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Clean contaminated AFM cantilever?

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thuvu posted on Wed, Nov 7 2012 6:36 AM

Hi, 

I got AFM cantilevers contaminated during AFM measurements. I guess these contaminations are from my samples which are polymeric surfaces. I wanna clean them with UV/ozone cleaner or piranha solution. But I am afraid that it won't work for my cantilevers due to the high molecular weight of polymer. Do you have any suggestions for me in this case?

 

Thank you so much,

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replied on Fri, Nov 16 2012 4:37 AM

Hi Thuvu,

One way out is (under the condition that you operate in fluid) have a flow through while you are imaging. That way you are very likely to flush away 90% of the contaminants.

UV/ozone cleaner is not 100% efficient. Depending on the nature of your polymers, detergents might also help.

Piranha solution? Yes, this is the radical approach but I am afraid it might affect the coating too. And I am not sure it's still allowed to use it ;-)...

Best,

 

Alex.

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