SPM Set-up

Figure 1.1: SPM Set-up. 1 - Microscope , 2 - DAC and ADC conversion unit, 3 - Stepper motor controller, 4 - DSP board, 5 - computers (left computer - server, right computer - remote user).

Scanning probe microscope set-up consists of several functional parts (units), that is shown on pic.1.1. These parts are - microscope with piezomanipulator which drives the probe, tunneling current converter and stepper motor that allow to approach a sample to the probe; analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog (DAC) conversion electronics, that also contain hi-voltage amplifiers; stepper motor control electronics; digital signal processing (DSP) board, that evaluate feedback signal; computer, that collect information and provide user interface. ADC and DAC electronics joined with stepper motor controller in one case. Board with signal processor (DSP - Digital Signal Processor) ADSP 2171 from Analog Devices Corp. installed in ISA slot of the computer.