Instruction manual

Calibration, Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Warranty
Calibrating Z
Rev. B MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual 305
15.8.7 Finding a Pit with an “A” Scanner
Since it may be difficult and/or time consuming to locate a pit in the sample using an “A” scanner,
an alternate method of locating a pit is to use the Scope mode in Realtime imaging.
1. After engaging on the surface of the sample set both Realtime Planefit and Offline Planefit
to offset. Got to Scope mode.
2. Watching the Scope trace diagram, slowly turn the X-Y stage adjustment screws on the AFM
microscope. (Do not turn more than a 1/2 turn in each direction.)
3. When the scanner tip encounters a pit in the Scope trace diagram, it will display a step in the
normally flat line (see Figure 15.8g). Be sure the Z Center position is fairly close to zero (+/-
50V).
Figure 15.8g Scope Trace screen will display a step when the tip encounters a pit in the reference sample.
After finding the step in the Scope mode screen, click back to Image mode. The image should now
encompass a portion of one pit.
Scanners larger than “A” can image an entire pit. It is not necessary to change the Realtime and
offline planefits for these scanners.
Scope Trace
Z range
35nm/div
Scan