We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: Scanning Probe Microscopes
University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
The initial goal is to center the laser beam by adjusting the tilt of the first mirror as shown here.

A properly centered beam can be confirmed by the electronics. However, when the beam is way off center, it is easier to find and correct its position by bouncing the laser from the photodetector onto a frosted glass window. The window is positioned so that when the laser spot is centered in the window it is also in the approximate center of the detector. The operator just tweaks the two knobs at the left to tilt the mirror appropriately.

 
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