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Keysight NanoSuite

Training Manual
Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual i
Discover the Possibilities with

NanoSuite Professional Software

This document is to be provided along with the G200 User's Manual.


This document provides training for the NanoSuite and Analyst
software.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual ii


Notices
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Keysight Technologies

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Support Email: nanomechtech@keysight.com

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual iv


Contents

Table of Contents
Contact Information iv
Technical Support iv

I Table of Contents

1 Introduction
Section Objectives 2
Running Your First Batch 2
Setting up Users in NanoSuite 2
Method Selection 2
Running Tests and Setting up Batches 2
The Review Page 2
Using Analyst to Review Indentation Data 3
Using Analyst to Perform a Tip Calibration 3
Ensuring Quality Fused Silica Data 3
Scratch Testing 3
Commonly Used Procedures 3
Basic Indentation Process 4
Method Modification 4

2 Running Your First Batch


Loading a Batch and Starting the Test 6
Functions on the Test Page 8
Reviewing the Indentation Data 9

3 Setting Up Users in NanoSuite


Create a User and Define the Access Level 11
Exercise 13

4 Method Selection
Using PDF files for Method Selection 16
Exercise 17
Indentation Methods 18

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Contents

5 Running Tests and Setting Up Batches


Setting up and Saving Batches 22
Recalling and Running a Predefined Batch 24

6 The Review Page


Exploring the Review Page 26
Changing Surface Contact Locations 28
Comparing Multiple Samples in NanoSuite 29
Changing Inputs Post-Test 30
Review Page Menu Options 31

7 Ensuring Quality Fused Silica Data


Properties of Fused Silica and Trouble Shooting Options 36

8 Performing Frame Stiffness and Area


Function Calibrations
Exercise 39
Collecting the Data 39
Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration 40
General Information 40
Area Function Information 45
Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration: Express Test 53
Frame Stiffness Calibration: ISO 14577 Method 59
Frame Stiffness Calibration: CSM Method 69
75

9 Using Analyst to Review Indentation Data


Creating a Report to Compare Multiple Samples 77

10 Scratch Testing
Some Scratch Test Parameters 80

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Contents

Required Inputs 80
Standard Scratch Test 81
Reviewing Scratch Data on the NanoSuite Review Page 85
Exercise 86
Reading Scratch Results 89
Critical Load and Penetration Depth at Critical Load 90
Cross Profile Parameters 91
Summary for Reviewing Scratch Data 94

11 Survey Scanning
Survey Scan Method 96
Select a Scan Area 97
Start a Scan 99
3D Graph Menu 101
Graph Type 102
Rendering 102
Mouse Mode 102
Z Scaling 102
Invert Z-Axis 103
Z Zero Offset 103
Gridlines 103
Axis Labels 103
Show Profile 103
Operations 104
Colors 109
Print 112
Export Data 112
Default Settings 112
Help 112
Return to the Test Window 113
Indenting or Scratch Testing 114

12 Commonly Used Procedures


Mounting and Loading Samples 116
Changing and Cleaning the XP Indentation Tip 118
Calibrating the Indenter to a Microscope 122
Changing the Objective 123
Changing the Workspace from XP to DCM Mode 124

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Contents

A Basic Indentation Processes


Surface Find Test Segment 127
Surface Approach Inputs in Test Methods 128
Standard Load and Unload Method 129
Hardness and Modulus Calculations 130
Hardness 130
Elastic Modulus 130
Continuous Stiffness Measurement Indentation Processes 133
Hardness and Modulus Calculations for CSM 134
Modulus 134
Hardness 136

B Method Modification
Menu Options for Method Modification 138
Creating New Formulas for Analysis 140
Load Applied to the Sample at 200 nm into the Surface 140
The Value of the Reduced Modulus at the Maximum Load 141
Average Load During Thermal Drift Correction 142
The Value of the Load at the Start of the Hold for Thermal
Drift 142

C Procedure Posters
Selecting a Method 145
Loading Samples 147
Running Samples 149
Is Your Fused Silica Data OK? 150

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual viii


Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

1
Introduction
Section Objectives 2
Running Your First Batch 2
Setting up Users in NanoSuite 2
Method Selection 2
Running Tests and Setting up Batches 2
The Review Page 2
Using Analyst to Review Indentation Data 3
Using Analyst to Perform a Tip Calibration 3
Ensuring Quality Fused Silica Data 3
Scratch Testing 3
Commonly Used Procedures 3
Basic Indentation Process 4
Method Modification 4

Welcome to the first level of NanoSuite training. This manual has been
created with years of experience in training customers. It will introduce
the new user to the different screens of NanoSuite, main menus, ways to
run tests, and how to review data. The manual is set up to walk the new
user through the following steps:
• Running Your First Batch of Tests
• Setting up NanoSuite for a lab with multiple users
• Understanding the basics of indentation testing and selecting
methods for testing
• Running indentation tests and reviewing data
• Running scratch tests and reviewing scratch data
• Performing basic functions to ensure quality data collection
• Modify methods to tailor testing to the user's needs
Every concept will be presented as an exercise that will present different
functionalities useful to the user. By the end of this training the user will
be able to run tests, review results, and make sure that the instrument is
performing well. This manual is written so that anyone may go through
the training with minimal supervision.
1 - Introduction

Section Objectives
The objectives of each section are listed below:

Running Your First Batch


Load a batch of tests
Change the data that is displayed on the real time graph
Add meters to the Test page
Review the sample post-test
Print a Sample Summary report with any edits.

Setting up Users in NanoSuite


Add a new user to NanoSuite that requires an entry password
Limit the accessibility of a user
Change the Access level of a method
Specify new directories for data storage
Limit the functions available to the user

Method Selection
Use the PDF file associated with the method to investigate the purpose,
input requirements, and the applicable materials for the method
Use a list of descriptions for test methods to determine which might best
fit their testing needs

Running Tests and Setting up Batches


Set up batches of tests
Save standard batch formats for quick test set up
Recall batches for quick test set up

The Review Page


Navigate the review page
Change the graphical display options
Review two different samples in one NanoSuite file

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1 - Introduction

Change input values for a sample that has already run

Using Analyst to Review Indentation Data


Import samples into Analyst by creating a summary workbook
Understand the structural levels of the Analyst program by creating
sample level and project level graphs
Generate graphs using different formats

Using Analyst to Perform a Tip Calibration


Complete a tip calibration using fused silica as a reference material
Compare the tip area coefficients to the ideal area required for a
modulus of 72 GPa by using the Fractional Difference function in
Analyst
Use the advanced options in the tip calibration dialog box to tailor the
tip area function to their testing needs

Ensuring Quality Fused Silica Data


Identify problems in fused silica data
Troubleshoot problems that might be causing poor results on fused silica

Scratch Testing
Understand the parameters involved in scratch testing
Chart the test flow process of the scratch test
Review scratch data using standard review channels
Understand the markers associated with scratch testing
Output the data to Excel

Commonly Used Procedures


Mount and load Samples
Change and clean XP indentation tip
Perform a Microscope to indenter calibration
Change the microscope objective
Change the indentation workspace

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1 - Introduction

Basic Indentation Process


Understand the Surface Find and Surface Approach test segments along
with the required inputs associated with this integral part of the test
Create a flow diagram of the processes involved in the standard
Load-Unload and CSM methods
Describe the two techniques used for determining stiffness during an
indentation test

Method Modification
Create formulas that determine the maximum or minimum values for a
given channel
Create a function that determines the Load Applied on Sample at a
penetration depth of 200 nm
Create a formula that averages the load applied to the sample during the
Thermal Drift Correction segment
Create a formula that determines the value of a channel at a given
marker

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Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

2
Running Your First Batch
Loading a Batch and Starting the Test 6
Functions on the Test Page 8
Reviewing the Indentation Data 9

For the first time user, learning a new program can be a daunting task.
This section is designed to get you moving fast! In this section, the user
will go through testing a sample and reviewing the real time and
post-test data.

By the end of this section the user will be able to:


• Load a batch of tests
• Change the data that is displayed on the real time graph
• Add meters to the Test page
• Review the sample post-test
• Print a Sample Summary report with any edits
2 - Running Your First Batch

Loading a Batch and Starting the Test


The following steps walk the user through loading a batch of tests from
the NanoSuite Training files and testing a sample at five locations using
either the G-Series CSM Standard Hardness, Modulus and Tip Cal
indentation method or the G-Series Basic Indentation method to a
penetration of 2000 nm.
1 Mount one of your samples (the user may want to start with testing
fused silica) to the aluminum sample pucks and load it into the
sample tray. Then, load the sample into the instrument and close the
cabinet. Details on mounting samples and loading the sample tray
can be found in Chapter 12, “Commonly Used Procedures.”
2 Open NanoSuite and log into your account. Open the method
"G-Series Basic Hardness, Modulus at a Depth."
3 In the top menu bar, click on Mode and select Batch Mode.
4 Right-click in the Sample Name Display Window (the right most
panel) and select Load Batch.
5 When the selection dialogue box opens, find the NanoSuite Samples
file and open the folder labeled "1 - NanoSuite Training;" the flow
for finding this folder is as follows: Local Disk C: > Program Files
>Keysight NanoSuite > Samples >1 - NanoSuite Training

Select either "Standard CSM Test Batch.bch" (select this one if the
instrument configuration has the CSM option) or the "Basic XP Test
Batch.bch."
6 Click the Run (big green arrow) button and at the dialogue box,
replace Sample 1 with the sample name and click OK.
7 Right-click in the Video Image box that appeared and select Nano
Handset; this allows fast positioning of the sample stage.
8 Click on the sample puck that corresponds to the sample location so
an outline of the microscope cone is located over the position.
Right-click and select Move to Target; this will move the selected
position under the microscope.
9 Right-click in the Video Image box and select Nano Video Handset.
Use the up and down arrows in the lower left of the video image to
adjust the focus of the microscope; the large arrows focus fast while
the small arrows focus slowly.
10 The Microscope Light intensity can be adjusted by moving the light
bulb icon (Figure 1) to the left for less light or to the right for more.
If additional lighting adjustment is required the intensity and
aperture may be adjusted by utilizing the external levers located on
the G200 gantry. Aperture is the left lever. Light intensity is the right
lever.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 6


2 - Running Your First Batch

Figure 1 Light intensity icon

11 Using the mouse place the red crosshairs over a clean part of the
sample and click OK. Now, the tests are running.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 7


2 - Running Your First Batch

Functions on the Test Page


When the test starts running the instrument will find the surface of the
sample and pause until the thermal drift of the sample and system drops
below 0.05 nm/s. After this criterion is reached, the instrument will
continue with the test; due to temperature differences in the room this
process can take some time to settle out. The first step in the test after
the pause is a surface approach. At this time the indenter approaches the
surface of the sample at the test location. The next exercises will walk
the user through monitoring the tests.
1 When the test has started (after the Approaching Surface dialog box
has disappeared), right-click in the Graphical Display Window.
2 The menu in this window allows you to choose the X and Y-axis data
arrays for display on the graphs. The X and Y-Axis Channels display
all of the available data arrays that are available for viewing during
the test. The default display is either Modulus vs. Displacement into
Surface or Load on Sample vs. Displacement into Surface. For
practice, change the graphical display to Load on Sample vs. Time.
3 Right-click again on the Graphical Display window and choose
Properties. Go through the tabs at the top of the new window and
examine the contents of each page. Using these options, the user can
change the properties of the graphical display.
4 Exit the Properties window, right-click on the meters that are
displayed on the bottom of the screen and choose Properties.
5 Examine the options available on this screen. Notice that meters can
be added or deleted for display and the appearance of the meters can
be changed.

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2 - Running Your First Batch

Reviewing the Indentation Data


1 When one or more tests have completed, click on the Review tab
located under the main menu icons.
2 On this page the user can review the indentation data as other tests
are being conducted. Select one of the tests in the left window. Click
on the number to highlight it in blue; this allows tracking and cross
hairs display of the highlighted graph.
3 If there are any tests that are outliers, right-click on the test number
and select Tag Test; this option eliminates that data from the
statistical calculations. Tagging a test does not eliminate the data.
4 On the Graphical Display panel, right-click and choose line display.
Notice that there are three choices for displaying the lines. Change
this selection to Lines and Points (when examining lots of data and
the computer is moving very slowly the Lines Only selection will
produce faster graphs).
5 Display the graph Load on Sample vs. Displacement into Surface.
6 Examine the Editable Inputs in the right most panel. These inputs
can be changed and the sample can be recalculated to reflect the
updated information (to recalculate the sample click on Tools in the
main menu and select Recalculate Sample).
7 In the far right panel, right-click and choose Raw Channel Data.
This selection displays the collected data for all of the data arrays for
a selected point on the graph.
8 Select a data point on the graph and use the arrow keys to move
around.
9 When the tests have finished running and all changes to the sample
have been made, print the sample from the File drop down menu.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 9


Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

3
Setting Up Users in NanoSuite
Create a User and Define the Access Level 11
Exercise 13

Users can be defined to restrict access to certain methods and to certain


options available in the NanoSuite interface. This allows the
administrator to define access levels to methods and require certain
training to take place before that option or method be made available to
the user. This feature is especially important in a large facility where
multiple testing functions (such as indentation with the XP and DCM
heads, scratch tests and tip changing) are taking place.

