We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: Scanning Probe Microscopes
University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
A similar process occurs when the cantilever drops downward:

The laser moves to the lower quadrants of the photodetector. The electronics start to decrease the voltage they were holding on the piezoelectric. The piezoelectric lengthens restoring the cantilever and the position of the laser to their normal positions.

We showed delays as the circuit and piezo caught up with the bending of the cantilever. In fact the circuit adjusts the piezo so quickly that the cantilever hardly deviates from its normal bend as it runs up and down over bumps.

 
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