Instruction manual

Interleave Scanning and LiftMode
Lift Mode Description
220 MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual Rev. B
12.3 Lift Mode Description
With the Interleave scan option set to Lift, the motion of the tip during the Interleave trace and
retrace is as shown in Figure 12.3a.
Figure 12.3a LiftMode Profiles
The tip first moves to the Lift start height, then to the Lift scan height. A large Lift start height
can be used to pull the tip from the surface and eliminate sticking. The Lift scan height is the final
tip height. This value is added point-by-point to the height data obtained during the Main
topography trace and retrace. Values can be positive or negative.
12.4 Operation of Interleave Scanning / Lift Mode
These instructions apply to STM, contact AFM, or TappingMode AFM modes. It is assumed the
user is familiar with TappingMode or contact AFM to obtain good images of surface topography.
Use of Interleave scanning requires the steps below; see Chapter 13 for specific examples using
MFM.
1. Obtain a topography scan using the appropriate (usually Contact or TappingMode) method:
When using LiftMode, it is important that the gains and setpoint under Feedback Controls be
adjusted to give a faithful image of the surface. Because the height data is used in the lift pass
to trace the topography, a poor measurement of surface height may give inaccurate
measurement during the lift pass or cause the tip to strike the surface. Typically, the height
data is displayed on Channel 1.
2. Adjust the Interleave Controls panel to desired settings: Choose the Interleave mode
(Interleave, Lift, Linear or Retrace Lift) appropriate for the measurements to be
performed. Set the Interleave Controls as desired. When using TappingMode, the Drive
amplitude, Drive frequency, Gains, and Setpoint can be set differently in the Interleave
Controls panel than in the main Feedback Controls panel; see Section 12.5. However, it is
often convenient to begin with the main and interleave values set equal; this can be done by
toggling the bullets to the left of the appropriate Interleave parameters to an “off” (grayed)
condition. The values can be changed once engaged. If using Lift, set the Lift start height
and Lift scan height. If using Interleave mode, set the Gains and Setpoint.
Main Trace
(Height Data)
Lift
Start
Height
Lift
Scan
Height
Lift Trace
Lift
Scan
Height