People studying to be biologists and scientists need to understand the nature of piezo scanners, particularly the contact mode. By fully understanding the benefits of these scanners, a biologist can prepare for their career:

The Purpose Of The Piezo Scanner

Piezo scanners are sensitive scanners that use an AFM tip to create a very accurate look when using the scanner. They are among the most sensitive and precise of all microscopic tools because they use electric surges to adjust the position of the scanner. As a result, they can increase the accuracy and zoom on items. They are particularly useful when dealing with microbiology.

Without going into excessive technical detail, there are two different modes. These are non-contact and contact mode. A non-contact mode is specifically used for atomic-level microscopy. However, the most commonly used mode is likely to contact.

The Contact Mode Of The Piezo Scanner

Contact mode occurs when the tip of the piezo scanner is literally in contact with the surface of the item being scanned. When this mode is used, the tip of the microscope, known as the cantilever, touches the medium and creates a meniscus or a bubble that protects it from contaminating the sample. As a result, the sample is easier to examine and can be zoomed into a higher level.

When considering whether or not to use contact or non-contact mode, it is important to gauge some considerations. For example, it is typically not effective with atomic particles because it requires a more exact microscope option. There are also several other things to understand before choosing.

Considerations For Contact Mode

When piezo scanners go into contact mode, they can be adjusted in all three dimensions. For example, it is possible to adjust their position on the x, y, and z dimensions. When a biologist adjusts the controls of the piezo scanner during contact mode, they also have to make sure to avoid pressing the microscope too hard against the surface of the item they are examining.

For example, if they are using contact mode to examine a sample of blood to identify a virus, it is important to avoid pressing the blood too hard. Typically, the z dimension in contact made is less utilized. As a result, contact mode often has less extreme zoom options.

In most educational settings, piezo stages are often utilized to help prepare biologists for the use of these tools. They are an essential item to understand, particularly contact mode, as they will help you get a detailed look at essential items.