Agilent Technologies Nano Indenter G200 User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies
Nano Indenter G200
User’s Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2013
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or transla-
tion into a foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from Agi-
lent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Manual Part Number
G2A-13192-1
Edition
Rev D, May 2013
Printed in USA
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
1601 California Street 
Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA
Warranty
The material contained in this doc-
ument is provided “as is,” and is
subject to being changed, without
notice, in future editions. Further,
to the maximum extent permitted
byapplicablelaw, Agilent disclaims
all warranties, either express or
implied, with regard to this manual
and any information contained
herein, including but not limited to
the implied warranties of mer-
chantability and fitness for a par-
ticular purpose. Agilent shall not
be liable for errors or for incidental
or consequential damages in con-
nection with the furnishing, use, or
performance of this document or of
any information contained herein.
Should Agilent and the user have a
separate written agreement with
warranty terms covering the mate-
rial in this document that conflict
with these terms, the warranty
terms in the separate agreement
shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance
of a U.S. Government prime contract or
subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer soft-
ware” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014
(June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted
computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is
subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and non-DOD
Departments and Agencies of the U.S.
Government will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Gov-
ernment users will receive no greater than
Limited Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR
252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as
applicable in any technical data.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice,
or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do
not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice,
or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

Read This First
Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 3
Read This First
Warranty
Agilent warrants Agilent hardware, accessories and supplies against
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date
of shipment. If Agilent receives notice of such defects during the
warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either repair or replace
products which prove to be defective. Replacement products may be
either new or like-new.
Agilent warrants that Agilent software will not fail to execute its
programming instructions for the period specified above due to defects
in material and workmanship when properly installed and used. If
Agilent receives notice of such defects during the warranty period,
Agilent will replace software media which does not execute its
programming instructions due to such defects. For detailed warranty
information, see back matter.
Safety Considerations
• General - This product and related documentation must be reviewed
for familiarization with these safety markings and instructions before
operation.
This product is a safety Class I instrument (provided with a
protective earth terminal).
• Before Applying Power - Verify that the product is set to match the
available line voltage and the correct fuse is installed.
• Before Cleaning - Disconnect the product from operating power
before cleaning.
• Safety Earth Ground - An uninterrupted safety earth ground must
be provided from the main power source to the product input wiring
terminals or supplied power cable.
Specifications
Environmental Conditions
Temperature (Operating): 5 to 40 °C
Temperature (Non-operating): -40 to 70 °C
Relative Humidity (Operating): 15 to 95 % non-condensing
Altitude: 2000 m

Read This First
Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 4
Power Requirements
100/120/220/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed 10 % of the nominal
supply voltage.
Equipment Class I, Pollution Degree 2, Installation Category II.
This equipment is for indoor use only.
Disclaimers
This User’s Guide, as well as the hardware herein described, is licensed
and can only be used in compliance with such terms and agreements as
entered in by Agilent Technologies, Inc. Users of these products
understand, except where permission is given by Agilent Technologies,
Inc. by said license, no part of this manual may be copied, transmitted,
stored in a general retrieval system, in any form or means, electronic, or
mechanical, without prior written permission of Agilent Technologies,
Inc. Information contained herein this User’s Guide is for general
information use only. Information is subject to change without notice.
Information should not be construed as a commitment by Agilent
Technologies, Inc. Furthermore, Agilent Technologies, Inc. assumes no
responsibility or liability for any misinformation, errors, or general
inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.
NOTE
These specifications apply to the Agilent Nano Indenter system, and do
not guarantee the function of an experiment in these conditions.

