ScanAsyst®* Mode AFM using MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes

How to use MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker Nanoscope software

This is a detailed step-by-step instruction on how to use SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes when doing AFM in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker AFM systems.
Below you will find screenshots and comments on the procedure:

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Select AFM Experiment

Mount a SelfAdjust-Air AFM probe into the AFM probe holder
Select ScanAsyst® in Choose an Experiment Category
Select ScanAsyst® in Air in Select Experiment Group
Select ScanAsyst® in Air in Select Experiment
Press Load Experiment

Step 1 of how to use MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker Nanoscope software

Step 2. Disable Smart Engage

Select Microscope from the main menu and then select Engage Settings
In the Engage Parameters window expand the Smart Engage section and set Engage Mode to Standard
Press OK

Step 2 of how to use MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker Nanoscope software

Step 3. Select an AFM Probe Type

In the ScanAsyst® in Air window go to Setup, Probe Setup and press Select Probe
In the Probe Configuration section select New Probe of type and then select ScanAsyst-Air
In the Finish section press Return and Save Changes

Step 3 of how to use MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker Nanoscope software

Step 4. Align Laser and Photodetector

In the Setup window observe the SUM signal and the laser position in the photodetector window
Using the laser control knobs align the laser spot near the free end of the AFM cantilever so as to maximize the SUM photodetector signal
Using the photodetector knobs align the laser spot at the center of the detector
In Focus Tip use the Focus Controls to focus on the AFM tip

Step 4 of how to use MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker Nanoscope software

Step 5. Focus on Sample

In the ScanAsyst® in Air window go to Navigate
Go to Focus Sample and Sample (default)
Use the Scan Head arrows to focus on the sample surface
Be careful not to crash the AFM head into the sample!

Step 5 of how to use MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker Nanoscope software

Step 6. Check Scan Parameters and Engage

In the ScanAsyst® in Air window go to Check Parameters
Select the desired Scan Size, Scan Rate, etc.
In the ScanAsyst® in Air window press Engage

Step 6 of how to use MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker Nanoscope software

Step 7. Scan the Sample

Scan the sample
Check and adjust Scan Size if needed
Check and adjust Scan Rate (i.e. scan speed) if needed

Step 7 of how to use MikroMasch® SelfAdjust-Air AFM probes in ScanAsyst®* mode on Bruker Nanoscope software