December+14-15

December 14-

No snow

New sample: -Au(III) exposed to beta source for 27 hours -Portable STM -Cut new PtIr tip before starting scan

-The scope never successfully approached. -I cut new tips, checked the current, restarted both the computer and scope, changed the postion of the gold on the puck, applied ethanol multiple times -The tip would retract but not move forward. When close, the computer would show progress in approaching but after several minutes nothing would happen, leading me to cancel the approach and start over. -With any luck, tomorrow will be a better scanning day. if this persists i shall ask natalie for assistance relatively early in the afternoon

December 15-

-Scanning the same sample from yesterday (27 hour beta exposure) -Portable STM -Cut a new PtIr tip

-As was the case yesterday, the tip absolutely refused to approach -I went through the usual processes- changing the currents, the tip, etc.

-Natalie had the suggestion of scanning graphite to check if the scope was alright -The graphite worked, and we concluded that the gold was being pinched to the piezo too tightly, causing the clip to go through the gold to the mica