Re: Leveling Image

Posted by Michael Schmid on Aug 24, 2011; 10:34am
URL: http://imagej.273.s1.nabble.com/Leveling-Image-tp3683357p3683360.html

On 24 Aug 2011, at 11:53, ashamim wrote:
> ...
> @ Michael Do u think there is some possible way to get rid of these  
> steps
> from the base ? I mean so that they shouldn't even come from the AFM.


Hi Ahsan,

well, I am not an AFM expert, it depends on what operating mode you  
use, and also on the samples.

In contact mode, you should use a contact force as low as possible  
and also avoid scanning at too high speeds, so the feedback loop can  
react in time when the tip reaches a high protrusion.

Also in intermittent contact mode (tapping mode), you can choose an  
amplitude setpoint that is closer to the free amplitude, to reduce  
the contact force, and also make sure the scanning speed is not too  
high.

If the problem is due to the tip picking up particles from the  
surface (typically, the tip becomes longer, so it looks like an  
upwards step in the image): If and the sample allows it, try to  
remove all particles by suitable preparation: rinse in a solvent and  
blow the solvent off, remove particles by strong blowing with dry  
nitrogen or (better) CO2 show cleaning, etc.

I'd propose that you talk to someone who has experience in AFM on  
samples like yours.

Michael