Operating instructions

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Problems and Solutions

The problems described here can occur during normal operation of the

microscope. If the suggested course of action does not solve the problem,

or the problem is not described here, refer to the section Nanosurf support

(p.68).

Probe Status light blinks red

This light will blink red when an insufficient amount of light reaches the

cantilever deflection detector. This can be either be due to the DropStop

still being closed or to a misaligned cantilever chip.

- Check that the cantilever is lying perfectly in the alignment chip.

- Remove the cantilever using the cantilever insertion tool (figure Contents

of the AFM Tool set (p.14), 5). Blow away dust from the alignment chip

and the cantilever’s back side using dry, oil free air. Remount the canti-

lever.

For further information, open the Scan Head Diagnosis dialog via the

menu ‘Options/Check Scan Head...’.

Image quality suddenly deteriorates

Tip picks up material

When a scan line suddenly starts reproducing badly, the tip may have

picked up some particles:

- Continue measuring for a while (1-2 images), the tip may eventually lose

these particles again.

- Retract the cantilever by clicking then perform a new approach.

- Try to induce changes in the tip’s end: While measuring increase the

force ‘SetPoint’, or decrease the amplitude ‘SetPoint’ in the Feedback

panel. Restore the set point to its old value when the contrast improves,

or if nothing happens after scanning several lines.