The Threshold step can be set to values between –2.50 V and +2.50 V, but is realistically limited by the maximum Trigger threshold, which is approximately equal to the TM Deflection Limit.

When choosing the Threshold step, the user should consider the array size and the Trigger threshold limitations. For indentation, the Threshold step is typically set to values from 0.1 V to 0.4 V.

The Capture parameter specifies whether or not to save the force plots for the indents in the array.

• Enabled: All force plots are saved automatically to the Capture directory. The force plots are saved under the current filename.xxx, as with Real-time images.
• Off: The force plots will not be saved to the Capture directory and the force plots will be lost

There are also various Capture commands, located under the Capture menu item, including Capture, Abort and Continuous. The Capture command can capture either the previous or the next force plot generated. The Capture continuous command will capture all force plots generated while the Continuous command is active. The Abort command will halt any of the active capture commands.