Beetle Family

prodArrowSliderBeetle UHV VT AFM

Performance and versatility using standard cantilevers with the most accurate UHV AFM laser deflection system

Beetle UHV VT AFM Overview

Based on the field-proven “Johnny Walker” Beetle™ design, RHK’s VT Beetle is the most mechanically and thermally stable of the many variable temperature SPM designs on the market today. Wide VT operation from 25 K (LHe) to 1500 K, the Beetle AFM/STM systems are based on the traditional laser deflection – position sensitive detection (PSD) feedback design. This provides the full range of AFM acquisition modes including; Normal Force, Lateral Force, Non-Contact, Near Contact, Constant Height, CAFM, MFM, simultaneous AFM/STM, and more. The Beetle AFM includes standard commercial cantilever mounts and standard STM tip wire mounts with in vacuum storage and in-situ exchange for easy cantilever and/or tip exchange without breaking the vacuum. The open exchange holders also provide for in-situ thermal and ion beam tip conditioning.

Beetle STM Quick Specifications

  • Straightforward laser path without mirrors or lenses
  • Intuitive orthogonal laser and PSD alignment
  • True quantitative friction force measurements
  • Coarse XY positioning at least 5 mm x 5 mm
  • Scan range of at least 5 micron x 5 micron XY
  • Minimum resolution of 0.5Å (X, Y) and 0.1Å (Z)
  • Thermal drift <1 Å/min
  • Sample temperatures: from 25 K (LHe) to >1500 K; or 100 K (LN2) to >1500 K
  • Sample size 10mm diameter
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Beetle UHV VT AFM Specifics

  • Inherent Mechanical and Thermal Stability due to small mechanical and thermal loop, inherently stiff and compact Beetle design, and symmetrical geometry. Thermal drift <1 Å/min
  • Easy day-to-day use without frustration of others’ more complex and less intuitive approach
  • Simple, direct line of sight laser positioning on cantilever with X and Y motors
  • Simple, direct line of sight PSD positioning to reflected laser spot with X and Y motors
  • Simple optical path, without mirrors or lenses
  • Easy to adjust to center of PSD
  • True quantitative lateral force (LFM and nanotribilogy) measurements can be made
  • Optical pathway adjusts on both the cantilever and detector, allowing nulling of both normal and lateral force signals.
  • Heating samples has no impact on Scan Tube, eliminating danger of affecting its thermal coefficient and causing drift
  • Beetle design scans more quickly than sample scanners due to fewer restrictions on resonant frequency
  • Coarse XY positioning at least 5 mm x 5 mm
  • Scan range of at least 5 micron x 5 micron XY
  • Minimum resolution of 0.5Å (X, Y) and 0.1Å (Z).
  • Thermal drift <1 Å/min
  • Sample temperatures: from 25 K (LHe) to >1500 K; or 100 K (LN2) to >1500 K
  • Beetle sample holder uniquely provides true and accurate sample temperature measurement via thermocouple in direct contact with sample itself.
  • Sample temperatures from 25 K to >1500 K on SPM sample stage and on manipulator stages in preparation/analysis chambers
  • Sample temperature while imaging: 1000 K for AFM (with new Therma AFM), 1000 K for STM
  • 6 electrical contacts to sample holder (2 for temperature, 2 for heating, 2 for auxiliary use such as BEEM). A single holder conveniently supports all heating and cooling modes – radiative, e-beam, resistive/DC; LN2 and LHe
  • Sample holders also available for Cleaving; delivering RF signal to sample; and heating in reactive gases via Quartz Bulb or Ceramic Button
  • Sample size 10mm diameter
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