Read This First
Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 5
Contact Information
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
4330 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, Arizona 85226-4965 U.S.A.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.agilent.com
Customer Technical Support
1-800-844-6266
1-865-425-0566
Support Email: [e-mail]
Distributors and Account Representatives
Please visit our web site for up-to-date information:
http://nano.tm.agilent.com/index.cgi?CONTENT_ID=253

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 1
Table of Content
I Read This First
Specifications I-3
Disclaimers I-4
Contact Information I-5
II Table of Contents
1 Introduction
Your G200 System 1-10
Agilent Technologies 1-12
A Word About Us 1-12
Company History 1-12
Contacting Agilent Technologies 1-12
2 Quick Start Guide
Hardware Overview 2-2
Facility and Instrument Dimensions 2-3
Specifications 2-5
Software Interface Overview 2-6
NanoSuite Software 2-6
Getting Started 2-8
Power Up the System 2-8
Launch NanoSuite 2-10
Prepare a Sample for Testing 2-11
Install the Sample Disk into the Sample Tray 2-16
Install the Sample Tray into the Indenter 2-18
Adjust the Height of the Samples 2-19
Methods and Batches in NanoSuite 2-27
First Batch Test 2-27
Second Batch Test 2-47
Third Batch Test 2-52
Congratulations! 2-52

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 2
3 Instrument Reference
Components 3-2
Allen Wrench Set 3-2
Aperture Levers 3-2
Computer/Central Processing Unit (CPU) 3-3
Controller 3-3
Crystalbond Hot Melt 3-3
CSM Controller 3-4
Dynamic Contact Module II 3-5
Gantry Assembly 3-5
Head Assembly 3-6
High Load Mechanism 3-7
Indenter 3-8
Isolation Cabinet 3-8
Lateral Force Measurement 3-10
Locking Pins 3-10
Microscope 3-12
Motion System 3-12
Mounting Specimens 3-14
Objectives 3-14
Sample Disks 3-15
Sample Mount System 3-16
Sample Tray 3-16
Single-Crystal Aluminum Sample 3-17
Specimen 3-18
Standard Reference Materials 3-19
Temperature Probe 3-19
Tip-Change Tool 3-20
Tip-Retaining Nut 3-20
Vibration Isolation Table 3-21
4 NanoSuite
Test Page 4-2
Title Bar 4-3
Menu Bar 4-3
File Menu 4-5
New Sample, Open Sample…, Save Sample, Save Sample As…, Exit 4-5
Memo 4-5
Properties… 4-6
Print 4-6
Print Preview 4-7

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 3
Email 4-7
Export, Export Preview, and Batch Export… 4-8
Import… 4-8
Method Menu 4-11
Open Method..., Save Method, Save Method As... 4-11
Method Packaging 4-11
Edit Method 4-12
Print Method 4-12
Print Preview Method 4-12
Edit Menu 4-13
View Menu 4-14
Save Current Review Page Configuration 4-15
Delete a Saved Review Page Configuration 4-15
Load a Saved Review Page Configuration 4-16
Test Menu 4-18
Next Test Segment 4-18
Run Post-Sample 4-18
Configure Menu 4-19
Device… 4-19
Meters… 4-19
Statistics… 4-21
Workspace… 4-21
Toolbar… 4-22
Review Graph… 4-23
Real-Time Graph… 4-24
Tools Menu 4-26
Calibrate… 4-26
Set Full Scale Load Range 4-27
Validate Method 4-27
Channel Diagnostics… 4-27
Preallocate… 4-27
Recalculate Sample 4-27
Recalculate Test 4-27
User Menu 4-28
Login… 4-28
Logout 4-28
Password… 4-28
View Profile… 4-28
Users… 4-30
Tip Menu 4-31
Select Tip 4-31

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 4
Configure Tip 4-32
Print Preview of Tip Configuration 4-33
Change Indenter Tip 4-33
Export Menu 4-34
Mode Menu 4-35
System Menu 4-36
Help Menu 4-37
Topics 4-37
About 4-37
View Paths… 4-37
Request Product Support 4-37
Toolbar 4-39
Test Page Toolbar 4-39
Review Page Toolbar 4-41
Define Page Toolbar 4-43
Status Bar 4-45
Test Page Panels 4-46
Handset Area 4-46
Navigating the Nano HandSet Schematic 4-47
Navigating the Nano Video HandSet 4-49
System Controls 4-57
Required Inputs Panel 4-58
Real-Time Graph 4-60
Meters 4-62
Review Page 4-63
Legend Panel 4-63
Review Graph Panel 4-66
Channels Tab 4-68
Channels Right-Click Menu 4-68
Review Graph Setup 4-71
3D Tab 4-82
3D Right-Click Menu 4-83
Histogram Tab 4-92
Histogram Right-Click menu 4-94
Data Panel 4-99
Results Panel 4-103
Simulation Mode 4-105

