Instruction manual

Fluid Operation
General Fluid Operation
130 MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual Rev. B
Figure 8.2d Stainless Steel Sample Puck with Teflon Cover
You may load the sample on the support now, or you may inject it when the fluid cell is installed
inside the AFM head.
Two variations of this method are possible: starting with a dry sample and starting with a sample in
solution.
1. Complete the following if starting with a dry sample:
a. Attach the sample support (e.g., mica) to a puck.
b. Deposit your sample on the support.
Note: It is easier to first align the AFM head and mounted fluid cell (probe installed)
with the dry sample puck before installing the liquid-coated sample. Allow
0.5mm clearance between the tip and dry substrate surface.
c. Occasionally air bubbles form in the fluid cell and block laser light. Reduce the chance
of forming bubbles as follows:
• Before installing the fluid cell into the head, insert a syringe filled with liquid
solution into a fluid port, or connect the syringe to the inlet tubing on the fluid cell.
• Push enough fluid through the fluid chamber to flood the fluid cell port with buffer
solution, allowing liquid to drip out the bottom of the cell.
• Leave the buffer-filled syringe inserted. A small amount of buffer solution should be
held to the bottom of the cell by surface tension (see Figure 8.2e).
Figure 8.2e Flush the Fluid Cell Before Installation to Reduce Bubble Formation
Note: The liquid is held by surface tension between the sample surface and the fluid
cell (see Figure 8.2f). Because the aqueous sample changes the light deflection,
the laser photodetector must be re-adjusted.
Aqueous Sample
Teflon
Mica
Stainless
Steel
Sample
Puck
Syringe
Fluid Cell
Liquid Drop