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Tip Preparation Sub-Facility

Computer Controlled Tip Etching Station

Instrument Model: SS01C
Manufacturer: Obbligato Objectives
(Computer not included in purchase)

Etching stand - side view
(Click on image to view close up of Au rings)

Description
The SS01C is an instrument used to produce STM/AFM tips from tungsten or platinum wire.  Its sophisticated computer algorithm detects the needle's status as it approaches nanometer thickness.   The sudden change in voltage differential corresponds to the exact point where the needle breaks and the current stops.  This results in tips with low aspect ratio and is most desirable for STM/AFM tips.  Schrodinger's Sharpener electrochemically etches the wire using pure gold rings that support lamella film of NaOH(aq).

The instrument operates in both DC and AC (pulse) modes.  All controls are accessed through a graphical user interface running on its host computer.

Instructions:
DC/AC (pulse) etching .html format .doc format

Tungsten tip x150
SEM picture of tungsten tip etched with Schrodinger's Sharpener

More SEM pictures
Tungsten
Platinum/Iridium
 
 

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Darkfield Reflection Microscope and Integrated Micromanipulator
Transmission Optical Microscope and Integrated Micromanipulator