Troubleshooting

Frequency Response Plot

If a peak in the frequency response plot does not appear:

1. Increase Sweep Width to the maximum value.
2. Increase the Drive Amplitude in intervals of 200–300 mV until you have reached 2–3 V.
3. If the peak still has not appeared, increase the Sweep Width by first increasing the Center Frequency, then maximizing the Sweep Width. If there is still no peak on the response plot, check the laser alignment.

Engaging the Sample

If the engage aborts because the tip is still too far away from the surface, return to Stage > Focus Surface and use the trackball to relocate the surface. After successful re-engaging, a well-formed image appears.

Cantilever Will Not Tune

If the Cantilever Tune fails, check the following:

• Ensure the laser is properly aligned at the free end of the cantilever (see Align the Laser).
• Ensure there is good physical coupling between the probe and the probe holder.
  • Make sure that the groove the probe is held in is free of debris, and that the probe substrate is in firm contact with the back wall of the groove and is pushed firmly against one side of the groove.

  • The probe resonant frequency, f₀, is outside the Start and End frequencies. Check the label on the probe box.

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