By the end of this section the user will be able to:


• Add a new user to NanoSuite that requires an entry password
• Limit the accessibility of a user
• Change the Access level of a method
• Specify new directories for data storage
• Limit the functions available to the user
3 - Setting Up Users in NanoSuite

Create a User and Define the Access Level


1 Launch NanoSuite and click OK at the User Login screen or login as
the administrator if passwords have already been set up and open any
method.
2 From the top menu bar select the User menu then click on the Users
sub category.
3 Click New to add a new user.

Type in the users name and select the appropriate Method Level Access.
Each method has a designated access level from 0 to 9. The user must
have an access level equal to or greater than the method’s access level in
order to obtain access to the method.

Note that the access level of a method can be changed by a creator under
NOTE
the Edit Method selection under the Method menu.
To change the Access Level for a Method, select Method in the menu
bar then Edit Method..., then select Configuration Items, then select
the Miscellaneous option. The first option on the screen is the Access
Level.

4 Under User Privilege, select the appropriate description:

Privilege level Description

Operator An Operator can run tests and enter the values of inputs that are required
by the test method.

Tester Can run tests and enter values of inputs that are required by the test
method. The tester can also examine method properties, but can not edit
the method.
Editor An Editor can not access the Define page and edit test method settings.
The Editor can disable or enable test segments.

Definer A Definer can access the Define page, and add or delete test segments
from a basic set of test segments. A Definer can also add/delete basic
data channels, inputs and formulas.
Creator A Creator can access the Define page, and add or delete test segments,
inputs, formulas, basic data channels, and formula channels.

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3 - Setting Up Users in NanoSuite

5 For post-login action select the option in the combo-box that will
determine what dialog will appear after the user has logged in. If you
have selected Load Default Method as the Post Login Action, then
type the desired method name into the Default Method text box. You
can click on the Browse button to locate the desired method.
6 Select the Password option and type in the requested user password
and click OK.
7 Under the Directories tab, select Browse... beside the Data
Directories text field and enter [...\user's name] onto the end of the
current text. Repeat this step for the Export Directory tab. These
steps will create a folder specific to the new user and store data into
their file.
8 Select the Properties tab and check all the options that apply to the
user.

Now you can log out and let the user log back into NanoSuite for their
own testing experience.

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3 - Setting Up Users in NanoSuite

Exercise
For this exercise you will define a User …
• that has the highest privileges (for method access and data
manipulation), and
• for whom the preferred method "G-Series CSM Standard Hardness,
Modulus, and Tip Cal" is automatically loaded at logon, and
• that has a password of "NanoMan", and
• for whom all samples are stored in a specific subdirectory.

1 Launch NanoSuite
2 At the User Login prompt, click OK
3 From the main menu, select User then Users
4 Click New
5 Under User Name, type [Joe]
6 Under Method Access Level, select 9
7 Under User Privilege, select Creator
8 For post-login action, select Load Default Method
9 Select the method "G-Series CSM Standard Hardness, Modulus, and
Tip Cal" which should be in the directory C:\Program Files\
Keysight NanoSuite\Methods
10 Click the button Password. Enter the password [NanoMan] as
requested and click OK
11 Select the Directories tab
12 For both the data directory and the export directory create a new
directory for the user by clicking Browse beside the text boxes and
adding [...\Joe] to the end of the existing text
13 Select the Properties tab and check everything that you can
14 Log out by selecting User then Logout from the main menu
15 Log on as the new user by selecting User then Login from the main
menu. At the User Login prompt, select Joe and enter the password
[NanoMan]. You will note that the desired method is automatically
loaded
16 Close NanoSuite

From now on, whenever you log on as this user, the preferred test
method will automatically be loaded and all data will be stored in the

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3 - Setting Up Users in NanoSuite

personalized folder within the Samples folder. For more information on


defining users, search NanoSuite help under User Configuration.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 14


Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

4
Method Selection
Using PDF files for Method Selection 16
Exercise 17

The methods used in NanoSuite are under several headings depending


on the system and material used in testing. These headings are
Indentation, UTM, and Scratch. This section of training will walk you
through reviewing data from a couple of these methods. There will not
be a differentiation between reviewing methods in the XP and DCM
mode because the results of the methods are formatted the same in both
cases.

By the end of this section the user will be able to:


• Use the PDF file associated with the method to investigate the
purpose, input requirements, and the applicable materials for the
method
• Use a list of descriptions for test methods to determine which might
best fit their testing needs
4 - Method Selection

Using PDF files for Method Selection


In the methods folder inside the NanoSuite program file, every method
has a .pdf file describing the method inputs, results and material
applicability. Each method has some unique features that will be
described in the .pdf file. The following exercise helps the user
investigate unfamiliar methods.

Access the methods folder; it is suggested that the user create a short cut
to this location:

Go to My Computer > Program Files > Keysight NanoSuite >


Methods

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 16


4 - Method Selection

Exercise
Investigate an unfamiliar method. We will use the method "G-Series
Basic Hardness, Modulus at a Depth."
1 Using the method's associated .pdf file (located in the same directory
as the method itself, See Above), answer the following questions:
• What is the basic purpose of the method?
• What hardware is required?
• Are there any types of materials for which this method is not
appropriate?

Now, we will use information within the method itself to learn more.
First, do the following:
2 Launch NanoSuite and login.
3 Open the method G-Series Basic Hardness, Modulus at a Depth and
click OK.
4 Click on Method in the main menu bar, select Edit Method..., and
then select Configuration Items. Note that there are formulas,
inputs, channels, and many other selections. Click on Input on the
right-hand side of the screen. Then select one of the Display Names.
Use the tabs in the bottom window to explore the input. Click on the
Description tab to view a text description.
5 Using the text descriptions, answer the following questions:
• What do the inputs Delta X For Finding Surface and Delta Y For
Finding Surface mean? How do they affect the test?
• What does the input Perform Drift Test Segment do?
• What does the formula Drift Correction mean?
• What is in the channels Displacement Into Surface and Load on
Sample?
6 When you have finished, close NanoSuite.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 17


4 - Method Selection

Table 1 lists the available methods along with a brief description. Use
this table to start your search for a method that applies to your testing
plan.

Indentation Methods

Indentation methods are in both the XP and DCM folders and there are
several options depending on the material being tested. There are
commonly subtle differences between Surface Approach Sensitivities,
range of calculations and rates at which the indention takes place. The
largest difference between indentation methods is between the Basic and
CSM methods. These two methods use fundamentally different
techniques to attain the stiffness of the material; this difference is
described above. However, there is surprisingly little difference in the
setup of the two methods; only a short list of inputs differs in the
process.

Table 1 Some Available Methods and Descriptions

Check all Method title Description


methods that
apply to your
facility
1 G-Series CSM Uses Continuous Stiffness Measurement (CSM) technique to acquire
Standard Hardness, hardness (H) and elastic modulus (E) as a continuous function of
Modulus, and Tip Cal penetration into the test surface. Load segment uses a constant strain
rate. User specifies dynamic frequency, amplitude, strain rate, and
maximum penetration depth. This is our most popular method.

2 G-Series CSM Similar to (1) with default inputs optimized for testing thin films. This
Hardness, Modulus for method works extremely well for dielectric materials on Si wafers.
Thin Films

3 G-Series Basic This method prescribes a single load/unload cycle to a specified depth.
Hardness, Modulus at a Hardness and modulus are determined using the stiffness as calculated
Depth from the slope of the load displacement curve during unload. This
method is similar to (1) except that it does not use the CSM technique.

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4 - Method Selection

4 G-Series High Load Similar to (4) this method engages the high load option smoothly when
Basic Hardness, necessary (max 1 kg). This data should not be used for indenter
Modulus, Load Control area-function calibration.

5 G-Series High Load Similar to (1) this method engages the high load option smoothly when
CSM Hardness and necessary (max 1 kg). This data should not be used for indenter
Modulus area-function calibration.

6 G-Series Ramp Load Method may be used to provide surface profile, critical load, width and
Scratch depth of residual scratch, and estimate of plastic deformation.

7 G-Series Ramp Load Method may be used to provide surface profile, friction coefficient, and
Scratch with LFM critical load.

8 XP ISO 14577 Test and analysis according to ISO 14577 - Part 1


Standard Test Method

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 19


4 - Method Selection

List some of the most commonly used methods below along with their
results and the materials that apply to them:

Method Results and Materials

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 20


Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

5
Running Tests and Setting Up
Batches
Setting up and Saving Batches 22
Recalling and Running a Predefined Batch 24

Running indentations has never been easier; using the batch wizard to
set up and save batches allows the user to load standard methods and run
them with ease. In this section the user will set up indentation tests and
learn how to recall batches of indents for standard tests.

Upon completion of this section, the user will be able to:


• Set up batches of tests
• Save standard batch formats for quick test set up
• Recall batches for quick test set up
5 - Running Tests and Setting Up Batches

Setting up and Saving Batches


This Exercise walks the user through setting up and saving standard
batches. Use the batch wizard to set up and save a batch of ten indents
that use the method "G-Series Basic Hardness, Modulus at a Depth".
Each individual test should go to a maximum depth of 750 nm.
1 Launch NanoSuite
2 At the User Login prompt, click OK
3 Load the method G-Series Basic Hardness, Modulus at a Depth
4 Click the button for Batch Mode (button looks like 3 groups of
dog-bone specimens in a folder)
5 Click the Define tab. This brings you to the batch wizard
6 Read the blue prompt before the Next Step button. Click Next Step
to initiate the wizard
7 Read the blue prompt. Click Next Step
8 Read the blue prompt. Ensure that the option Start A New Batch is
selected. Click Next Step
9 Read the blue prompt. Select the first two options. Click Next Step
10 Read the blue prompt. Click Next Step
11 Under sample name, enter [Test Sample]. (Remember, you will
have the option to modify this name before running the batch.) Click
Next Step
12 Read the blue prompt. Leave all values at default. Click Next Step
13 Read the blue prompt. Leave all values at default. Click Next Step
14 Read the blue prompt. Edit the required inputs as follows:
• Set Depth Limit to 750 nm
• Set Poissons Ratio to 0.25
• Click Next Step
15 Read the blue prompt. Click on the center of the center circle. Click
Define array of tests beginning at this location. Enter 5 indents in
the X-direction and 2 indents in the Y-direction, for a total of 10
indents. Use an indent spacing of 30 microns in both directions. To
save this configuration so it is accessible for future indents click
Save As... and save the array as [5 X 2 - 30um Spacing]. For future
indents of this configuration, simply select this option from the drop
down menu. Click OK
16 Click Next Step and respond No to the prompt
17 Click the Test tab

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 22


5 - Running Tests and Setting Up Batches

18 All of the defined tests are summarized in the panel on the right-hand
side of the screen. In this panel, right-click and select Save Batch
19 At the prompt, use the filename [StandardBatch] and click Save
20 Close NanoSuite

You have now saved a batch that can be run at any time in the future!

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5 - Running Tests and Setting Up Batches

Recalling and Running a Predefined Batch


1 Launch NanoSuite
2 Login and select Batch Mode
3 In the panel on the right-hand side of the screen, right-click and
select Load Batch
4 Select the batch StandardBatch (created in another example) and
click Open
5 Click the Run button (the green cone)
6 Name the sample and select the starting location as prompted

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Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

6
The Review Page
Exploring the Review Page 26
Changing Surface Contact Locations 28
Comparing Multiple Samples in NanoSuite 29
Changing Inputs Post-Test 30
Review Page Menu Options 31

There are many options available in the review page. Therefore, the
review page will be introduced through a few exercises. The first
exercise will simply introduce many of the options. The second will
show the user how to compare two or more samples in NanoSuite.
Finally, the third exercise will walk the user through changing Inputs
Editable Post-Test to see how these options change the data. At the end
of the exercises, a table summarizing the review page options along with
a description is provided.

Upon completion of this section the user will be able to:


• Navigate the review page
• Change the graphical display options
• Review two different samples in one NanoSuite file
• Change input values for a sample that has already run
6 - The Review Page

Exploring the Review Page


The file used from the NanoSuite Training folder in this exercise is
Basic Load-Unload Data.
1 Open NanoSuite and login.
2 In the file menu select Open Sample.
3 Open the folder labeled "1 - NanoSuite Training" and select the
Basic Load-Unload Data file.
4 After the file opens, select the Review tab.
5 Right-click in the left most panel containing the test numbers and
select the option Select all Tests.
a This option allows you to review all tests at once.
b Notice that the modulus is reported at a particular depth. Each
indentation yields one value of modulus and hardness at a
particular depth.
6 Notice that tests 1 and 14 are outliers in the data. Right-click on Test
1 and select Tag Test. This option will exclude the test from the data
statistics at the bottom of the panels.
7 Which other test might you tag to reduce the covariance in the data?
8 Right-click on the Graphical Display Panel and select Properties.
9 Deselect the auto scale option at the bottom of the Y-axis and set the
lower limit to [0], then click OK. The Properties Table allows you to
adjust the display graph to represent the properties in a whole array
of configurations.
10 Right-click on the Graphical display panel and select Y-Axis
Channel; this option lists all of the possible channel selections.
Select Load on Sample.
11 All of the tests are displayed and can cause confusion. Therefore,
right-click in the left most panel and select Deselect all Tests. Then
click on an individual test number, make sure that you click on the
actual number so that the test highlights in blue. This allows
crosshairs to appear when you click on the graph if the Tracking and
Crosshairs selections are checked; to check these items right-click in
the graphical display panel.
12 Now, right-click on the right most panel and select Raw Channel
Data. This option allows you to view the values of any channel at
any point on the graph. Click in the Graphical Display and use the
arrow keys to move the crosshairs over data points and see how the
channel data changes.
13 Finally, right-click in the Graphical Display Panel and select Line
Display. This brings up a menu letting the user select line styles.

