NOVEMBER 1996 REPORT FOR
W. CHARLES SYMONS, III
Because the Nd:YAG pumped OPO laser system has been connected and its
data collection code made operational, a very quick alignment was
performed on the laser such that it could at least be fired at higher
powers without incurring damage. Once this quick alignment was
performed, the a test polystyrene spectrum was collected in order to
determine just how much more work would be required to completely
calibrate the laser. As expected, the spectrum turned out to be complete
noise such that a complete realignment of the laser will be required. With
the laser system and its data collection software progressing nicely,
research was begun on the scanning mechanism for the Near-Field
Scanning Optical Microscope (NSOM) instrument. Several books and WWW
references were consulted concerning the design and characteristics of
piezo actuators. While construction of a piezo stage would not be
impossible it would be extremely difficult at best. Therefore, in order to
build the best NSOM possible, it was determined that an appropriate piezo
stage could be purchased from several different competitors. At this
time, although a final decision has not been made, the Melles Griot
NanoBlock is the current choice for use in the NSOM instrument .