Measuring Images With The Ls-Afm; Operating The Video Microscope - AFM Workshop LS-AFM User Manual

4. Measuring Images With the LS-AFM

Once the LS-AFM is assembled, users can expect to take a few hours to learn how to mea-
sure images. It is very important to learn how to:
1. Operate the video microscope.
2. Prepare samples.
3. Exchange probes.
4. Align the light lever force sensor.
5. Perform video-microscope-assisted tip approach.
Once these techniques have been mastered, measuring images is relatively simple.

4.1 Operating the Video Microscope

Operating the video microscope is essential for
efficient operation of the LS-AFM. It allows for
proper viewing of the sample, assists in manual
tip approach, and is critical for laser and photo-
detector alignment. It is advised to practice
operating the video microscope before attempt-
ing to replace probes or measure images. The
components of the video microscope are:
XY Position Translator: Just above the
1.
focus adjust are XY position translators
used for centering the probe in the video
microscope window.
Zoom Adjust: The zoom lens allows for
2.
viewing of a surface at high or low mag-
nification. The light intensity must be
adjusted when using the zoom lens.
3. Light Intensity Adjust: It is often critical to
adjust the intensity of the light on a sam-
ple to get the best image. (not shown)
Focus Adjust: The user can manually
4.
alter the microscope's focus with these
z-motion adjustment knob.
Locking Mechanism: The user should
5.
lock the optics in place using this knob.
NOTE: If the operation of the video optical microscope does not seem
familiar, please review the contents of Appendix A, section 2.
Section 4-1
3 MP Video Camera
LED
XY Position Translator
V 1.1 / LS-AFM Users Guide
Focus Adjust
Locking
Zoom Adjust