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6 - The Review Page

Select Lines Only. Notice the graph now shows a continuous smooth
line.
14 Take a few moments to look through some of the other menu
options.

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6 - The Review Page

Changing Surface Contact Locations


Sometimes during an indentation experiment an event will happen that
will make the instrument falsely detect the surface; a person might
bump the cabinet or an environmental vibration may occur. In this case,
the indentation data will appear to be skewed. The following exercise
will show how to manually change the surface location for a test so the
data is not wasted. This exercise will use the same NanoSuite sample
file from the previous exercise Basic Load-Unload Data.
1 Select and highlight only Test 2 in the test panel and plot Load vs.
Disp Slope vs. Time on Sample.
2 Set the graph's Y and X-axis to have limits of -50 to 200 and -50 to
50, respectively.
3 Notice that the graph starts out level and then quickly increases
around zero. Click and hold to drag a box around the point of
contact; make this box large enough that some pre- and post-contact
data is visible.
4 Click on one of the data points to display crosshairs that allow
tracking. The Surface marker is currently at 156 N/m, change the
surface location to about 70 N/m by placing the crosshairs on a data
point that has a Load vs. Disp Slope around 70 N/m and typing the
[S] key on the keyboard.
5 Move the surface location around to a few locations and watch how
the results change.
6 Close NanoSuite and do not save the sample.

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6 - The Review Page

Comparing Multiple Samples in NanoSuite


In the next exercise, two indentation sample files will be compared in
the NanoSuite Review page.

The sample files that are used in this exercise are:


• Sample 3.mss
• Sample 4.mss
1 Open NanoSuite and select Open Sample from the file menu. Open
the folder "1 - NanoSuite Training" and select the sample file labeled
"Sample 3.mss"
2 After the sample loads, open the Review Page.
3 Right-click in the Test panel (the left most panel) and choose Select
all Tests.
4 Review this data as you like and then go onto step 5 to import
another sample for comparison.
5 Select File from the main menu and choose Import… then choose
From NanoSuite 4 Sample.
6 Click the Advanced button and open the "1 - NanoSuite Training"
folder from the Samples folder; the flow for finding this folder is as
follows:

Local Disk C: > Program Files > Keysight NanoSuite > Samples > 1
- NanoSuite Training

7 Select the file labeled "Sample 4.mss" and click Open. Notice that
all of the tests in Sample 4 appeared in the Test column.
8 Take a moment to look over all of the buttoned options.
9 Click the button Select All and click OK.
10 Wait a moment for the calculations to finish and right-click in the
Test Panel (the left most panel) to select all tests.

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6 - The Review Page

Changing Inputs Post-Test


1 Login to NanoSuite
2 From the File menu, choose Open Sample and open "Sample 4.mss"
that is located in the folder labeled "1 - NanoSuite Training."
3 Go to the review page
4 In the panel with the test numbers, right-click and select Select All
Tests
5 Note the value of the average modulus.
6 In the Editable Inputs panel, change the Poisson's ratio to 0.25. At
the prompt, select the Do not show this message again… check box
and click Close.
7 Hit the Recalculate Sample button (calculator with 3 dog-bone
specimens).
8 Again, in the panel with the test numbers, right-click and select
Select All Tests
9 Note the new value of the average modulus. What is the percent
change?
10 From the main menu, select File, then Print Preview, then Sample.
This automatically launches Microsoft Word and shows the report.
Scroll down to the table titled Calculation Inputs and note that the
value used for Poisson's ratio is reported there.
11 Close NanoSuite.

Note that different methods have different calculation inputs that may be
modified post-test. The procedure for modifying these is always the
same. Modify the value, and then recalculate the sample. The values
for the calculation inputs that may be modified by the user are always
provided on the printed report and in the exported Excel file.

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6 - The Review Page

Review Page Menu Options


Table 2 shows a list and description of the menu options available on the
Review Screen. To access these options, right-click in the designated
panels.

Table 2 Menu Options Available on the Review Screen

Test Panel (left most panel)

Option: Submenu options: Description:

Select all Tests NA Selects all of the available tests for the sample.

Deselect All Tests NA Deselects all of the available tests for the
sample.

Tag Test NA Tags the test and keeps the data from entering
into the statistical calculation of the batch data.

Recalculate Test NA Recalculates the test based on new values


entered into the Editable Post Test Inputs or
calculated formulas and software channels
entered into the method definition.
Recalculate Sample NA Recalculates all of the tests based on new values
entered into the Editable Post Test Inputs or
calculated formulas and software channels
entered into the method definition.
View Warnings NA Displays warnings taken during testing and
review.

Properties NA Displays the time, data and user information


about the sample setup. In addition, this shows
the method information and the time individual
tests were started.
Delete Curve Data NA Clears all of the channel data for that specific
test.

Delete Test NA Deletes the test from the sample.

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6 - The Review Page

Delete All Tests NA Deletes all of the tests from the sample.

Delete All Tagged Tests NA Deletes only the tests that are tagged.

Graphical Display Panel (center panel)

Reset NA Resets the graph to the setting defined by the


Properties menu.

Crosshairs NA Displays Crosshairs on the graph.

Tracking NA Allows the crosshairs to move with the arrow


keys or mouse over data points.

Add Text Adds text to the graph. The user can click and
drag the text to a new location.

Arrow Adds an arrow with text to the graph. The user


can click and drag the arrow to a new location.

Zoom Loading Segment Rather than using this option, it is


recommended that the user clicks and holds on
the graph and box in the section of the graph for
zooming.
Gridlines NA Adds or removes the gridlines on the graph.

Line Display Lines Only Only displays test data with lines. If there are
not two or more points than no lines will appear.

Lines and Points Uses lines and points to display data.

Points Only Only uses points to display the data.

Legend NA Adds or removes the legend on the graph.

Y-Axis Channel List of Channels Allows the user to select the data displayed on
Available the Y-Axis.

Y-Axis Units List of Display Units Allows the user to select the units displayed on
the Y-Axis.

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6 - The Review Page

X-Axis Channel List of Channels Allows the user to select the data displayed on
Available the X-Axis.

X-Axis Units List of Display Units Allows the user to select the units displayed on
the X-Axis.

Properties New Page Defines the data displayed and the axis scales
for the graph.

Print NA Prints the Image

Copy to Clipboard NA Copies the image to the clipboard

Save Image… NA Saves the image to a file

Save Review Page NA Allows the user to save a set display of panel for
Configuration reviewing data.

Load a Review Page NA Load a pre-saved display of panels for


Configuration reviewing tests. The user may have to reset the
properties for the graph after switching
configurations.
Delete a Review page NA Deletes a configuration of panels from the
Configuration Review Page Configuration.

Channel Data and Inputs Panel (right most panel)

Edit… NA Allows the user to edit the values and formulas


of inputs, formulas, and channels.

Input Results Order… NA Adjusts the ordering of the Reported Inputs into
the method.

Formulas Results Order… NA Adjusts the ordering of the Reported Formula


values from the test.

Results NA Displays the results from the method.

Raw Channel Data NA Displays the data that corresponds to the


selected points on the Graphical Display.

Required Inputs NA Displays all of the Inputs into the method.

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6 - The Review Page

Inputs Editable Post-Test NA Displays the Inputs that can be changed after
testing has been completed. After changing this
value the user must recalculate the entire
sample to apply the change to all of the tests.

Statistics Channel (bottom panel)

Configure Statistics NA Allows the user to define the statistical analysis


performed on the data.

List the most commonly used menu items for indentation testing below
and be aware of what they accomplish. For the Description, indicate
both what Panel the item is in and what the item does.

Menu item Description

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Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

7
Ensuring Quality Fused Silica Data
Properties of Fused Silica and Trouble Shooting Options 36

The user should run fused silica data every time samples are ran using a
Berkovich indenter tip; this ensures quality control and helps to keep
track of the performance of the instrument.

Upon completion of this section the user will be able to:


• Identify problems in fused silica data.
• Troubleshoot problems that might be causing poor results on fused
silica.
7 - Ensuring Quality Fused Silica Data

Properties of Fused Silica and Trouble Shooting Options

1 In the Review page, ensure that the fused silica data looks clean and
tag any outlying tests.

Trouble Shooting
• Check for good surface detections using the Load vs.
Displacement slope or the Harmonic Contact Stiffness vs.
Displacement graphs
• If the data is scattered and it appears that there are many false
surface finds, perform a microscope to indenter calibration in
single crystal aluminum and rerun your tests (this usually will
clean off any debris that may be adhered to the tip)

2 Right-click in the Graphical Display panel and change the Y-axis


channel to Stiffness Squared Over Load. Ensure that the data
flattens out to a value between 655 and 725 GPa; the tail of the data
should not trail up or down.

Trouble Shooting
• If the data is around the correct value but trails up or down, adjust
the Frame Stiffness and the Harmonic Frame Stiffness (only
with CSM) in the right most panel of the Review page under
Inputs Editable Post-Test. Adjust these values in increments of
±10000 N/m; for CSM systems, adjust both frame stiffnesses at
the same time and by the same value. Usually, a negative frame
stiffness correction pulls the data tail down and a positive
correction pushes the tail up. Should this problem persist,
consider recalibrating the frame stiffness by adjusting the current
amount by the correction amount.
• If the data is not at the correct value, call Keysight Technical
Support 1-800-844-6266 or 1-865-425-0566 to talk to a service
professional.

3 Check that the results for the elastic modulus and hardness of the
fused silica sample are between 69-74 GPa and 8.5-10.5 GPa,
respectively.

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7 - Ensuring Quality Fused Silica Data

Trouble Shooting
• If the average results are not within these ranges, perform a tip
calibration and recalculate the batch using the new tip area
coefficients.

Call an application engineer or Keysight Technical Support if problems


persist.

1-800-844-6266

1-865-425-0567

Support Email: nanomechtech@keysight.com

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Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

8
Performing Frame Stiffness and
Area Function Calibrations
Exercise 39
Collecting the Data 39
Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration 40
General Information 40
Area Function Information 45
Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration: Express Test 53
Frame Stiffness Calibration: ISO 14577 Method 59
Frame Stiffness Calibration: CSM Method 69

During testing it is recommended that the user run the fused silica
sample to ensure that the instrument is running well and the tip
calibration is correct. When the silica data is clean and the data simply
indicates incorrect elastic moduli and hardness values, this is an
indicator that a tip calibration should be performed. This section walks
the user through the process of a tip calibration.

Upon completion of this section the user will be able to:


• Complete a tip calibration using fused silica as a reference material.
• Compare the tip area coefficients to the ideal area required for a
modulus of 72 GPa by using the Fractional Difference function in
Analyst.
• Use the advanced options in the tip calibration dialog box to tailor
the tip area function to their testing needs.

The following exercise can be performed using either the "G-Series


Basic Hardness, Modulus, Tip Cal, Load Control" method or the
"G-Series CSM Standard Hardness, Modulus, and Tip Cal;" the latter
uses the CSM option to perform the tip calibration. See Table 1 on
page 18 for available methods.
8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Exercise
In this exercise the user has the option to run fused silica data or to use
example data from the 1-NanoSuite Training folder. To run fused silica
data, start with Step 1 under "Collecting the Data." If sample data is to
be used, open NanoSuite and select Open Sample from the file menu.
In the folder labeled 1-NanoSuite Training select either XP Basic Fused
Silica Data or XP CSM Fused Silica Data. Then, continue to step 4
under “Collecting the Data.”

Collecting the Data


1 Open NanoSuite and login. From the method menu select Open
Method.
2 Open either the G-Series Basic Hardness, Modulus, Tip Cal, Load
Control.msm or the G-Series CSM Standard Hardness, Modulus, and
Tip Cal.msm methods and complete 25 indentations spaced 50
microns apart in fused silica using the default input values for the
method and name the sample [Fused Silica].
3 When the method has finished running, review the data and check
for any tests that may need to be tagged. All of the silica data should
look very clean and free of outliers. An example of silica data is
given for both the Basic approach and the CSM approach in the
NanoSuite Training folder in the files "XP Basic Silica" and "XP
CSM Silica," respectively.
4 Export this data to Excel using the Excel menu option.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration


The first step in calibrating the frame stiffness and area function is to
acquire data on fused silica over a range of displacements.
There are three methods from which the user may determine machine
compliance. These methods are:
• “Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration: Express Test” using
rapid indentation.
• “Frame Stiffness Calibration: ISO 14577 Method” using quasi-static
indentation.
• “Frame Stiffness Calibration: CSM Method” using dynamic
indentation.

See “Frame Stiffness and Indenter Area Function Theory” in Chapter 7,


“Theory” for more theoretical information.

