Model 150-2D
Very High Resolution Calibration Reference for AFM and SEM

AFM Images

Tapping Mode 3 um AFM scan


Average height profile from above image

The smooth bumps produce a very regular height profile that gives improved pitch measurement precision.



The bump height is about 90 nm.  This specimen is not recommended as a height reference because it is not easy for the standard AFM probes to reach the substrate level between the bumps.

The above scans were made in TappingMode.


Contact Mode 5 um scan

During scanning in contact mode using a 0.5 N/m SiN cantilever, we did not notice any surface or tip wear affecting the image. 

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SEM Characteristics

A leading independent analytical lab examined a Model 150-2D specimen in a Hitachi S4700 FE-SEM.  The specimen was mounted using a conductive carbon adhesive tape and easily imaged at high resolution. Four accelerating voltages were used:  1, 5, 10, and 20 kV.  No significant charging was observed at any voltage.

High magnification images

The following images were captured with a magnification setting of 100 kX.  The appearance of the bumps changes with accelerating voltage as expected.  At 1 kV, the electrons penetrate only a short distance, giving a surface sensitive image that shows the rounded topography of the bumps. At 5 kV, the bumps have a flat appearance.  The edges appear brighter at 10 kV and at 20 kV, the edge contrast is very pronounced.

1 kV
5 kV
10 kV
20 kV

Medium Magnification

At 5 kX, the individual bumps were still well-resolved.  Large fields of view show how few defects are present.  The most common defects are single missing bumps or a single extra bump inserted between lattice positions.  Two vacancies are present in the image shown here.

20 kV

After completing the work, the analyst said: "It was nice to have something with sharp features." 

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updated 04/09/2007

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