Controller and Master Computer
The master computer, required for acquiring and analyzing
images, is a standard PC type computer. Connection of the
computer to the control unit is with a standard Ethernet
connecter. Specifications for the computer system are
improved on a routine basis when improved computer
systems are made available.
The control unit of the Nano-IM™ 6x6 AFM is based on
a PC microcontroller architecture and is connected to
the master computer though a standard Ethernet port.
Included with the Nano-IM™ 6x6 is a peripheral control
cabinet that contains the stage control electronics, a
vacuum control system, and a pressure control system.
All of the vacuum and pressure hoses required for the
vacuum chuck are also included with the Nano-IM™ 6x6
AFM.
For a detailed description of the Nano-IM™ 6x6 controller, request data sheet #P-010-0000-1.
Nano-IM™ Software
There are two software modules for acquiring and analyzing AFM images included with the Nano-IM™ 6x6system. Also available as an option is the Nano-Rule+™ analysis software module. All are described below:
EZMode™ Software: For new users or users that want to use the Nano-IM™ 6x6 on an infrequent basis,
EZMode™ software is ideal. EZMode™ software guides an operator through the essential steps for acquiring
AFM images.
X’pert™ Mode Software: This acquisition software is designed for advanced users that want the flexibility to
control all of the parameters in the Nano-IM™ 6x6 stage. Control of each parameter in the stage is available
through a series of windows.
Image Analysis: All of the important features required for rapidly visualizing and analyzing AFM images are
included with the Nano-Rule+™ software. Additionally, because Nano-Rule+™ software was written for
Windows, it takes advantage of all the state of the art browsing and report generation features available in the
Windows environment.
Image Acquisition Software
The Nano-IM™ 6x6 has two types of image capture software; one is for casual or novice users and the other
is for advanced users. EZMode™ software is ideal for new Nano-IM™ 6x6 operators or operators that want
to use the instrument on an occasional basis. The X’pert™ software gives powerful control over the Nano-IM™
6x6 and is designed for advanced AFM users.
EZModeTM Software
EZMode™ software is a sequential software package that guides you through the process of acquiring an AFM
image. The process oriented software gives a step-by-step procedure for getting an AFM image. At the top of
the EZMode™ screen is a sequence of the steps that must be followed.
 |
- Start: Assure that a cantilever is in the view of the microscope. Place sample in the microscope.
Calibrate scanner.
- Select Mode: Choose contact mode, vibrating mode, or crystal force mode.
- Align Laser: Align the laser on the cantilever.
- Frequency Sweep: Perform automatic peak detection for vibrating mode imaging.
- Stage: Center tip over the area to be scanned.
- Tip Approach: Activate the motors for approaching the sample with the probe.
- Scan Sample: Set the scan size and scan parameters.
- Image Processing: Visualize and analyze images.
- Tip Retract: Move the tip away from the sample surface.
X’pert™ Mode Software
Direct control of the available features in “interactive” mode is possible with the X’pert™ software. Below is a
view of the screen for X’pert™ software . The menu items that are available in the X’pert™ software are:
Oscilloscope Windows
There are five oscilloscope windows for displaying the time variation of a signal, a line, a frequency spectrum, a dual trace scope, and a line scan.
|