General Information
Frame stiffness and area function information are stored in the same
location. To access the information, choose Tip > Configure Tip from
the main menu as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Select Configure Tip from the Tip menu

Tip definitions are stored by user-defined names. The recommended


convention to use is Serial No. Date Method (ie TB12938 042812
Express Test) as shown in Figure 3 on page 41.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 3 Configure Tip Parameters dialog box

Stored information includes:


• Modulus (Tip material); default value for diamond indenter is
1141 GPa.
• Poisson's Ratio (Tip material); default value for diamond
indenter is 0.07.
• Frame Stiffness.
• Constants for the function A= f(d).

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Tips which are physically flat at their apex require an area function with
a constant term. For this reason, Tip Area Constant (C) has been added
to the tip definition. When using the Tip Area Constant input, the area
function will resemble:

2 12 14 18


A = C + mo d + m1 d + m2 d + m3 d + m4 d +
(1)

For example, the area function for an ideal flat-ended cylinder with
radius, a, of 20 microns will be:
A = pa2
A = p(2000 nm)2
A = 1.2566E9 nm2
Notice that all mn terms are zero as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 Parameters in Configure Tip Parameters dialog box

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Soft polymers are the primary application for flat-ended cylidrical


indenters.
Users may add new tip definitions or delete existing ones using the Add
and Remove buttons as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 Use Add and Remove buttons in Configure Tip Parameters


dialog box

Available tip definitions are stored in NanoSuite. The actual tip


NOTE
definition for a particular sample is stored in the .mss file. So even if a
tip definition is deleted in NanoSuite, it is not deleted from the sample
file. If a sample file is opened and the tip definition doesn’t exist in
NanoSuite, the software will prompt you to save the definition.

As shown in Figure 6, users may choose to:


• Calibrate Tip and Frame (most common)
• Calibrate Frame (less common)
• Calibrate Tip (rare)

Figure 6 Calibrate commands in Configure Tip Parameters dialog box

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

When calibrating, be sure to use inputs relevant to the head used to


acquire the data.
Figure 7 shows the Tip Area and Frame Stiffness Calibration dialog box
used for calibration inputs using the Area Function Options tab.

Figure 7 Tip Area and Frame Stiffness Calibration dialog box

For the Range of depth for load frame stiffness calculation parameters,
use the range values as shown in Figure 8 on page 45.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 8 Default values for Range of depth for load frame stiffness
calculation for different indenter heads

Area Function Information


For the area function information, there are two choices.
• “Option 1 assumes the modulus of the test material is known.
• “Option 2 assumes the ideal area function defines the tip well at
large displacements.

Regardless of the option chosen, the Range of depth for area calculation
default range is set for the indenter head as noted in Figure 9 and is
almost always appropriate.

Figure 9 Default values to be used for Range of depth for area


calculation parameter

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Option 1
Assume that the modulus of the test material is known. NanoSuite will
calculate the reduced modulus as:

2 –1
  1 – v 2   1 – v i 
E r =  ------------------- + -------------------- (2)
 E Ei 

Therefore, the first two gray boxes in Figure 7 on page 44 should


resemble those shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10 Default values for Option 1

Option 2
Assume that the ideal area function describes the tip sufficiently well at
large displacements. With this option, NanoSuite calculates reduced
modulus as:

S 
E r = --------------- (3)
2 A

Where A = mohc2, and the user supplies mo (ideal lead term).

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

For this scenario the first two gray boxes in Figure 7 on page 44 should
resemble those shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11 Default values for Option 2

1 Select the number of coefficients for the area function fit.


2 Select the Fixed check box to fix the lead term as shown in
Figure 12.

Figure 12 Select Coefficient Count and fix the Lead Term in Area
Function Options tab

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

The number of coefficients should be no more than five. If possible,


restrict constants to positive values.
3 In the Analytical Model pane, set:
a Beta to 1.00
b Epsilon to 0.75

for Berkovich geometry as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13 Set parameters in Analytical Model pane.

These constants are those from elastic contact expressions as shown in


Figure 14.

Figure 14 Constants based on elastic modulus theory

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

4 Ensure that the proper head, method and lead term have been
selected as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15 Confirm head, method and lead term settings in Area


Function Options tab

Once the calibration is complete, view the calibration outputs by


selecting the Tip Area Results tab. Whether “Option 1 or “Option 2
was chosen, the percent difference between the experimental area, A(E),
and the calculated area from fit, Afit, should be centered about zero and
be less than 5 % for hc > 100 nm as shown in Figure 16 on page 50.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 16 Tip Area Results tab showing calibration output

Other calculation outputs are detailed in Figure 17.

Figure 17 Calibration outputs

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

5 Click Save to save the tip definition when finished as shown in


Figure 18.

Figure 18 Save the tip definition

The following flow charts (Figure 19 on page 52 and Figure 20 on


page 52) may help users understand when to perform the various
procedures outlined in this section:

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 19 Flowchart 1

Figure 20 Flowchart 2

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration: Express Test


1 Load the fused silica standard into the NanoVision stage.
2 In NanoSuite, select Open Method… from the Method menu.
3 From the Filename drop-down box in Open Method dialog box,
select Express Test > Express Test Tip Calibration as shown in
Figure 21.

Figure 21 Select Express Test method

4 Click OK.
5 Right-click anywhere in the handset area and select Nano HandSet
from the resulting pop-up menu, as shown in Figure 22 on page 54.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 22 Select Nano HandSet from right-click menu

6 Click on the circle in the schematic map (Figure 23) which


corresponds to the fused silica sample in the sample tray.

Figure 23 NanoVision schematic map

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

7 Right-click anywhere on the schematic map and select Move to


Target from the resulting pop-up menu, as shown in Figure 24.

Figure 24 Select Move to Target from right-click menu

8 Right-click anywhere on the schematic map and select Nano Video


HandSet from the resulting pop-up menu, as shown in Figure 25.

Figure 25 Select Nano Video Handset from right-click menu

9 Find a location on the sample that is free of contaminants and dust.


10 Click green GO button to initiate testing.
11 Allow testing to complete.
12 Access the frame stiffness and area function information by choosing
Tip > Configure Tip as shown in Figure 26 on page 56.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 26 Select Configure Tip from Tip menu

Tip definitions are stored by user-defined names. The recommended


convention to use is Serial No. Date Method (ie TB12938 042812
Express Test).
Stored information includes: Modulus (Tip material), Poisson's Ratio
(Tip material), Frame Stiffness, Constants for the function A= f(d). See
Figure 27 on page 57.

Note the default value for the variable Tip Area Constant is zero. This
NOTE
value should remain zero unless a tip which is physically flat at the apex
is used. Only in this case is a non-zero value required for the Tip Area
Constant variable.

13 Add and Remove buttons are used to add or remove tips from the
stored list.

Once a tip is removed from the application NanoSuite no longer stores


NOTE
the tip information. However, any data acquired (.mss file) with the
removed tip will keep the tip information stored regardless of whether
or not the tip is deleted from NanoSuite the application.

14 Choose to:
• Calibrate Tip and Frame (most common)
• Calibrate Frame (less common)
• Calibrate Tip (rare)
15 Once the calibration selection is made, change the settings under the
Calculate button as shown in Figure 27 on page 57.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 27 Choose the calibration method

16 Click Calculate.
17 Select Tip Area Results tab.
• Coefficient: Best fit coefficients for A=m0d2 + m1d + m2d0.5 + ...
• Chi-squared: Square of the difference between fit and the data,
summed over all of the data. This value is minimized by the
fitting process, but it is not very useful for evaluating the quality
of the fit
• Iterations: Number of iterations for convergence
• K(LF): Frame stiffness
• EA: Modulus used for determination of area function

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

18 Evaluate area function by verifying weighted difference of contact


area is centered about zero for all displacements. Deviation should
also be less than 5 % for hc > 100 nm as shown in Figure 28.

Figure 28 Tip Area Results tab

.
For further information on Frame stiffness and Area function
NOTE
calibration, see the “General Information" on page 40.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Frame Stiffness Calibration: ISO 14577 Method


1 Make sure that the fused silica standard is in the center sample-disk
hole in the sample tray.
2 In NanoSuite, select Open Method… from the Method menu.
3 From the Filename drop-down box in the Open Method dialog box,
select ISO Standards > XP ISO 14577 Standard Test Method as
shown in Figure 29.

Figure 29 Selecting the ISO method

4 Click OK.
5 Select Batch Mode from the Mode menu.
6 Right-click in the right pane in NanoSuite and select Load Batch.
7 In the Retrieve Batch File dialog box, open C:\Program Files\
Keysight NanoSuite\Methods\ISO Standards\Machine
Compliance Batch.bch.
8 Click Open.
9 Click Run Batch (see Figure 30 on page 60) to initiate testing.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 30 Click Run Batch button to begin testing

10 In the Review Sample Names dialog box, replace the six X’s in the
default sample name with the current date in a six-digit format (for
example, March 15, 2012 would be 031512).
11 Click OK.

The head will park and the stages will move into position.

12 In the Review the first test location of Sample dialog box (Figure 31
on page 61), verify that the microscope is in the correct location over
the fused silica standard.

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Figure 31 Review the first test location of Sample dialog box

If it is, then click OK to continue. If not, then follow the next few steps
to locate your standard sample under the microscope:

13 Right-click anywhere in the handset area and select Nano HandSet


from the resulting pop-up menu, as shown in Figure 32 on page 62.

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Figure 32 Select Nano HandSet from right-click menu

14 Click on the center circle in the schematic map, circled in red in


Figure 33 on page 63, which corresponds to the center (reference)
sample in the sample tray.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 33 Nano Handset schematic map with center sample circled in


red

15 Right-click anywhere on the schematic map and select Move to


Target from the resulting pop-up menu, as shown in Figure 24.

Figure 34 Select Move to Target from right-click menu

16 Visually confirm that the microscope is over the center sample disk
in the sample tray.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

17 Right-click anywhere on the schematic map and select Nano Video


HandSet from the resulting pop-up menu, as shown in Figure 25.

Figure 35 Select Nano Video Handset from right-click menu

18 As shown in Figure 36, use the microscope brightness control and


coarse/fine focus controls to lighten the image and bring it into
focus.

Figure 36 Microscope focus and brightness controls

19 Find a location on the sample that is free of contaminants and dust.


To move the viewing area, place the cursor over the red crosshairs in
the center of the video image, click, and slowly drag the cursor in the
direction of the area you want to view.
20 Click OK to initiate testing.

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Periodically, NanoSuite will display the message shown in Figure 37.


This is normal because the indenter has not yet touched the surface of
the sample.

Figure 37 NanoSuite message

Allow testing to complete (approximately 1 hour).


21 When testing is complete, go to the Review page.
22 Right-click anywhere in the Legend pane and select Select All Tests
from the resulting pop-up menu.
23 Delete any obviously aberrant tests, such as the aberrant test shown
in Figure 38:
a Identify the test number by referring to the legend next to the
graph of results.
b Right-click on the number of the aberrant test in the Legend pane.
c Select Delete Test from the resulting pop-up menu.
d Click Yes in the Test Deletion confirmation box
e Right-click anywhere in the Legend pane and select Select All
Tests from the resulting pop-up menu to populate the graph.

Figure 38 Example of an aberrant test

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24 Access the frame stiffness and area function information by choosing


Tip > Configure Tip as shown in Figure 39.

Figure 39 Select Configure Tip from Tip menu

Tip definitions are stored by user-defined names. The recommended


convention to use is Serial No. Date Method (ie TB12938 042812
Express Test).
Stored information includes: Modulus (Tip material), Poisson's Ratio
(Tip material), Frame Stiffness, Constants for the function A= f(d). See
Figure 40 on page 67.

Note the default value for the variable Tip Area Constant is zero. This
NOTE
value should remain zero unless a tip which is physically flat at the apex
is used. Only in this case is a non-zero value required for the Tip Area
Constant variable.

25 Add and Remove buttons are used to add or remove tips from the
stored list.

Once a tip is removed from the application NanoSuite no longer stores


NOTE
the tip information. However, any data acquired (.mss file) with the
removed tip will keep the tip information stored regardless of whether
or not the tip is deleted from NanoSuite the application.

26 Choose to:
• Calibrate Tip and Frame (most common)
• Calibrate Frame (less common)
• Calibrate Tip (rare)
27 Once the calibration selection is made, change the settings under the
Calculate button to correspond to the specific head and method used
to compile the data as shown in Figure 40 on page 67.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Figure 40 Choose the calibration method

28 Click Calculate.
29 Select Tip Area Results tab.
• Coefficient: Best fit coefficients for A=m0d2 + m1d + m2d0.5 + ...
• Chi-squared: Square of the difference between fit and the data,
summed over all of the data. This value is minimized by the
fitting process, but it is not very useful for evaluating the quality
of the fit
• Iterations: Number of iterations for convergence
• K(LF): Frame stiffness
• EA: Modulus used for determination of area function

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30 Evaluate area function by verifying weighted difference of contact


area is centered about zero for all displacements. Deviation should
also be less than 5 % for hc > 100 nm as shown in Figure 41.

