Simple retrofittable long-range x–y translation system for scanned probe microscopes

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Abstract
A simple, reliable system for long‐range translation of scanned probe microscopy (SPM) samples is described. This system could easily be retrofitted to many existing SPMs. The sample is held magnetically onto the scan piezo tube, and is translated by stick‐slip motion. The system is very reliable, and provides controllable step size ranging from 20 nm to 1 μm. Three stick‐slip drive wave forms are described and tested: sawtooth, cycloid, and an ‘‘improved’’ cycloid based on the resonance curve of a harmonic oscillator. Computer simulations of the stick‐slip process are presented, and are in good agreement with experiment. Together, the experiments and simulations demonstrate that it is essential to consider the resonant response of the piezo when evaluating drive wave forms.

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