Dektak 6M User Manual

This user guide describes the proper operation of the Dektak 6M surface profiler.
The guide is broken into three main parts: loading, running, and unloading a
sample. Please note that items in bold contain particularly important information,
failure to comply with these points can result in serious damage to the
instrument.

-Loading the sample-

1. Visually inspect the instrument. The sample stage should be clear of dust and debris and
situated beneath the stylus head. The stylus head and stylus itself should be in the raised
position, approximately 1-2" above the sample stage.
2. On windows desktop, double left click on the "Dektak32" icon to open surface profiler controller
software. Software takes a moment to load. During this loading time, you may hear some gears
moving on the profiler--this is normal.
3. All navigation of the Dektak software is performed using both the word menu at the top of the
screen and the icon menu/toolbar immediately below. If you are unsure of which icon is which,
hold the mouse pointer over the icon for a few seconds and the label will appear.
Note: Under no circumstances will you need to perform any of the functions listed in the
"Calibration" menu. Changing any of these settings can alter the instrument calibration and will
likely result in invalid data measurements. If you suspect that there may be a problem with the
calibration of the instrument please contact one of the NEST staff immediately.
4. Gently lift the cover for the surface profiler enclosure and place your sample on the sample
stage. The sample should be placed in the center of the stage between all four grooves. Note:
Take caution not to bump, brush or touch the stylus as you place your sample. Any
physical contact with the stylus could cause damage. Ensure that the sample is located
directly below the stylus. Gently return the cover of the surface profiler enclosure to the closed
position.
5. In the Dektak software control window, left click on the "Switch to Sample Positioning Window"
icon. A black screen with a large cross-hair in the center should appear. Make absolutely sure
that your sample is located directly below the stylus. Note: If the sample is not directly below
the stylus when the tower is lowered, damage to the instrument may result.
6. At this point it is safe to lower the stylus to the "null position". (The "null position" is defined as
the height at which the stylus makes contact with the sample surface.) In the software menu
select "Profiler" then "Tower Down". The video screen will gradually brighten and the stylus will
slowly lower down to the sample, briefly tap and make contact, then raise to a position slightly
above the sample.

-Running a Scan-

7. As long as the stylus is not touching the sample, you may use the X and Y control knobs to
move around the sample. The rotation of the sample may also be adjusted by turning the theta
wheel on the stage. See figure 3.3c, (in the red folder behind the login sheet) for the locations of
these knobs on the instrument. Note: Never move the stage when the stylus is in contact
with the sample. Damage to both the sample and stylus could result. The red crosshair in
the software window indicates the location on the sample at which the stylus will begin its trace.
Note: Due to the positioning of the camera on the stylus head, the stylus appears to move left to
right on the monitor. However, in actuality, the stylus moves from the front of the stage towards
the back.
8. It is most important to ensure that the area you select to scan on the sample is not too