Figure 41 Tip Area Results tab

.
For further information on Frame stiffness and Area function
NOTE
calibration, see the “General Information" on page 40.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Frame Stiffness Calibration: CSM Method


1 Make sure that the fused silica standard is in the center sample-disk
hole in the sample tray.
2 In NanoSuite, select Open Method… from the Method menu.
3 From the Filename drop-down box in Open Method dialog box,
select the correct method for the installed indenter head:
a For the XP head, choose XP > G-Series CSM Standard
Hardness, Modulus, and Tip Cal as shown on the top in
Figure 42.
b For the DCM head, choose DCM > G-Series DCM CSM
Standard Hardness, Modulus, and Tip Cal as shown on the
bottom in Figure 42.

Figure 42 Select method for CSM Standard Hardness, Modulus, and


Tip Cal for XP head (top) or DCM head (bottom)

4 Click OK.

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

5 Select Batch Mode from the Mode menu.


6 Click New Batch (Figure 43).

Figure 43 Click the New Batch button in Batch Configuration window

7 Select directories for data storage. User may choose to store data in
default folders.
If a user wants detailed report of results in addition to standard data,
ensure the Print reports for all samples check box is selected.

8 Click the Next Step button.


9 Enter the sample name.
10 Click the Next Step button.
11 Confirm default settings for Surface Find as shown in Figure 44 on
page 71.

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Figure 44 Settings for Surface Find

12 Click the Next Step button.


13 Confirm default settings for approach as shown in Figure 45.

Figure 45 Settings for indenter approach

14 Click the Next Step button.


15 Leave settings as default.
• The Depth limit for the XP is 2000 nm.
• The Depth limit for the DCM is 500 nm.

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16 Choose clean location on reference material and set array size of at


least ten indentation tests.
17 Click the Next Step button.
18 Click Run Batch.

Periodically, NanoSuite will display the message shown in Figure 46.


This is normal because the indenter has not yet touched the surface of
the sample.

Figure 46 NanoSuite message

Allow testing to complete.


19 When testing is complete, go to the Review page.
20 Right-click anywhere in the Legend pane and select Select All Tests
from the resulting pop-up menu.
21 Delete any obviously aberrant tests, such as the aberrant test shown
in Figure 38 on page 65:
a Identify the test number by referring to the legend next to the
graph of results.
b Right-click on the number of the aberrant test in the Legend pane.
c Select Delete Test from the resulting pop-up menu.
d Click Yes in the Test Deletion confirmation box
e Right-click anywhere in the Legend pane and select Select All
Tests from the resulting pop-up menu to populate the graph.
22 Access the frame stiffness and area function information by choosing
Tip > Configure Tip as shown in Figure 47.

Figure 47 Select Configure Tip from Tip menu

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8 - Performing Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibrations

Tip definitions are stored by user-defined names. The recommended


convention to use is Serial No. Date Method (ie TB12938 042812
Express Test).
Stored information includes: Modulus (Tip material), Poisson's Ratio
(Tip material), Frame Stiffness, Constants for the function A= f(d). See
Figure 48 on page 74.

Note the default value for the variable Tip Area Constant is zero. This
NOTE
value should remain zero unless a tip which is physically flat at the apex
is used. Only in this case is a non-zero value required for the Tip Area
Constant variable.

23 Add and Remove buttons are used to add or remove tips from the
stored list.

Once a tip is removed from the application NanoSuite no longer stores


NOTE
the tip information. However, any data acquired (.mss file) with the
removed tip will keep the tip information stored regardless of whether
or not the tip is deleted from NanoSuite the application.

24 Choose to:
• Calibrate Tip and Frame (most common)
• Calibrate Frame (less common)
• Calibrate Tip (rare)
25 Once the calibration selection is made, change the settings under the
Calculate button as shown in Figure 48 on page 74.

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Figure 48 Choose the calibration method

26 Click Calculate.
27 Select Tip Area Results tab.
• Coefficient: Best fit coefficients for A=m0d2 + m1d + m2d0.5 + ...
• Chi-squared: Square of the difference between fit and the data,
summed over all of the data. This value is minimized by the
fitting process, but it is not very useful for evaluating the quality
of the fit
• Iterations: Number of iterations for convergence
• K(LF): Frame stiffness
• EA: Modulus used for determination of area function

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28 Evaluate area function by verifying weighted difference of contact


area is centered about zero for all displacements. Deviation should
also be less than 5 % for hc > 100 nm as shown in Figure 49.

Figure 49 Tip Area Results tab

.
For further information on Frame stiffness and Area function
NOTE
calibration, see the “General Information" on page 40.

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9
Using Analyst to Review
Indentation Data
Creating a Report to Compare Multiple Samples 77

This section of the tutorial demonstrates how to export data to Excel and
compare samples using Analyst. Analyst is a program developed by
Keysight Technologies that acts as a front end interface allowing easy
creation of graphs and comparison analysis of samples. With every
workbook creation in Analyst, the user creates an Excel workbook that
contains all averaged data for each sample and the comparison graphs
that are created.

At the end of this section the user will be able to:


• Import samples into Analyst by creating a summary workbook.
• Understand the structural levels of the Analyst program by creating
sample level and project level graphs.
• Generate graphs using different formats.
9 - Using Analyst to Review Indentation Data

Creating a Report to Compare Multiple Samples


The following exercise demonstrates the comparison of two thin film
samples using the Analyst program.

The files used from the NanoSuite Training folder in this exercise are:
• Thin Film Sample 1.mss
• Thin Film Sample 2.mss

1 Close all open programs


2 Open NanoSuite and login. From the File menu choose Open
Sample and select Thin Film Sample 1.mss from the 1 - NanoSuite
Training folder
3 In the main menu select Excel and choose Output to Excel. This
will automatically open Excel and export the results and some
channel data to an Excel file
4 From the main menu, select File and Open Sample. Open the folder
1 - NanoSuite Training and select the file "Thin Film Sample 2."
Export this data to Excel
5 Launch Analyst from the NanoSuite folder via Start menu
6 Click on the Calculator icon across the top menu bar
7 At the prompt, enter project name [Thin Film Summary] and save
the project in your folder. After clicking Save, Analyst will calculate
the sample and create a new workbook that summarizes the samples
8 Create a Project level plot that compares the Modulus as a function
of displacement into the surface of the sample
a Right-click on the word Project in the left window and choose
add X-Y Graph
b In the pop-up window set the x-axis to Displacement into the
Surface and the y1-Axis to Modulus
c Highlight both Samples listed. If no samples are highlighted,
Analyst assumes that the user wants to graph all of the samples.

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9 - Using Analyst to Review Indentation Data

Therefore, it will not make a difference if you highlight the two


samples or leave them both unhighlighted
d Click OK
e Right-click on the graph and choose Edit Graph
f Notice the available options on the tabs. Create a new title and
format the axes if needed
g Change program windows to the Excel project file "Thin Film
Summary" (this file is already open) and notice that the graph that
was just created has been added to the project summary
h Return to the Analyst program
9 Create a bar graph that compares the Hardness of the two materials
over the defined range (this range was defined in NanoSuite before
exporting the data to Excel)
a Right-click on the Word Projects in the left panel and select add
Bar Chart
b Under the heading Results, select H Average Over Defined
Range.
c Select both samples and click OK
d Notice that once again the graph is duplicated in the Excel file
summarizing the results
10 Create a Sample level plot for the Load On Sample versus
Displacement into Surface for each thin film sample
a Right-click on the sample Thin Film Sample 1 in the left panel
and select add X-Y Graph
b Choose the appropriate quantities for the x and y axes and select
all of the tests
c Choose Loading Segment for the Start Test Segment selection
box in the lower right corner; you are going to limit the graph
only to the data in the loading segment
d Choose Loading Segment for the End Test Segment selection
box in the lower right corner
e Click OK
f Notice that this plot is located in the Excel file "Thin Film
Sample 1.xls". Since this is a sample level plot it is stored in the
sample file; it is not created in the project file "Thin Film
Summary"

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10
Scratch Testing
Some Scratch Test Parameters 80
Standard Scratch Test 81
Reviewing Scratch Data on the NanoSuite Review Page 85
Exercise 86
Reading Scratch Results 89
Summary for Reviewing Scratch Data 94

Many parameters affect the results in scratch testing. Given the


parameters are kept constant between tests, the results can provide very
meaningful comparison data.

After completing this section the user will be able to:


• Understand the parameters involved in scratch testing
• Chart the test flow process of the scratch test
• Review scratch data using standard review channels
• Understand the markers associated with scratch testing
• Output the data to Excel
10 - Scratch Testing

Some Scratch Test Parameters


• Scratch speed: 0.1 μm/s to 2.5 mm/s
• Scratch length: 10 μm to 500 mm
• Maximum lateral force: 250 mN (All orientations)
• Maximum Lateral force resolution: 2 μN
• Noise level: 300 μN (without contact) lateral force
• Scratch orientation: 0 ° to 360 °

Required Inputs

The following are required inputs for scratch testing:


• Starting Scratch load
• Maximum Scratch Load
• Scratch length
• Scratch velocity
• Cross Profile Location
• Profiling Velocity
• Load Applied during profiling

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10 - Scratch Testing

Standard Scratch Test


Four phases compose the scratch test, shown schematically in Figure 50
on page 82 and Figure 53 on page 84.
1 A first profile of the surface is realized by applying a very small load
equal to Load Applied during profiling (20 μN for example), in order
to have the original morphology of the surface before the scratch.
2 Then, along the same path, the normal load (Figure 51 on page 83) is
increased from Starting Scratch Load (0 mN for example) to
Maximum Scratch Load (500 mN for example).
3 A last profile is realized by applying a very small load equal to Load
Applied during profiling (100 μN), to measure the residual
deformation in the groove.
4 Finally, a cross profile (Figure 52 on page 83) gives the shape of the
section of the groove and helps evaluate the plastic deformation. The
cross profile is done along the scratch at the point that experienced a
load equal to Cross profile location (for example 5 mN) during the
scratch.The cross profiles are used to estimate the plastic
deformation.

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10 - Scratch Testing

Figure 50 Scratch Test procedure overview

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10 - Scratch Testing

Figure 51 Applied forces during scratch test

Figure 52 Cross profile on a scratch performed with a Berkovich


indenter (face forward).

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10 - Scratch Testing

Figure 53 Steps in standard scratch test

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Reviewing Scratch Data on the NanoSuite Review Page


All of the options that are related to the review screen after an
indentation test are the same options that are available in all of the other
test methods. After a scratch test there are a few options that make
reviewing the data a bit easier which should be listed below. To export
the results and other testing parameters to Excel, select Excel from the
top menu and choose Output to Excel.

Note that the program Analyst does not handle scratch data.
NOTE

List the most commonly used menu items for scratch testing below and
be aware of what they accomplish

Menu item Description

(What panel is it in and What does it Do?)

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Exercise
Review some scratch results. We will use a sample data file included in
the training materials. The file "Scratch test PMMA.mss" is located in
the NanoSuite Training folder.
1 Launch NanoSuite
2 At the User Login prompt, select keysight and then click OK
3 At the next prompt, click Cancel and click on the open sample
button.
4 At the next prompt click the advanced button and open the training
data file.
5 Go to the review page, the following discussions are based on this
data

In the Graph area, plot the following channels: Displacement into


Surface vs. Scratch Distance. You should obtain a plot similar to the
following in Figure 54.

Figure 54 Displacement into Surface vs Scratch Distance

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10 - Scratch Testing

The markers used on the plot in Figure 54 on page 86 correspond to the


following:
a: Start of the scratch
b: End of the pre-scratch profile
c: Critical point (start of fracture)
d: End of Scratch
e: End of post-scratch profile

Using the graph, do the following:


1 Notice the C marker shows where the sample starts fracturing. This
marker can be moved.
2 Move the C marker and look at the results change at the bottom of
the review page
3 Look at the residual penetration and the maximum penetration
during the scratch
4 Plot the cross profile contours by first selecting the Cycles Tab on
the Review Page. Then select cross profile topography for the
Y-axis and cross profile distance for the X-axis. This should look
similar to the graph in Figure 55 on page 88.

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Figure 55 Cross Profile Topography vs Cross Profile Distance

The markers used on the plot in Figure 55 correspond to the following:


A: Beginning of the cross profile
B: End of the cross profile
O: Top right pile up
P: Top left pile up
G: Bottom of the groove

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Reading Scratch Results


The chart in Table 3 shows the standard tabular results from a scratch
test. Note this data can be exported to Excel. Each column of data will
be described individually.

Table 3 Example of Scratch Results

Test Cycle Comment Critical Depth At Scratch Residual Total Groove Pile Up Position For
Load Value Critical Width Scratch Height Height Cross Profile
Load Depth
mN nm um nm nm nm μm

1 6 43 47 4 160

1-1 Original 0.033 1


Topography
1-2 Scratch Cycle 1.502 302

1-3 Residual 0.033 95


Deformation
1-4 Cross Profile **** ****

2 6.1 41 48 7 160

2-1 Original 0.027 3


Topography
2-2 Scratch Cycle 2.652 378

2-3 Residual 0.027 171


Deformation
2-4 Cross Profile **** ****

3 6.2 39 46 7 160

3-1 Original 0.026 6


Topography
3-2 Scratch Cycle 3.393 420

3-3 Residual 0.026 199


Deformation
3-4 Cross Profile **** ****

Mean **** **** 6.1 41 47 6 160

Std. Dev. **** **** 0.1 2 1 2 0

% COV **** **** 1.94 4.53 2.04 26.89 0

Minimum **** **** 6 39 46 4 160

Maximum **** **** 6.2 43 48 7 160

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In Table 3, each individual scratch test is labeled in the left most column
and the top row labels several scratch parameters. You can divide this
table into two sections. The first sections (with red ruling) are the
columns Critical Load and Penetration Depth at Critical Load; these
columns describe parameters linked to the fracture of the sample. These
parameters are determined during the actual scratch test and represent
measurements made at the "critical load marker."

