Mica Substrate Preparation

Samples for atomic force microscopy imaging should be immobilized on a rigid support. Mica is a very common support because the surface is:

• Atomically flat
• Clean after cleavage
• Easy to cut to desired sizes
• Relatively inexpensive
• Negatively charged, but can be modified to make the surface positive

In order to prepare the mica for the sample:

1. Glue mica to a glass slide or cover slip using five minute epoxy or other suitable adhesive.
2. Allow the glue to dry.
3. Press some adhesive tape (i.e Scotch tape) against the top mica surface.
4. Peel off the tape to expose a fresh mica surface.
5. Repeat as needed until the mica cleaves cleanly without visible splintering, split layers, etc...

Mica Sources

Bulk mica in random shapes:

• Spruce Pine Mica
  • Phone: 828-765-4241
  • Fax: 828-765-7192

Pre-cut mica shapes:

• Ted Pella, Inc.
  • Phone: 530-243-2200 or 800-237-3526

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