Park SmartScan™ is a revolutionary operating software developed for Park AFMs. It enables even untrained, inexperienced users to produce high-quality nanoscale images, by using three simple mouse clicks in Auto Mode, which rival that made by experts using standard methods.
All of the tools and functions that enable seasoned users to feel at home are provided by Park SmartScan’s Manual Mode. Park SmartScan is considered to be the best AFM operating software available because of its ease-of-use, quality, and extreme versatility.
Park SmartScan™ - AFM Operating Software
Benefits
The key benefits of the Park SmartScan AFM operating software include:
- Speeds up image scanning
- Ensures high image quality every time
- Eliminates tedious work
- Reduces learning time
- Removes user errors that may result into tip or system damage
- Develops higher user productivity
Combining Power and Simplicity
Complicated operation is required by most AFMs, but this is not the case with systems powered with Park SmartScan. All that is needed from the user are three mouse clicks in the software’s Auto Mode which features animated setup instructions that anyone can understand. The system also offers a comprehensive set of parameter settings and functions to provide more control.
This is how it works after turning on the AFM system:
1. Click “Setup”
A small window appears with an animation that instructs the user to set the instrument and place the sample for imaging. This typically takes only a few minutes.
2. Click “Position”
The system automatically carries out the frequency sweep for the cantilever, approaches the Z-stage to the sample, and automatically focuses the sample allowing the user to see and navigate the specific area for imaging.
3. Click “Image”
The system sets all of the necessary parameters for optimum performance, engages the cantilever, and begins scanning the sample. It then continues to scan until the image is obtained and completed.
End
The cantilever disengages from the sample, and is ready for the imaging of the next sample.
Park SmartScan Offers Solutions to Save You Time
Park SmartScan Auto Mode autonomously performs all of the necessary operations for imaging and intelligently decides on the optimum scan speed and image quality. This aspect of Park SmartScan is made possible by proprietary technologies from Park Systems which save users’ time and money, resulting in better end results.
User-Friendly Experience
With the Park SmartScan interface and layout, everything is at the user’s fingertips. A large optical window provides easy access to view the laser PSPD alignment, sample, the tip and laser reflection, and controls Z stage and XY stage movements. Users can also effortlessly control the vision, Z stage, XY stage, light strength, and more with only a few swipes and clicks of a mouse.
Eight individual trace-lines, or channels, can be monitored and controlled simultaneously (e.g. scan rate, amplitude, EFM, and topography) and conveniently saves custom trace-line profiles. To obtain a comprehensive analysis, users can also plot any two signal channels on the same real-time dual-axis graph.
FastApproach™
At the click of a button, the Z scanner moves automatically towards the sample and at a much higher speed than a standard manual approach. Park's unique FastApproach™ safely takes the probe down to the sample surface at full speed without need for user's intervention and engages only 10 seconds after loading the cantilever.
Easy to Find an Area of Interest
Following the probe-to-surface engagement, the optical camera automatically focuses on the sample to find the user’s region of interest (ROI). The interface design of Park SmartScan enables intuitive navigation of the sample by controlling the motorized stages in the integrated optical window. The user can directly move to the ROI by clicking the preferred position in the optical window.
Single-Click Imaging with Park SmartScan™ Auto Mode
All that is needed to be specified for AFM imaging are scan size and pixel density. Outside of those factors, all sophisticated AFM parameters can be left up to the Auto Mode of Park SmartScan. The system will commencemeasurement with optimized conditions for automatic imaging at the click of a mouse.
Speeds Up Imaging with AdaptiveScan™
Park's innovative AdaptiveScan™ monitors the scan speed automatically based on the valleys and peaks of the sample surface. AdaptiveScan modifies the optimum scan speed dynamically in order to obtain a quality image of an unknown morphology at a higher speed.
This shortens the imaging time while retaining superior quality in the resulting image which is comparable to one manually generated by a well-trained expert. AdaptiveScan automatically applies a new optimal condition when zooming in to a target or moving to neighboring locations.
Wizard Guides
The steps required for each operation are easily explained by a setup wizard embedded in the software. This setup wizard includes schematics that are self-explanatory and also allow for easy, quick operation even for an inexperienced AFM user.
Park SmartScan Quick Support
A remote access service is integrated with Park SmartScan for rapid troubleshooting or assistance with the AFM operations.
An AFM OS for Everyone, from Amateurs to Experts
A streamlined system to generate publishable high-quality AFM data is offered by Park SmartScan's Auto Mode, whether the user’s AFM needs are focused on failure analysis, industrial nanometrology, or academic research. SmartScan promises productive sessions with an AFM even for less seasoned users or beginners in order to obtain quality data as good as an expert's, without the struggle of using a trial-and-error approach to acquire experience.
A Single Solution for both Auto and Manual Operation
Park SmartScan provides a way to use AFM in a typical manual mode for those who would eschew automation in favor of having complete control over every aspect of their work. In addition, powerful programmable scripting features are also available to allow experienced researchers to design experiments that need increased flexibility in data acquisition.
Better Productivity for Advanced Experimentation: Built-in Macros
Built-in macros can be effortlessly loaded and applied to repeat operations, such as moving the Z stage or XY stage to a particular location or resetting the operation of the system. It is also possible for users to alter existing macros or create new ones as required.
Park SmartScan AFM Operating Software
Here is how it works after you turn on the AFM system
Park SmartScan Quick Support
A Single Solution for both Auto and Manual Operation