1. In the Scan Parameters window, use the following initial parameter settings in the Scan tab. These values may already be set; they are handy starting values.

Scan Size:

Aspect Ratio:

Scan Angle:

Scan Rate:

2. To collect 5 K points of data per line, set the following parameters in the Scan panel:

Aspect Ratio:

Samples/Line:

Lines:

The Aspect Ratio controls the X:Y ratio of the pixels in the displayed image. Because there is an 8:1 ratio between 5120 samples/line and 640 lines, using an Aspect Ratio of 8 causes the pixels displayed in the image to be square.

3. For TappingMode, use the following initial parameter settings in the Feedback panel:

SPM feedback:

Integral gain:

Proportional gain:

4. For Contact mode, use the following initial parameter settings in the Feedback panel:

Integral Gain:

Proportional Gain:

Deflection Setpoint:

5. Click the Engage icon in the Workflow Toolbar. Scan lines appear in the Image Windows once the tip engages and scanning begins.

6. Check to see whether the trace and retrace lines in the Scope window are tracking each other well. They should have a similar shape, but they may not overlap each other horizontally or vertically. Adjust the Scan Rate, Integral Gain, Proportional Gain, and/or Setpoint (that is, Amplitude Setpoint for TappingMode and Deflection Setpoint for Contact Mode) parameters. Once the trace and retrace are tracking well, your tip is scanning the sample surface.
7. At this point, you may want to adjust the Scan Size, X offset, Y offset, and Scan Angle parameters to locate the scan over features of interest. If you increase the Scan Size, remember that the Scan Rate should be lowered.

8. With a large image, it may be useful to zoom in on the scan without changing the Scan Size. Select the data Zoom button above the image. Use your mouse to drag a box outline on the image (begin by clicking where you want the center of the box to be). When you release the left button, you will be zoomed in (scan size of image display will change) but the scanner will remain scanning the original scan size. At this point you can choose to “pan” over to other areas of the total scan. Select the Pan button and click and hold the left mouse button as you move the mouse. The minus zoom (right) button above the image allows you to go back to the original scan and the plus zoom button allows you to go to more zoomed in scans (if you have done multiple zooms). You may also choose to physically change the scan size or X/Y offsets by using the Zoom or Offset buttons below the image.