Prepare and Load the Sample

Prepare the Sample

If it is your first time operating the microscope, we recommend that you image the calibration sample provided with the instrument (usually a 10 µm-pitch grid of 200 nm step height).

The MultiMode 8 SPM is provided with several steel sample disks that can be attached to the magnetic sample holder, located atop the scanner tube. The calibration sample or other small sample should be fixed on one of the 15 mm diameter metal disks used for sample mounting.

1. Verify that your sample will fit atop the scanner tube and is less than 8 mm thick.
2. Provided with the instrument are red and white colored “sticky tabs,” which are 2-sided adhesive patches. Peel off a “sticky tab” from the provided sheet, and place it on the steel small sample puck, then peel off the red-and-white paper. This leaves a patch of the two-sided adhesive on the steel sample disk, which will hold the sample to the disk.
3. Using tweezers, place the small sample to be imaged firmly on the “sticky tab” adhesive. Alternatively, a small sample can be glued down to the sample puck using cyanoacrylate glue (superglue).
4. Place the small sample disk atop the scanner.

For more information see Small Sample Preparation.

Load the Sample

This instrument uses a semiconductor diode laser emitting a maximum 1.0 mW beam at 690 nm. The light is emitted downward and normally reflects back into the system’s optics from the back of the cantilever probe. The laser is powered when the SPM head is plugged into the microscope’s support ring and the Mode switch is set to either AFM & LFM or TM AFM (TappingMode). Exceeding regulatory requirements, the MultiMode 8 SPM head contains an internal switch which reduces laser power when the head is tilted. Operators should use care, however, to avoid staring into beams reflected from sample surfaces.

Remove Head and Load Sample

1. Remove the SPM head by unfastening the retaining springs on either side and unplugging the head’s micro-D connector.
2. Gently lift the head off and set it aside. This will expose the top of the scanner tube.
3. Place the sample puck with attached sample (e.g. calibration standard) on the scanner tube. An internal magnet holds the puck down.

Reinstall the Head

1. Adjust the sample height so that it will protrude no more than 2 mm above the head’s XY translation stage. If a probe holder is in the head and the sample is too high, the probe will be damaged when the head is installed. Adjust the sample height as needed by using the Tip Up/Down motor drive switch on the MultiMode 8 base.
2. Remount the head by gently lowering it over the scanner tube while checking for clearance.
3. Secure both retaining springs and plug the head’s connector into the support ring:

Check Head for Free Vertical Movement

Verify basic function of the motorized Z-axis by toggling the Up switch on the MultiMode 8 base:

This activates the lead screw at the rear of the unit to lift the head upward. If you are using a standard, three-screw scanner, the two forward screws will also have to be rotated to keep the head level while lifting. Single-screw, vertical scanners require only that the rear, motorized screw be rotated to raise and lower the head. To verify rotation of the motorized screw, feel the flexible coupling on the base with your finger while you toggle the Tip Up/Down switch.

Previous Step:

1. Select Experiment

Next Steps:

3. Prepare and Load the Probe Holder
4. Align the Laser
5. Maximize the SUM Signal

When working in TappingMode, the next step at this point is to tune the cantilever. See Manual Cantilever Tuning for more information.

6. Check Initial Scan Parameters
7. Engage, Scan, & Withdraw

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