Implementation of Recycling Routes for Scanning Probe Microscopy Tips

Abstract

In this work, effective, yet simple, recycling mechanisms for used scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tips were implemented. Comprising a tip profile characterization methodology and specific cleaning procedures, which decontaminate SPM tips whether the contamination nature is known or not, such routes were optimized during numerous tests with brand new, previously used, and already discarded categories of SPM tips. The results show that if the used tip suffered contamination only, but no physical damages, during its scanning lifetime, it becomes readily available for reutilization after the cleansing process, characterizing a recycling route. On the other hand, if the tip went through wear and breakages during its utilization, it still can be decontaminated, but may not be directly reutilized due to its inadequate physical profile. Nevertheless, the methodology developed in this work may yet be applied as part of a more complex recycling route.

Feeling for Filaments: Quantification of the Cortical Actin Web in Live Vascular Endothelium

“…Thus, imaging setpoints were generally set as low as possible and appropriate values were determined empirically at the beginning of each experiment. The probes were cleaned after each experiment by rinsing in deionized water and acetone ( 23 ), and subsequent plasma treatment (PDC 32G; Harrick Plasma, Ithaca, NY) for 10 min.…”