The second section (with blue ruling) are measurements made during
the cross profile. The location of the cross profile is specified by the
user. The location is given by a specified normal load that is reached
during the scratch segment. In this example these parameters were
measured at the point where a normal load of 5 mN was applied to the
surface.

Both sections of this table are described individually in detail below. In


the summary you will find a set of bullets to help you quickly identify
the parameters.

Critical Load and Penetration Depth at Critical Load

Table 4 shows only the data linked to the fracture of the sample; these
parameters are the measurements taken during the actual scratch
segment.

Table 4 Results Linked to the Fracture

Test Cycle Comment Critical Load Value Depth At Critical Load


mN nm

1-1 Original Topography 0.033 1

1-2 Scratch Cycle 1.502 302

1-3 Residual Deformation 0.033 95

1-4 Cross Profile **** ****

2-1 Original Topography 0.027 3

2-2 Scratch Cycle 2.652 378

2-3 Residual Deformation 0.027 171

2-4 Cross Profile **** ****

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3-1 Original Topography 0.026 6

3-2 Scratch Cycle 3.393 420

3-3 Residual Deformation 0.026 199

3-4 Cross Profile **** ****

The parameters in Table 4 correspond to measurements made at the


critical point (marker C in Figure 54 on page 86) for each scratch test.
These results help to understand at what load and penetration depth
fracture occurs in the material.

During a Scratch Segment, the load is ramped up to a maximum load


(50 mN in this example) over a specified distance, from point b to point
d (500 microns in this example). The Critical Load column in the table
refers to the normal load applied to the surface at which fracture occurs;
the position of the critical load is marked C in the above penetration
curve. In addition, the penetration depth is provided in Table 4 at the
critical load. Fracture occurs when the material starts cracking or
tearing.

Optical images can be reviewed to verify the position of fracture. After


the Scratch Segment is completed, an additional profile is taken to
determine the Residual Deformation left by the Scratch Segment; both
the Scratch Segment and the Residual Deformation curves are plotted
on the same graph for ease of comparison. Fracture is usually
determined graphically by small jumps in the penetration curve.

Cross Profile Parameters

The parameters that correspond to the Cross Profile include Scratch


Width, Total Height of the Groove, Residual Scratch Depth, and Pile Up
Height.

Table 5 shows a list of only the second set of parameters from Table 3.
These parameters are the measurements taken after the scratch segment

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is complete and refer to the cross profile provided above in Figure 55 on


page 88.

Table 5 Cross Profile Parameters

Test Cycle Comment Scratch Residual Total Groove Pile Up Position For
Width Scratch Height Height Cross Profile
Depth
um nm nm nm μm

1 6 43 47 4 160

1-1 Original
Topography
1-2 Scratch Cycle

1-3 Residual
Deformation
1-4 Cross Profile

2 6.1 41 48 7 160

2-1 Original
Topography
2-2 Scratch Cycle

2-3 Residual
Deformation
2-4 Cross Profile

3 6.2 39 46 7 160

3-1 Original
Topography
3-2 Scratch Cycle

3-3 Residual
Deformation
3-4 Cross Profile

Mean 6.1 41 47 6 160

Std. Dev. 0.1 2 1 2 0

% COV 1.94 4.53 2.04 26.89 0

Minimum 6 39 46 4 160

Maximum 6.2 43 48 7 160

It is important to remember that these parameters are measured at a


normal load specified by the user; in this example the parameters were

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measured at the point in which a normal force of 5 mN was applied to


the surface during the scratch segment.

The user should note that the cross profile will not provide any useful
information if it is performed past the Critical Load.

The Scratch Width refers to the distance between points O and P in


Figure 55 on page 88. It has been observed and documented that there is
very little horizontal elastic recovery during a scratch test; therefore, this
parameter is a good representation of the plastic deformation that takes
place during the scratch segment.

The Residual Scratch Depth refers to the depth of the scratch into the
surface. This parameter differs from the Total Height of the Groove
because it does not include the height of the Pile Up. The residual
scratch depth is measured by the vertical distance between the surface
and point G.

The Total Height of the Groove refers to the average vertical distance
between the points G and P and the points G and O. This height is the
depth of the groove after the scratch has been completed and includes
the height of the Pile Up on the edges of the scratch caused by the
indenter. The pile up is represented by the mounds under points O and P.

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10 - Scratch Testing

Summary for Reviewing Scratch Data


The goal in scratch testing a set of samples is to compare their elastic,
plastic and fracture behaviors. Elastic and plastic behaviors are
determined before the critical load is reached and one of the ways to
characterize these behaviors is through cross profiling the scratch. Using
the results of the cross profile (blue circled parameters in Table 3 on
page 89), the user can compare the deformation of each sample caused
by a set normal load. The normal load used for cross profiling is set by
the user and the load should be less then the critical load. The other way
to characterize the elastic and plastic behaviors is to examine the
difference in the Scratch Segment and the Residual Deformation curves
prior to the critical load.

While elastic and plastic behaviors are determined before the critical
load, the fracture behavior is determined after the critical load.

The user should also examine the scratches optically to help clarify what
type of fracture (simple cracks, delamination…) might have occurred.
The parameters circled in red on Table 3 on page 89 show the values of
the Critical Load and the Penetration Depth when fracture occurs.

It should be noted that scratch testing is used only for comparative


results. In addition, the parameters used for scratch testing are very
sensitive to change; therefore, the user must ensure that testing
parameters remain consistent.

For more information on scratch testing see section 8: "Scratch Testing"


in the user's manual.

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11
Survey Scanning
Survey Scan Method 96
Select a Scan Area 97
Start a Scan 99
3D Graph Menu 101
Graph Type 102
Rendering 102
Mouse Mode 102
Z Scaling 102
Invert Z-Axis 103
Gridlines 103
Axis Labels 103
Show Profile 103
Operations 104
Colors 109
Print 112
Export Data 112
Default Settings 112
Help 112
Return to the Test Window 113
Indenting or Scratch Testing 114

Survey Scanning is a software option for Keysight nanoindenting


systems. Users can scan the area of interest before and after indenting or
scratching.
11 - Survey Scanning

Survey Scan Method


The system should be setup for indenting or scratching as previously
described. It is assumed the user understands how to choose an indenter
tip and select a method.

1 To begin, launch Nanosuite.

The software must be set to Individual Mode.


NOTE

2 Open a method, either


a Click the Open Method icon or
b Go to Method > Open Method from the menu.
3 Click on Advanced and open the Survey Scanning folder.
4 Select G-Series Interactive Survey Scan method file.
5 In the Test window, right-click and change from Nano Video
Handset to Scanning Handset as shown in Figure 56.

Figure 56 Select Scanning Handset

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11 - Survey Scanning

6 If needed, offset the tip from any feature of interest.


7 Click on the Engage icon to engage the tip.

After the tip engages, a snapshot image will appear in the Test window.
Note the tip is stationary.

Select a Scan Area

Blue frame corners (Figure 57) mark the scan area. Green frame corners
indicate the maximum range of 500 μm x 500 μm.

Figure 57 Selected and maximum scan areas as indicated by blue and


green frame corners, respectively

• In the Test window, click and drag a blue box to designate the
desired scan area.

Or
• Input Values for the X and Y Scan Start and Stop Positions in Panel
Inputs, as shown in Figure 58 on page 98.

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11 - Survey Scanning

Figure 58 Panel Inputs to select scan area

The values for Scan X Data Dimension (in lines) and Scan Y Data
Dimension (in data points), shown in Figure 58, are recommended for

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11 - Survey Scanning

imaging. If a higher resolution is needed, increase the number of data


points for the Scan Y Data Dimension for minimal effect on scan time.

Start a Scan

Once the parameters in the Panel Inputs window are selected, the system
is ready for scanning.

1 Click the green Run button.

A Realtime image will be displayed on screen. Note the following icons


will allow the user to toggle between the video image and Realtime 3D
graph:

Figure 59 Survey Scanning graph toolbar in Test window

Realtime parameters may be edited during scanning.


2 Click the icon to open the parameter dialog box.
3 Once the scan is completed, click on the Review tab to access the
Channels 2D data, Cycles, and 3D image. Note that tabs are
available based on the chosen method.
4 An example of the Channels panel is shown below in Figure 60 on
page 100:

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Figure 60 Channel tab with 2D data from Survey Scan

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3D Graph Menu
In the Review window, click on the 3D tab. In the 3D window,
right-click to open the 3D graph menu to adjust the Survey Scan image.

Figure 61 Menu for 3D graphs

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The following options are available from the 3D graph menu.

Graph Type

Select from 3 graph types. Orthographic and Perspective allow


rotation about axes. Note that some operations may require a specific
graph type. Surface is default.

Rendering

Select from 3 options: Points, Wire Frame or Shading. Shading is


default.

Mouse Mode
Select from Pan, Rotate (default) or Zoom. To use Zoom, click and
move the mouse forward to zoom out or backward to zoom in.

Z Scaling
Select from values shown in Figure 62. Z Scaling of 5 is default.

Figure 62 Z Scaling values for 3D graph

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Invert Z-Axis

This will affect the graphical display. Data is not altered.

Z Zero Offset

Select this option to change the Z scale for the display. Lowest value
will be set to zero for the color scale. Data is not altered.

Gridlines

Toggles gridlines on and off. On is default.

Axis Labels

Toggles Axis Labels on and off. On is default.

Show Profile

Set the “Graph Type” to Surface. Click and drag in the image to move
the cursor (Figure 63). A Profile window will show X and Y profiles.

Figure 63 X and Y Profiles from Show Profile option

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Operations

This function will apply an operation to the 3D graph.


1 Click and select an operation. Available operations are shown in
Figure 64 on page 104.
2 The Add Operation window will open with the selected function
available.

Figure 64 Operations functions for 3D graph

Polynomial Fit

Polynomial Fit allows a fit with an order from 2 to 5 in the Order


drop-down list as shown in Figure 65.

The second drop-down list allows the user to select either the entire
image (fit all) or part of the image. To fit the selection to either the

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interior or exterior of an area, click and drag an area (blue dashed line)
in the image.

Once the desired settings are selected, click Accept to make the changes
to the 3D graph.

Figure 65 Polynomial Fit operation window

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Linewise Level

Linewise Level (Figure 66) allows a slope-corrected or linear fit with


respect to either the horizontal or vertical axis of the image.

Figure 66 Linewise Level operation window

Once the desired settings are selected, click Accept to make the changes
to the 3D graph.

Three Point Level

Three Point Level uses 3 user-selected points to apply a fit to the 3D


graph.

When this operation is selected, the Add Operation window will open
with 3 X’s as numbered below in the top image of Figure 67.
• Click and drag each X to the desired location

or
• Enter X and Y values for each Point in the Three Point Level
dialogue box.

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Figure 67 Three Point Level operation window before (top) and after
(bottom) setting 3 point locations

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Once the desired settings are selected, click Accept to make the changes
to the 3D graph.

Crop

Select Crop to specify an area of the image to select and remove the
region outside of the area of interest.

Click and drag an area as indicated by the blue dashed line in Figure 68,
then click Accept to crop the 3D image.

Figure 68 Crop operation window

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Undo Last Operation

Select this to cancel the most recent operation.

Show List

When Show List is selected, an Operation List


window (right) will open with all of the
operations that have been applied to the 3D
image. These will be listed in the order they were
applied.

Colors

The Colors selection is used to change the appearance of the 3D graph.


Data is not altered.

Figure 69 Colors menu options

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Background Color

When Background Color is selected, a color palette will open. Select a


color for the 3D image background.

Edit Color

Select Edit Color to create a custom color setting. This operation will
open a Select Color Mapping window. Once a custom setting is created,
click Save to use for future use.

Figure 70 Select Color Mapping to create a custom color scale

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Invert Color

Select Invert Color to flip the Z color scale for the 3D image.

Color Distribution

Select Color Distribution to set the color scale using a linear gradient.
Options are from 0 to 100 %.

Z Contrast Color

Z Contrast Color includes a submenu (Figure 71) with several available


color schemes. In addition, a Custom setting may be selected.

Figure 71 Z Contrast Color menu

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Print

Print menu allows standard print settings for the current display.

Export Data

Data may be exported as BCR-STM type files.

Default Settings

Set Default is selected to make the current settings as default values.

If changes are made to the settings, use Reset to Default to return to the
Set Default settings.

Select Reset to System Default to return to factory settings.

Help

When Help is selected, additional information will be displayed in a


Help pop-up window.

Save data from the Review Window before returning to the Test
NOTE
window. Go to File > Save As to save files.

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Return to the Test Window

If more than one image is available in the Review Window, select the
image of interest from the legend.

