Chapter 3
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3.2 Probe Laser Alignment
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| If there is no probe in the AFM scanner, or the probe in the scanner is broken, a new probe must be inserted. The specifics of inserting a probe into the microscope depend on the particular type of AFM being used. It usually takes only 30-40 seconds to replace the probe. The probe must be selected such that it matches the mode and application. After the probe is securely fastened into the AFM scanner: |
- Adjust laser on cantilever - An AFM scanner has two laser adjustment screws, one for moving the laser in the X direction, and one to move the laser in the Y direction. These screws are adjusted so that the laser light is on the end of the cantilever. If the AFM stage has an optical microscope, the laser can readily be seen on the cantilever.
- Move detector - Like the laser, the photo-detector has two adjustment screws, one for the X and one for the Y direction. The photo-detector position is adjusted so that the laser is at the center of the photo-detector. Typically, a software window has information that helps adjust the detector (see Figure 3-2).
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FIGURE 3-2 This software window shows the position of the laser on the photo-detector. By moving the position of the photo-detector in the x-y axis, the position of the red dot moves relative to the photo-detector. At the right of the red dot is a vertical red bar that indicates the total laser power on the detector. |
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| 3.3 Probe Approach |
| Once the sample and cantilever are in the microscope stage, the next step |
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