Resonance Saturated; False Feedback; Scanner At End Of Z Range; Defective Probe - AFM Workshop LS-AFM User Manual

5.4 Resonance Saturated

When scanning, the frequency of the canti-
lever produces a double-peaked resonance,
as shown on the right. Decrease the driv-
ing amplitude of the probe by lowering the
Amplitude scroll bar until the resonance
peak sits below 2.5V. If the resonance is
still saturated, the probe may have to be
re-seated.

5.7 False Feedback

In vibrating mode, the probe can go into
false feedback, resulting in wispy, feature-
less images. False feedback is achieved
when the probe is caught up in the surface
contamination layer. This can be corrected
by activating the tip approach function a sec-
ond or third time, as well as by utilizing the
advanced tip approach functions to jog the
tip toward with surface (see section 6).

5.5 Scanner at End of Z Range

When the Z ceramic expands or retracts
to the end of its range while scanning, the
image will suddenly lose contrast and appear
flat. To solve this problem, redo tip approach
so that the Z ceramic is in the center of its
range (see section 4.6. j-k).

5.6 Defective Probe

In the event that none of the above problems exist and it is not possible to get an image, the
probe may be defective.
Section 5-2
V 1.1 / LS-AFM Users Guide