Figure 72 Legend list of images or data in Review Window

From the Test Window, select the Show 3D Graph Image icon to
display the image selected from the Review Window legend.

In the Test Window, an area of interest on the image may be selected.


Another scan may be initiated if needed.

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Indenting or Scratch Testing


Select the appropriate Survey Scanning Mode to change from scanning
to indenting or scratching.
1 Switch from the Scan radio button to the Test radio button in the Test
Window to change from scanning to testing.

Figure 73 Radio buttons to select Survey Scanning Mode

2 Select desired method from the drop-down list.


3 Two cursors will appear in the image.
a Blue cursor marks the location for the start of the test.
b Red cursor marks the current tip location.
4 Indent or scratch as needed.
5 Select the Scan radio button for Survey Scanning Mode.
6 Click and drag to select a test area in the image.
7 Scan and repeat procedure as needed.

Park the probe and withdraw when finished.

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12
Commonly Used Procedures
Mounting and Loading Samples 116
Changing and Cleaning the XP Indentation Tip 118
Calibrating the Indenter to a Microscope 122
Changing the Objective 123
Changing the Workspace from XP to DCM Mode 124

This section introduces the procedures for common operations of the


instrument hardware. If there are any questions on these procedures
please contact Keysight Technical Support before trying to complete the
task.

After reading this section the user will understand how to:
• Mount and load Samples
• Change and clean XP indentation tips
• Perform a Microscope to indenter calibration
• Change the microscope objective
• Change the indentation workspace
12 - Commonly Used Procedures

Mounting and Loading Samples


1 On the Test page in the NanoSuite program, right-click in the Sample
Tray Position panel and select Load Sample Tray.
2 Remove the Sample Tray.
3 Mount your sample onto a Sample Disk. It is recommended that a cut
microscope slide be affixed to the aluminum puck; then, the sample
can be epoxied to the slide. This mount is shown in Figure 74. Using
this process, the sample can easily be discarded after testing is
completed; simply heat the mount to 70 °C and remove the glass
slide.

Many adhesives can be used to affix the samples to the pucks. In the
sample shown in Figure 74, Crystal Bond was used to mount the glass
slide to the puck.

Figure 74 The sample is mounted to the glass slide with epoxy

4 Slide the Sample Disk into the Sample Stage and use the thumb
screws to secure the sample as shown in Figure 75.

Figure 75 Placing the sample in the Sample Stage

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5 Carefully slide the Sample Stage into the instrument's dovetail rails
as shown in Figure 76.

Figure 76 Slide the Sample Stage into the dovetail rails

6 In NanoSuite, click on the center sample of the Sample Tray Position


panel which holds the fused silica sample. Right-click and select
Move to Target.
7 Right-click on the Sample Tray Position panel and switch to the
Nano Video HandSet. Using the coarse and fine microscope
adjustments bring the fused silica sample into focus.

When the system is installed the field technician will set the height of
NOTE
the fused silica sample. The height set by the technician prevents
accidental contact of sample and indenter.

8 Right-click on the video image and select Nano HandSet. Click on


the location of your next sample, then right-click to Move to Target.
9 Switch back to Nano Video HandSet and use the thumb wheel
directly beneath the sample to adjust height and bring the sample
into focus. You may need to loosen the side thumb screw to allow the
sample to move.
10 Repeat step 6 through step 9 for additional samples.

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Changing and Cleaning the XP Indentation Tip


The following procedures will walk the user through changing and
cleaning the XP indentation tip.

A schematic of the tip holding system is shown in Figure 77.

Figure 77 Tip holder schematic

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1 Park the indenter head and make sure the locking pins are placed in
the indenter column. The inserted locking pins are shown in
Figure 78.

Figure 78 Locking pins correctly inserted in the column

Before changing the tip, make certain the indenter head is parked and
C A U T IO N
the locking pins are placed in the indenter column to prevent damage to
the system.

2 Using the tip change tool, dock the change tool with the tip collar.
Gently dock the tip change tool with the retaining collar so that the
collar fits between the collar remover flats, illustrated in Figure 79.
A gentle, counter-clockwise motion applied to the removal tool will

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extract the collar and tip from the shaft when the tool is properly
docked to the retainer collar.

Figure 79 Removal of the indentation tip

3 Remove the tip from the tip holder using a pair of tweezers; always
handle the tip by the Indenter Tip Tab.
• To clean the tip, continue to step 4.
• To install another tip, go to step 5.
4 Two methods of cleaning the indentation tip are recommended. Both
methods use Methyl-Ethyl Ketone (MEK) to clean the diamond off;
MEK is recommended because it does not leave a film residue on the
tip.
a The preferred method to clean the tip is to use an ultra sonic
cleaner. Put a couple of inches of water in the ultra sonic cleaner,
then place the tip in a coffee mug with enough MEK to cover it.
Then place the coffee mug into the water. Let the cleaner work for
about 10 minutes.
b An alternative cleaning process is to saturate a cotton swab with
the cleaner and wipe the diamond clean.
5 Load the tip retaining nut into the tip change tool.
6 Place the tip into the tip retaining nut using a pair of tweezers and
holding it by the Indenter Tip Tab. The beveled edge of the tip holder

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indicates the front edge of a pyramidal tip; a pyramidal tip can be


positioned edge or face forward.
7 Using the tip change tool, carefully align the Indenter Tip Tab into
the Indenter Shaft Slot.
8 Align the threads and tighten the collar (clock-wise) back into the
XP head. Ensure a snug fit, but do not over tighten.

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Calibrating the Indenter to a Microscope


The microscope-to-indenter calibration is used to establish the relative
positioning between the microscope and indenter. When properly
calibrated, indentation will be performed at the site chosen via
microscope and after the indentation is complete the site of the first
indent will be returned directly under the microscope.

To calibrate the indenter to a microscope:


1 Ensure that the single crystal aluminum is correctly loaded into the
sample tray per the “Mounting and Loading Samples” section above.
2 Right-click on the Sample Tray Position panel and move the single
crystal aluminum under the microscope using the Move to Target
command.
3 Right-click on the Sample Tray Position panel and select Nano
Video HandSet.
4 Right-click on the Nano Video HandSet and select Microscope to
Indenter Calibration.
5 At the window, click Next to use default settings or click Advanced
Settings button to make changes. The number of indents performed,
depth of indent and other options can be changed in the advanced
settings window. Click Next when ready.
6 Using the microscope image find a clean location on the sample and
click Next. A series of five indentations will be made by the XP
(one at each corner of a "square" with a single indentation in the
center).
7 When the stage returns to the microscope, the crosshairs should be
directly centered on the indentation in the center of the "square".
8 If the crosshairs are not centered over the center indent, click on the
center of the center indent. Click Finish. It is good practice to run
another microscope-to-indenter calibration using 1, 3, or 5 indents.

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Changing the Objective


Objective lenses for the Nano Indenter® G200 optics system are
mounted on precision slides so that they can be interchanged easily.
Parcentricity adjustment of the objectives is also enabled by these slides,
so that each objective can be aligned and interchange can be
accomplished without a need to find positions. A picture of the
microscope objective mounted on the slide is shown inFigure 80.

Figure 80 Microscope objective mounted to the slide

To remove an objective:
1 Grasp the objective.
2 Slide it out of the mounting rails.

To insert an objective:
1 Grasp the objective; turn the slide so that the side labeled "Front"
faces out of the gantry.
2 Insert the slide into the mounting rails on the microscope until it
snaps into place.

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Changing the Workspace from XP to DCM Mode


1 Open NanoSuite and click the icon in the bottom right corner that
indicates XP mode as indicated in Figure 81.

Figure 81 Workspace mode icon circled in blue

2 At the dialogue box asking if you really want to switch the work
space (modes of operation), Click Yes.

Place the locking pins in the XP head. The XP head MUST be pinned
C A U T IO N
when the cable is disconnected. The pinned head is shown in Figure 82.

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Figure 82 Locking pins correctly inserted in the column

3 At the dialogue box, ensure that the pins are placed in the XP head
and click OK.
4 Close NanoSuite program
5 Open the NanoSuite program, and select a DCM method. You are
ready to test!

The previous red XP icon from Figure 81 will now be a blue icon
NOTE
displaying DCM.

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A
Basic Indentation Processes
Surface Find Test Segment 127
Surface Approach Inputs in Test Methods 128
Standard Load and Unload Method 129
Hardness and Modulus Calculations 130
Continuous Stiffness Measurement Indentation Processes 133
Hardness and Modulus Calculations for CSM 134

During the standard indentation processes, there are several basic


actions that take place. These steps differ between the Load-Unload
method and the Continuous Stiffness Measurement (CSM) method
because of fundamental differences in obtaining the stiffness of the
material. This section will explain the basic indentation process.

The user will be able to:


• Understand the Surface Find and Surface Approach test segments
along with the required inputs associated with this integral part of the
test.
• Create a flow diagram of the processes involved in the standard
Load-Unload and CSM methods.
• Describe the two techniques used for determining stiffness during an
indentation test.
A - Basic Indentation Processes

Surface Find Test Segment


A proper surface find is critical for accurate data.

The surface find test segment is completed during the first test on a
sample or when the tests are located over 100 μm apart; not all tests
require a surface find. Both methods (with or without CSM) start with a
surface find in which the indenter approaches the surface of the sample
at a high rate of speed well removed from the actual test location (the
default value for the approach location is 50 μm in the X and Y
directions from the testing location).

The second part of the surface find is a slower approach in which the
system better characterizes the surface location. This second surface
find is completed at a location that is 50 % closer to the actual test site
than the fast surface find. When the second approach detects the surface,
the system then waits for the thermal drift to stabilize below a given
value (the default thermal drift is 0.05 nm/s). Then at the test site, the
Surface Approach Test Segment starts the final approach at a rate
designated by the Surface Approach Velocity. From this point on, the
two indentation processes differ. The diagram below in Figure 83 shows
the Surface Approach Segment.

Figure 83 Surface Find Test Segment

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Surface Approach Inputs in Test Methods


When setting up a test, after the sample name has been entered, a section
of questions will appear relating to the surface find. The following table
should clarify the elements of the surface find.

Surface Find Inputs: Description:

Delta X for finding the Surface (μm) The X-distance away from the indent location where a
surface find is conducted.

Delta Y for finding the Surface (μm) The Y-distance away from the indent location where a
surface find is conducted.

Allowable Drift Rate (nm/s) The acceptable drift rate for conducting the indentation
test.

Surface Approach Distance (nm) The distance above the reference surface location in
which the instrument will start to look for the actual
surface of the sample. If many false surface are
indicated in testing, increase this value.

Surface Approach Sensitivity (%) Increases or decreases the sensitivity of the surface find.
A lower number indicates a more sensitive surface find
but can also trigger due to environmental noise.

Surface Approach Velocity (nm/s) The velocity of the indenter during the surface
approach, starting from the surface approach distance
location.

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A - Basic Indentation Processes

Standard Load and Unload Method


This method produces the hardness and the elastic modulus at one
particular depth.

Load

Once the final surface approach has detected the surface the loading is
completed at a constant loading rate to a given depth (this is a user
input).

Hold

The system then holds a constant load on the sample for a time specified
by the user.

Unload

The system then unloads the indenter at the same rate used during the
loading segment until it reduces the maximum applied load to the
sample by 90 %.

Hold for Thermal Drift Correction

During this hold segment the system pauses and corrects the data for
thermal drift (the default time for thermal drift correction is 60 seconds).

Complete Unload and Start the Next Test

The indenter is completely unloaded and the next test is started. If the
next test site is less than 100 μm away, the surface find will not be
completed again.

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A - Basic Indentation Processes

Hardness and Modulus Calculations


The following are comments on how the hardness and modulus are
calculated for the Load and Unload method.

Hardness

The hardness is calculated at the maximum load as the Load divided by


the projected contact area between the indenter and the sample as
detailed in Equation 4; the projected contact area is determined using
the Oliver and Pharr method.*

P (4)
H = ---
A

Elastic Modulus

The elastic modulus is calculated using the data from the unloading
portion of the indentation test. As the load on the indenter is withdrawn,
the rate at which the load with respect to displacement changes
determines the stiffness of the material as shown in Equation 5.

S = P
------- (5)
h

*W.C. Oliver and G.M. Pharr, “An Improved Technique for Determining Hardness and
Elastic Modulus Using Load and Displacement Sensing Indentation Experiments.” J.
Mater. Res. 7, (1992):1564.

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Where S is the stiffness, P is the load and h is the displacement into the
surface. This is shown graphically in Figure 84.

Figure 84 Basic loading and unloading curve with the stiffness


calculation

This stiffness allows the determination of the reduced elastic modulus


(the combined response of the indenter tip and the sample) by the
following relationship in Equation 6.

S (6)
E r = -----------------------
2 A

Where b is a geometric factor of the tip, S is the stiffness of the material,


and A is the projected contact area determined using the Oliver-Pharr
method. Since the properties of the indenter are well characterized, the

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A - Basic Indentation Processes

modulus of the sample can easily be determined from the following


relationship in Equation 7.

2 2 –1
 1 – s 1 – i  (7)
E r =  ---------------- -
- + ---------------
 Es Ei 

Where Er is the reduced elastic modulus, ns and Es are the samples


Poisson's ratio and elastic modulus respectively and ni and Ei are the
indenters Poisson's ratio and elastic modulus respectively.

