I was trying to image PDMS gels with AFM. I was not able to get any proper picture of the substrate, there was false engagement and noise. The substrate is plasma treated and coated with collagen. Any suggestions?
Probe with small k will help. AFM works when silence is. AFM needs stable conditions (no vibrations, wind, air move, no aircondition near, etc).
PDMS gels are so soft. It is very difficult to use AFM tip to scan the images. Why not use a high resolution microscope?
There are many, many possibilities... It is quite rare, but you might have static charges on the PDMS and on the tip. They can exert very high repulsive forces.
Another problem could be a very thick and extremely soft collagen layer, almost liquid - not likely, is it?
Assuming you worked in noncontact/oscillation/tapping, I would mount an old (i.e. cheap) tip, switch to contact mode, and approach at very high setpoint force. The tip might well penetrate the collagen, but not the SiO2 layer (the plasma-treated top surface of your PDMS), and you should obtain some (poor) image. Maybe a starting point for troubleshooting.
Hi, try to use dynamic scanning modes like non-contact or intermittent-contact mode if not already used. Using these Scans are possible on different types of surfaces, including soft samples and samples with loosely attached objects.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Counseling Psychology
- Confusion