Set up the probe station

Replacing probe tips

A description of the probe tips we buy from Micromanipulator can be found here: Probe Tips - Micromanipulator

A few useful documents describing the probe tips in the LASE library are here:

The rule of thumb is to use a probe tip with a diameter that is less than half the size of the bond pad (or contacts). We typically use the Style 7B probe tips, which are general use tips. If you need to use smaller tips, use Style 7A.

Procedure

1. Use gloves, two tweezers, and (ideally) another labmate

2. Move the probe tip clear of the testing area and other probe tips and samples

3. Disconnect the pneumatic line into the backside of the probe and have your labmate hold the probe steady.

4. Using the tweezers, unbend the old tip

5. Slide the tip out backward, i.e. toward the ceiling

   1. Note: it will not slide out in the forward direction, probably because the tip is tappered

   2. Note: You will encounter resistance even when sliding it backward -- slowly work it out.

6. Dispose of the old probe tip

7. Insert the new tip in the reverse order of how you removed the old probe tip, i.e. from the back/top of the tip holder

8. Once the new tip is in, bend the back portion to hold the tip in place (c.f. other probe tips as an example)

9. Test the probe tip with another known-good probe by performing a simple 2-pt probe resistance measurement

BNC line discharge