The Nanoscale World

Strange linear trenches...

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lgc posted on Mon, Dec 17 2012 7:08 PM

 

When I deal with wide scans I have been encountering these strange linear trenches that compound the noise issues in my images. I've been playing with gains, scan rates and offset voltages, but I haven't been able to eradicate this pest.

I would appreciate the Forum's advice. Thank you and best regards.

 

 

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I think it could be caused by contamination from the sample (or tip).  It should also appear on smaller scan sizes (~50um).

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lgc replied on Tue, Dec 18 2012 6:46 PM

Would what you mention be the only possible cause? Thanks.

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This is a very large scan, with a high Z scale as well. You don't say what the sample is, or the Scanning conditions, but my first thought would be to try a very low scan rate, to compensate for the very long scan lines (i.e. Tip velocity = Scansize x scan rate). You could try scan rates of 0.25 Hz, and see if that helps.

Tip and/or sample contamination can also be the cause as mentioned above. 

Also make sure you are using the correct driving frequency (if in tapping mode), by re-adjusting the tune close to the surface.

pete.

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