Contents:
- What is the difference between a STM A scanner and the AFM A scanner?
- Does the AFM A scanner have a automatic approach or is it manual?
- What tip characterization specimens are useful for DVD work?
- The calibration of my NanoScope AFM changed. Can I adjust the Z scale of a previously-captured NanoScope image so that the measurements are correct?
- What is the structure of the 300-1D, 700-1D and 700-2D calibration specimens?
- Why can’t the 300-1D, 700-1D and 700-2D calibration specimens be used in STM?
- I’m interested in your calibration grating 300-2D. In this context I’ve got several questions: Is it possible to buy the grating only (without software)?
- Can the grating be used for z-calibration?
- How big is the structured area?
- I am looking to take a crash course in scanning probe microscopy. Do you offer a short course?
- Is ASM, Inc.’s software safe for the year 2000? (updated 6/16/98)
- What is the difference between a traceable calibration STANDARD and an ordinary calibration REFERENCE specimen?
What is the difference between a STM A scanner and the AFM A scanner?
These scanners are for the NanoScope small sample AFM and STM, respectively. In the small AFM, the sample mounts on the scanner (a magnet holds the steel disk) In the small STM, the tip mounts on the scanner.
Does the AFM A scanner have a automatic approach or is it manual?
In the NanoScope AFM, automatic approach is provided using a stepper motor in the AFM base. This motor turns one of the three adjustment screws in the scanner.
What tip characterization specimens are useful for DVD work?
- – The TGT01 specimen from NT-MDT is an array of spikes
- – A well-characterized stamper can be useful, when analyzed with DiscTrack Plus.
- – The 300-2D specimen is an array of posts and may be useful.
The calibration of my NanoScope AFM changed. Can I adjust the Z scale of a previously-captured NanoScope image so that the measurements are correct?
Yes. First, make a backup copy of your image files. Then, use the following procedure (given for version 4.23 software- other versions are similar): Start Z, go to offline, open the image file you want to change, go to Modify – Parameter. The Parameter command allows the Z range and Scan size of a captured image to be rescaled based on new sensitivity information. For example, suppose you found that the original height measurements were too low by 5%. Record the Z range value displayed in the dialog box. Multiply it by 1.05 and enter the result in Z range. When the image is re-displayed, you will measure the corrected height.
What is the structure of the 300-1D, 300-2D, 700-1D and 700-2D calibration specimens?
These calibration specimens are fabricated using a silicon wafer substrate which is overcoated with a polymer material. A precision, laser-generated, interference pattern is recorded in this material and then overcoated with about 50 nm of tungsten. This provides a reasonably durable coating and an electrically conductive path to ground. The (-1D) specimen pattern consists of ridges and the (-2D) specimen pattern consists of posts.
We sell several additional calibraiton specimens. Please see the Calibrator Guide.
Why can’t the 300-1D, 300-2D, 700-1D and 700-2D calibration specimens be used in STM?
We have found experimentally that they cannot be used in STM. It appears that the STM tip must penetrate the oxide layer on the W in order to achieve tunneling. The extreme pressure created by the tip breaks through the W coating and tunneling becomes unstable.
It may be possible to overcoat the specimen with a noble metal to achieve more stable tunneling and we would be happy to learn of customer success in that area.
I’m interested in your calibration grating 300-2D. In this context I’ve got several questions:
Is it possible to buy the grating only (without software)?
–yes
Can the grating be used for z-calibration?
–no
How big is the structured area?
–The physical size is 4 x 3 x 0.5 mm. The entire area is covered with the pattern.
I am looking to take a crash course in scanning probe microscopy. Do you offer a short course?
We provide basic and advanced spm training, customized to meet the customer’s needs. The emphasis is on hands on operation with discussion of general skills as well as techniques that are specific to your samples. We can come to your site to work with you on your equipment or you can come to our laboratory.
Is ASM, Inc’s Software safe for the year 2000?
Yes. None of ASM’s software uses dates for any calculation. However, for added security, ASM’s software has been tested in a Year 2000 environment and assured to work just as it does pre-2000.
Traceable Calibration Standards
The traceable calibration standard is a select grade of material that is individually measured and certified. The quality is higher, with fewer defects than would be found on the ordinary calibration specimen. Each piece is individually measured against a transfer standard previously measured by a national laboratory, which has certified that the measurement value is traceable to the international meter.