A more detailed explanation of the modulus and hardness calculations


can be found in Section 7 of the User's Manual.

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A - Basic Indentation Processes

Continuous Stiffness Measurement Indentation Processes


The Continuous Stiffness Measurement (CSM) indentation method
produces the hardness and elastic modulus as a continuous function of
displacement into the surface of the sample in addition to the elastic
modulus and hardness at the maximum load.

Load

After the final surface approach, the indenter is pressed into the surface
of the sample at a constant strain rate (the default strain rate is 0.05 s-1)
to a depth determined by the user. During the loading cycle, a 2 nm
oscillation is superimposed on the indenter at a frequency of 45 Hz with
the XP head and 75 Hz with the DCM head; these are default values and
they can be changed by the user.

Hold

The indenter is then held at a constant load for a time specified by the
user and the CSM function is turned off.

Unload

The sample is unloaded by 90 % of the tests maximum load.

Hold for Thermal Drift Determination

The load is held constant at 10 % of the tests' maximum load. Then, the
correction for thermal drift is determined.

Complete Unload and Start the Next Test

The indenter is completely unloaded and the next test is started. If the
next test site is less then 100 μm away, the surface find will not be
completed again.

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A - Basic Indentation Processes

Hardness and Modulus Calculations for CSM


The following are comments on how the hardness and modulus are
calculated for the CSM method.

Modulus

The displacement oscillation during the loading segment is used to


monitor the phase shift and amplitude difference between the excitation
force and the material response. In Figure 85, the applied oscillation is
shown imposed over the loading curve (this is an example loading curve
used to emphasize the oscillation).

Figure 85 Loading curve and displacement oscillation for CSM


modulus calculation

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A - Basic Indentation Processes

The excitation force and the displacement response are shown for elastic
and viscoelastic materials in

Figure 86 Excitation force and response displacement vs time for an


elastic (left) and viscoelastic (right) material

Using the phase shift and the material response, the stiffness of the
material is determined from Equation 8:

(8)

Where Famp is the forcing amplitude, hamp is the displacement


amplitude, f is the phase shift, Ks is spring constant, m is the equivalent
mass of the system, w is the damping of the frame, and Kf is the frame

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stiffness. Following this measurement, the elastic modulus of the


sample is determined using Equation 6 and Equation 7 above.

Hardness

The hardness of the sample is determined using Equation 4 above.

A more detailed description of the calculation of hardness and modulus


NOTE
is provided in Section 7 of the User's Manual.

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B
Method Modification
Menu Options for Method Modification 138
Creating New Formulas for Analysis 140

As a professional user with creator privileges, several aspects of the


method can be modified. The user has the option to disable test
segments and add formulas that determine the value of a test at a given
index point, averages the value of a channel between two points, returns
a channel value based on the input of another channel, and determines
the channel value of a marker.

Upon completion of this section, the user will be able to:


• Create formulas that determine the maximum or minimum values for
a given channel.
• Create a function that determines the Load Applied on Sample at a
penetration depth of 200 nm.
• Create a formula that averages the load applied to the sample during
the Thermal Drift Correction segment.
• Create a formula that determines the value of a channel at a given
marker.
B - Method Modification

Menu Options for Method Modification


In the Edit Method selection under Method in the main menu, several
options are available for editing the current method. Table 6 shows the
options under the Edit Method selection and describes what each
option allows.

Table 6 Edit Method Options

Option Submenu Description

Global Units Allows the user to select the unit system for
results

Test Flow This option brings up a new page for the user to
review the test flow and examine each test
segment. Under the test flow, the user can
enable or disable test segments. This is
especially useful if the user wants to disable the
automatic printing of test results at the end of
the test flow.
Configuration Items Channel Allows the user to examine all of the channels'
definitions, formulas, units, and export order.

Formulas Allows the user to examine all of the Formula


definitions, formulas, and result order.

Inputs Allows the user to examine all of the Inputs'


definitions and default values.

Miscellaneous Change method access levels and method


descriptions.

Excel Output Configuration for exporting to Excel.


Configuration

Hardware Status Defines the action that the instrument will take
if the Status item takes place during testing. To
select one of the actions, check the box.
Limit Detection This configuration item monitors when any of
your data channels exceeds the minimum or
maximum value that you have preset. Common
limits are low/high load limits, and low/high
extension limits

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Sample Report There are two Report configuration items, one


for samples and one for specimens. Your
settings control how the report will be printed
once you have selected either Print Sample or
Print Specimen, respectively.
Tag Limits The Tag Limits dialog establishes limits on the
value of the specimen data or results. The
specimen will be tagged if the specimen data or
results exceed one of the limits. Tagging a
specimen means that the specimen will be
marked with a yellow tag icon and its data will
not be used in statistical comparisons.
Units The Units dialog allows you to customize the
Units category (such as SI, MKS, or English)
that will be used for all channels, formulas, and
inputs within a test method.
Create Formula Formula Builder The Formula Builder provides a quick and easy
way to create formulas for use in your
NanoSuite methods. To use the Formula
Builder, select the type of formula you wish to
create in the Choose a Formula Type list box.

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B - Method Modification

Creating New Formulas for Analysis

In this exercise several formulas will be explored. The objective of this


exercise is to use formulas to provide new results. First, the minimum
value of hardness over the calculation range will be determined.
Following the determination of the minimum hardness value, the
modulus at a depth of 200 nm will be determined. Next, the average
Stiffness Squared over Load will be calculated between 100 nm and
300 nm. Finally, the load applied to the sample will be determined at the
minimum calculation value.

The method file used from the NanoSuite Training folder in this
exercise is: G-Series Basic Hardness, Modulus at a Depth
1 Open NanoSuite and login. Under the Method menu, select Open
Method and open the method titled G-Series Basic Hardness,
Modulus at a Depth.msm in the XP methods folder.
2 Select Method from the main menu and save the method as
G-Series-Modified Basic Tip Cal.
3 Take a moment to examine the review page. There are a few values
that are not listed in the results that could be of interest; these values
are:
a The load applied on the sample at a depth of 200 nm.
b The value of the reduced modulus at the maximum load.
c The average load on the sample during the hold segment for
thermal drift correction.
d The value of the load at the start of the hold for thermal drift.

Load Applied to the Sample at 200 nm into the Surface


4 Under the Method menu in the top bar, select Edit Method… and
select Create Formula…
5 Choose Index Point Function and enter the display name as
[200nm Index]
6 Click Create…
7 In the Index Point Formula dialog box, choose Displacement into
Surface for the Channel, Surface Marker for the Start Index
8 Choose Specific Value and fill in [200 nm]. Do not designate a
marker for this item; you would designate a marker if you wanted to
see the location on the review graph

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B - Method Modification

9 Click OK. At this point the channel index for the location of 200 nm
has been determined and now we need to determine the value of the
load applied to the sample at this index
10 Choose Create Formula… again from Edit Method… menu under
the Method menu
11 Choose Value at Index Point Function, enter the display name as
[Load at 200nm], and click Create…
12 In the dialog box, choose Load On Sample for the Channel, choose
200nm Index for the Index Point, and click OK
13 Notice that the Load at 200nm has appeared in the results

The Value of the Reduced Modulus at the Maximum Load


14 Under the Method menu in the top bar, select Edit Method… and
select Create Formula…
15 Choose Channel Value Function, enter the display name [Reduced
Modulus at Max Load], and click Create…
16 The Modulus at Max Load is determined by the point at which the
stiffness is greatest. Therefore, set the following inputs:
a Channel: Reduced Modulus
b Search Channel: Stiffness
c Select Peak (Maximum)
d Start Index: Surface Marker
17 Click OK
18 Notice that the Reduced Modulus at Max Load is now a result

To change units, complete the following selections


1 Select Method from the main menu
2 Select Edit Method…
3 Select Configuration Items
4 Select Channels, Formulas, or Inputs
5 Click on desired value under Display Names
6 In the lower portion of the dialog box click on the button Units
Class…
7 Select desired class
8 Under Type select unit
9 Click OK in each dialog box to exit

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B - Method Modification

Average Load During Thermal Drift Correction


19 Under the Method menu in the top bar, select Edit Method… and
select Create Formula…
20 Choose Average Value Function, enter the display name [Average
Load During Thermal Drift Correction], and click Create…
21 Make the following selections in the Formula Builder:
a Result Channel: Load on Sample
b Select Use Index Points (Markers)
c Point 1: Start Drift Marker
d Point 2: End Drift Marker
22 Click OK
23 Notice that the Average Load During Thermal Drift Correction has
now been added as a result.
24 Change the default value of the input Perform Drift Test Segment
so that the method always completes a thermal drift correction. The
steps for completing this change are below:
a Select Method from the main menu
b Select Edit Method…
c Select Configure Items…
d Select Inputs
e Highlight the Display Name Perform Drift Test Segment
f In the lower portion of the dialog box, ensure that the Default
Value is set to 1. In order to complete a drift hold the test flow
requires this number to be greater than zero; this will ensure that
the thermal drift segment is always completed.
g Click on another input to confirm the changes.

The Value of the Load at the Start of the Hold for Thermal Drift
25 Under the Method menu in the top bar, select Edit Method… and
select Create Formula…
26 Choose Average Value Function, enter the display name [Load at
Start of Thermal Drift Segment], and click Create…
27 Make the following selections in the Formula Builder:
a Channel: Load On Sample
b Index Point: Start Drift Marker
28 Click OK

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B - Method Modification

29 Notice that the Load at Start of Thermal Drift Segment has been
added as a result.
30 Save your method.

***Run Data to Examine the New Results ***

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Keysight NanoSuite
Training Manual

C
Procedure Posters
Selecting a Method 145
Loading Samples 147
Running Samples 149
Is Your Fused Silica Data OK? 150

The following sections are commonly used procedure posters.


C - Procedure Posters

Selecting a Method

1 Use the chart below to determine which method might


best fit your needs.
2 Use the ".pdf" file associated with the method to
investigate the method process and the reported
results further.
3 Open the test method in NanoSuite and examine the
test flow, if needed.

Check all Method title Description


methods that
apply to your
facility
1 G-Series CSM Uses Continuous Stiffness Measurement (CSM) technique to acquire
Standard Hardness, hardness (H) and elastic modulus (E) as a continuous function of
Modulus, and Tip Cal penetration into the test surface. Load segment uses a constant strain
rate. User specifies dynamic frequency, amplitude, strain rate, and
maximum penetration depth. This is our most popular method.

2 G-Series CSM Similar to (1) with default inputs optimized for testing thin films. This
Hardness, Modulus for method works extremely well for dielectric materials on Si wafers.
Thin Films

3 G-Series Basic This method prescribes a single load/unload cycle to a specified depth.
Hardness, Modulus at a Hardness and modulus are determined using the stiffness as calculated
Depth from the slope of the load displacement curve during unload. This
method is similar to (1) except that it does not use the CSM technique.

4 G-Series High Load Similar to (4) this method engages the high load option smoothly when
Basic Hardness, necessary (max 1 kg). This data should not be used for indenter
Modulus, Load Control area-function calibration.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 145


C - Procedure Posters

5 G-Series High Load Similar to (1) this method engages the high load option smoothly when
CSM Hardness and necessary (max 1 kg). This data should not be used for indenter
Modulus area-function calibration.

6 G-Series Ramp Load Method may be used to provide surface profile, critical load, width and
Scratch depth of residual scratch, and estimate of plastic deformation.

7 G-Series Ramp Load Method may be used to provide surface profile, friction coefficient, and
Scratch with LFM critical load.

8 XP ISO 14577 Test and analysis according to ISO 14577 - Part 1


Standard Test Method

4 To setup your tests, simply click on the Batch Mode


icon in the main menu and enter the Define page
which will walk you through the setup.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 146


C - Procedure Posters

Loading Samples

1 On the Test
page in the
NanoSuite
program,
right-click in
the Sample
Tray Position
panel and
select Load
Sample Tray.
2 Remove the Sample Tray.
3 Mount your sample onto a Sample Disk.
4 Slide your Sample Disk into the Sample Stage and
use the thumb screws to secure the sample.
5 Carefully slide the Sample Stage into the instrument's
dovetail rails.
6 In NanoSuite, click on the center sample of the
Sample Tray Position panel which holds the fused
silica sample. Right-click and select Move to Target.
7 Right-click on the Sample Tray Position panel and
switch to the Nano Video HandSet. Using the coarse
and fine microscope adjustments bring the fused silica
sample into focus. Note: When the system is installed
the field technician will set the height of the fused
silica sample. The height set by the technician
prevents accidental contact of sample and indenter.
8 Right-click on the video image and select Nano
HandSet. Click on the location of your next sample,
then right-click to Move to Target.

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C - Procedure Posters

9 Switch back to Nano Video


HandSet and use the thumb
wheel directly beneath the
sample to adjust height and
bring the sample into focus.
You may need to loosen the
side thumb screw to allow the sample to move.
10 Repeat step 6 through step 9 for additional samples.

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 148


C - Procedure Posters

Running Samples

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 149


C - Procedure Posters

Is Your Fused Silica Data OK?

Keysight NanoSuite Training Manual 150


This information is subject to change without notice.

© Keysight Technologies 2010, 2014

Edition C, August 2015

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