Lab Notes for the Scanning Tunneling Microscope

Removed the formwork from the conrete block we poured on friday. The block is so nice!

• Lessons learned:
  • Screwing the M5 threaded rods directly into the formwork meant we had to break apart the bottom panel. Maybe there is a better way?
  • We should have fixed the top ends of the M5 threaded rods into correct position somehow. The misalignment made it very hard to attach the aluminum profiles afterwards.
  • Not using any demoulding spray was totally fine, the OSB panels easily separated.
  • The OSB panels left a very nice texture :)
  • We should have put some edge liners into the formwork to chamfer the block edges — especially the ones on top, where the air surface of the pour was.

Continued bringup of the original control electronics.

Continued building the vibration isolation frame, up to the point where we are missing the remaining components. The concrete weight is still drying, did not want to touch it yet.

Prepared a lab setup for bringing the original electronics back to life. Turned on power again for the first time, with the power LED on the board lighting up! Got a spark in the enclosure, couldn't find a reason or fault from it. Did not yet verify any functionality of the board.

Poured a concrete weight for the vibration isolation system:

• Lessons learned:
  • You probably need more water then called for on the package to make the concrete pourable.
  • Something to vibrate/shake the form is extremely useful.
  • Don't try to make reinforced concrete if you don't have to :D

Started building the frame for the STM vibration isolation.