Instruction manual
Interleave Scanning and LiftMode
Use of LiftMode with TappingMode
222 MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual Rev. B
12.5 Use of LiftMode with TappingMode
There are additional considerations when using LiftMode with TappingMode.
12.5.1 Main Drive Amplitude and Frequency selection
As usual, these parameters are set in Cantilever Tune before engaging. It is helpful to keep in mind
the measurements to be done in LiftMode when setting these values. For example, if Amplitude
data will be monitored during the Lift scan for magnetic force imaging, the Drive frequency
should be set to the side of the resonance; see Chapter 13. (However, certain parameters can be set
independently for the Interleave scan; see below.)
12.5.2 Setpoint Selection
When the main and interleave Drive amplitudes and Drive frequencies are equal (bullets under
Interleave Controls disabled), the cantilever oscillation amplitude increases to the free oscillation
amplitude when the tip is lifted off the surface in LiftMode. If a small setpoint value forces the
oscillation amplitude low while the feedback is running, the amplitude can grow considerably when
the tip is lifted free of the sample surface. The change can also be large if the main Drive
amplitude was increased or the main Drive frequency altered after the tip was engaged. (The
vibration amplitude remains at the setpoint during the main scan even if these parameters are
changed.) This could make the tip hit the surface in the lift scan for small Lift scan Heights.