Ch. 7. iDrive Imaging Sec. 7.2. Cleaning and Repair
Figure iDrive Tune
Here is an example of a magnetically driven
iDrive cantilever
Figure Acoustic AC tune
Here is the same iDrive cantilever acoustically
tuned using the piezo actuator.
7.1.4. Imaging Specifics
Once the cantilever is tunes and you initiate the engage routine, you may notice the free amplitude
slowly decreases as the tip gets closer. This is due to the interacting of the steel sample puck interfering
with the magnetic field lines emitted by magnet in the iDrive holder. As you see this begin to happen
you may wish to increase the drive amplitude in the main controls tab. Generally a few “UP” clicks
while the tip is approaching is all that’s needed.
As a point of reference, a free amplitude of around 500mv may require 2-5v of drive. This is not a
problem but simply a point to note as you learn to operate the system with these types of probes.
Another thing to note is that the volume of liquid has lilt affect over the amplitude response. Since the
cantilever is driven magnetically and not by pressure waves transmitted through the fluid.
After an imaging session is completed, clean the cantilever holder before storage. If it is particularly
dirty, disassemble it before cleaning. Please see
7.2 for the details. When clean and dry, store the
cantilever holder and the other parts and tools in its designated kit box.
7.2. Cleaning and Repair
In daily use, the iDrive cantilever holder can be cleaned by rinsing the exposed surfaces of the glass
window and cantilever clips with clean de-ionized water. Following the rinse, the holder can be dried
using low-pressure compressed air or by blotting with a soft tissue.
For stringent cleaning, the iDrive cantilever holder must be disassembled. Only the parts exposed to the
sample liquid should be cleaned. The cantilever holder body and associated electronics should be kept
dry.
The cantilever holder clip, window assembly, Mounting hardware and evaporation control parts can
be cleaned by soaking in ethanol. Sonication of the parts can also be performed. Rinse the parts in
clean de-ionized water. Dry the parts with either low-pressure compressed air or a soft tissue before
reassembling the holder.
BETA
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