Recovery After Nanoindentation of HDPE

Before indenting the sample, the AFM is set up for standard TM-operation, as described in Sect. 3.2 in Chap. 3. The operation frequency and amplitude are adjusted to v at 0.85 A0 and 150 nm, respectively. This amplitude is sufficient to avoid permanent tip-sample contact/adherence during the scans. It is advisable to note the rms amplitude (see below). 

Then the AFM is switched to CM-operation, which may require a slight adjustment of the photodiode position. The indentation measurements are carried out at specified location (using the offset function of the scan menu) as detailed in hands-on example 43. 

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