New AFM users must attend a compulsory training session before being given access to a microscope on the booking system. Certain AFM systems will be more suitable for specific sample types and this will be determined in advance of the training session. AFM training must be undertaken by one of the AFM staff and can only take place once the user has undertaken the LCN health and safety course. Once each user is trained, lab access and booking system access will be granted so they can work independently on the instrument with some minor supervision initially. Please note, the training course is very hands on and if poor competency is demonstrated by the user, access may not be granted and independent work on the AFM will not be permitted.
Academic users
Up to two trainees can be accommodated in each session and users are encouraged to bring along their own samples to practice on. Undergraduates are permitted to use the equipment, but only under supervision and will not be given independent lab access. Basic training (setting up instrument, imaging and sample analysis) for someone unfamiliar to AFM will take 1-1.5 days and more advanced techniques will require additional training time. Once trained a member of the AFM staff will be available to assist / offer advice during initial booked sessions.
Course layout
Dimension/Multimode 8 systems
- How an AFM works
- What cantilevers to use
- How to mount a cantilever in the holder
- How to set the instrument up ie. align laser, align photodetector, focus on your surface
- Discuss imaging parameters for Contact Mode
- Image a simple surface in Contact Mode
- How to save and analyse an image
- Discuss imaging parameters in PeakForce Tapping (PFT) Mode
- Image various surfaces in PFT Mode
- Analyse your own surface
*Dimension FastScan users will need to undertake the general Dimension Icon training first
Nanowizard systems
- How an AFM works
- What cantilevers to use
- How to mount a cantilever in the holder
- How to set the instrument up ie. align laser, align photodetector, focus on your surface
- Discuss imaging parameters for Contact Mode
- Image a simple surface in Contact Mode
- How to save and analyse an image
- Cantilever calibrations for mechanical measurements
- Force Spectroscopy / Mapping and QI Mode
- Working in liquid if required
- Analyse your own surface
*CellHesion users will need to undertake the general Nanowizard training first
Advanced modes of operation
Further training is available on our systems as shown in the table below. For the majority of these modes, training will take approximately 1/2 - 1 day and can be arranged with the facility manager at a convenient day/time. Users are requested to bring with them samples that they wish to analyse.
Commercial users
The LCN and Bruker Corporation offer the first and only certified training for AFM users. This training aims to develop competences and expertise amongst the AFM user community and provides a guarantee of the level of expertise of certified users. The training will take place over 3 days with a maximum of 3 people and can be tailored according to the clients eventual requirements. Typically this will include lectures by the LCN AFM experts and a Bruker representative; instrument training and extensive hands on experience with operating a number of AFM instruments.
Please contact Richard Thorogate for further information