Stage Parameters

The stage engage parameters are listed in the Engage Parameters window (below). To view this dialog, select Microscope > Engage Settings.The default stage parameters are shown:

Once you have become familiar with the Overview of AFM Operation, you may want to adjust certain stage parameters to speed up the engage sequence.

Definitions of Engage Stage-Motor Settings fields are as follows:

Sample Clearance

• Defines the height of the probe tip over the sample prior to Engage (set up by performing the Locate Tip and Focus Surface routines).
• Default: 1000 µm

This parameter also sets the distance that the tip is raised above the sample each time Withdraw is executed. You may change the sample clearance parameter once you are experienced with the system.

SPM Safety

• Defines the height of the probe tip over the sample where the fast approach changes over to the slow approach.
• Default: 100 µm

You may reduce to 50–75 µm once you are experienced with the system. Reducing this number speeds up the approach sequence, but it increases the risk of the tip reaching the surface during the Smart Engage if the Locate Tip and Focus Surface focal points are not properly set. If this happens, the tip has “crashed” and may need replacing.

SPM Engage Step

• Defines the step size of the Z-stage during engage.
• Default: 1 µm

Increasing this parameter increases the speed of the approach. Do not change this parameter by more than 0.5–1 µm because the step size must be some modest fraction of the total Z range of the scanner (i.e., 6–7 µm).

Withdraw Z Pos

• Defines the Z position (height) when the withdraw command is executed.
• Default: Smart Lift
  • If Pre Engage – Clearance Lift < SPM Safety, withdraws to Pre Engage
  • If Pre Engage – Clearance Lift > SPM Safety, withdraws to Clearance Lift

Pre Engage is the previous withdrawn position, Clearance Lift withdraws to the Clearance Height. You can also select either of these options for the withdraw position.

Load/Unload Height

• Defines how high the tip moves above the sample when Tools > Stage > Load New Sample is executed. After the Z-stage is raised, the sample stage moves as far forward in the Y direction (towards you) as possible.

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