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 5
5 Analyst
Understanding Excel Formats and Analyst 5-2
Launching Analyst 5-3
Menu Bar 5-4
Toolbar 5-5
Sample View Pane 5-5
View Pane 5-6
Message Pane 5-6
Analyst Menu Bar 5-7
File 5-7
Edit 5-9
Options 5-14
Tools 5-15
Help 5-15
Analyst Toolbar 5-16
Sample View Pane 5-17
Project Level 5-18
Sample Level 5-19
Test Level 5-19
View Pane 5-21
6 Commonly Used Procedures
Using NanoSuite System Agent 6-2
Defining a General Batch 6-8
Executing a General Batch 6-21
Changing the Indenter 6-25
Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration 6-31
General Information 6-31
Area Function Information 6-36
Frame Stiffness and Area Function Calibration: Express Test 6-45
Frame Stiffness Calibration: ISO 14577 Method 6-51
Frame Stiffness Calibration: CSM Method 6-61
Cleaning the Tip 6-68
Best Method 6-68
Alternative Method 1 6-68
Alternative Method 2 6-68

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 6
Setting the Surface Marker 6-69
Editing Input Values 6-72
Comparing Samples in Analyst 6-74
Adjusting the Vibration Isolation Table 6-78
7 Theory
Indentation Process Overview 7-3
Continuous Load-Displacement Data 7-3
Elastic Modulus of Test Material 7-5
Tip Materials Parameters 7-5
Determining the Contact Stiffness and Contact Area 7-6
The Power-Law Relation 7-6
Contact Depth 7-7
Projected Contact Area 7-7
Determining Contact Stiffness Dynamically 7-8
Frame Stiffness and Indenter Area Function Theory 7-9
Instrument Frame Stiffness: Indentation Definition 7-9
Frame Stiffness Summary 7-17
Determining Indenter Area Function 7-17
Area Function Summary 7-24
Diagnostics 7-24
Best Experimental Practice 7-29
Choosing an Indenter Geometry 7-29
Environmental Control 7-29
Surface Preparation 7-30
Testing Procedure 7-30
Calculations Using Raw Displacement and Load Data 7-31
Reference to the Point of Contact 7-31
Thermal Drift 7-31
Compensating for Deformation of the Load Frame 7-33
Compensating for the Force Exerted by the Support Springs 7-33
References 7-33
A Continuous Stiffness Measurement
Quick Start Guide A-3
NanoSuite Reference A-5
Required Inputs A-5

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 7
Results A-6
Commonly Used Procedures A-7
Setting the Displacement Range for Averaged Properties A-7
Theory A-8
Dynamic Modeling of the Indentation System and Sample Contact A-8
Calculating Continuous Elastic Modulus and Hardness A-12
Computing Parameters for Polymers A-13
B Dynamic Contact Module II
Quick Start Guide B-2
Switching to the DCM II Head B-2
Switching to the XP Head B-6
NanoSuite Reference B-8
Commonly Used Procedures B-9
Changing the Tip B-9
Testing the DCM II Performance B-15
C High Load
Quick Start Guide C-2
NanoSuite Reference C-5
Required Inputs C-5
Results C-6
D NanoSuite Explorer
NanoSuite Explorer Overview D-3
Test Flow View D-3
Configuration View D-12
Method Error Log D-45
Insert Menu D-45
Tutorial D-46
Exercise 1 D-46
Exercise 2 D-48
Exercise 3 D-54
Exercise 4 D-55

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 8
E Scratch Testing
Quick Start Guide E-2
NanoSuite Reference E-6
Required Inputs E-6
Markers E-8
Editable Post-Test Inputs E-9
Results E-9
Theory E-11
Plastically Deformed Scratches E-11
Fractured Scratches E-12
Influence of Indenter Geometry E-13
Measure of Indenter Geometry Using the Indentation Technique E-14
Time-Dependent Properties Acting on Scratch Behavior E-16
Relaxation E-16
Mechanisms E-19
F Lateral Force Measurement
Quick Start Guide F-2
Theory F-4
G Training Exercises
Setting Up a New User in NanoSuite G-2
Introduction G-2
Exercise G-2
Investigate an Unfamiliar NanoSuite Method G-10
Introduction G-10
Exercise G-10
H Express Test
Getting Started H-2
Express Test Tip Calibration H-2
Express Test Methods H-4
Express Test for Thin Films-Batch H-4
Express Test to a Displacement H-7
Express Test to a Force H-10

Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 9
Express Test Tip Calibration H-12
Express Test, Varied Force H-12

1-1 1-11
Agilent Nano Indenter G200
User’s Guide
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction
Your G200 System 1-12
Agilent Technologies 1-14
A Word About Us 1-14
Company History 1-14
Contacting Agilent Technologies 1-14
Congratulations on the purchase of your Nano Indenter G200 system,
the ultimate microprobe for testing mechanical properties. This system,
equipped with NanoSuite software, provides the highest quality data and
an ease of use unmatched by any other system. As the features and
capabilities of the system are unveiled, your understanding of its
automation and flexibility will generate a wealth of useful
information—without complicating your life!
Not only the latest in instrumented indentation testing and nanoscratch
technology, the G200 is backed by the reliability and commitment of
Agilent Technologies. With a diverse scientific staff and a worldwide
network of service and support professionals, this system is backed by a
responsive and highly qualified team to meet your needs.

Introduction 1
1-1 Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 1-12
Your G200 System
The Nano Indenter G200, shown in Figure 1-1, is not an ordinary “black
box” indenter. This platform for instrumented indentation testing is
designed to deliver the highest expected performance levels as a base
unit, yet it is also flexible to fit the most customized tests with optional
configurations.
Figure 1-1The Nano Indenter G200
The G200 universal testing system represents a great stride in materials
testing. Use of this system provides you with indispensable convenience
in data collection and enables the advancement and application of new

Introduction 1
1-1 Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 1-13
materials and technologies. The G200 system has been designed to be a
universal testing system. Users can unlock vast potential in this
machine.
Options currently available for the G200 system include:
•Continuous stiffness measurement (CSM): see Appendix A.
•Dynamic Contact Module II (DCM II): see Appendix B.
•High Load option up to 1 kg: see Appendix C.
•Lateral force measurement (LFM): see Appendix F.
•Express Test: see Appendix H.
•350 °C heating stage
•NanoVision
For a complete list of the options specific to your machine, please refer
to your order acknowledgement or the packing list provided with the
shipment.

Introduction 1
1-1 Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 1-14
Agilent Technologies
A Word About Us
Agilent Technologies, the premier measurement company, offers
high-precision, modular Nano-measurement solutions for research,
industry, and education. Exceptional worldwide support is provided by
experienced application scientists and technical service personnel.
Agilent's leading-edge R&D laboratories ensure the continued, timely
introduction and optimization of innovative, easy-to-use
nanomechanical system technologies.
Company History
Agilent Technologies brings years of instrumentation experience to
customers. In 1999, Agilent spun-off from Hewlett Packard.
In 1983, Warren Oliver and John Pethica founded Nano Instruments,
Inc. Warren Oliver, renowned in the field of Nanoindenting, remains
involved with Agilent full-time.
Nano Instruments began in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, near the Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, where the company specialized in small-scale
mechanical testing. The company grew organically until its acquisition
by MTS in 1998. MTS Nano Instruments set the standard for excellence
with its line of mechanical-properties microprobes used in materials
testing. Agilent acquired MTS Nano Instruments in 2008.
Agilent is committed to making products that contribute to advances in
science and technology. Dedicated to innovation, respect, teamwork and
uncompromising integrity, Agilent focuses on speed and accountability
to meet customer needs.
Contacting Agilent Technologies
For questions regarding integration between NanoSuite and your T150
system, or for help with your instrument, please contact Technical
Support. For any questions concerning new products, options, or
instrumentation, please contact your sales representative. See "Contact
Information" on page 5 for contact details.
What You Will Need Before You Call Technical Support
If you are calling for NanoSuite integration support, we recommend that
your system is running when you call. Phone support is limited to

Introduction 1
1-1 Agilent Nano Indenter G200 User’s Guide 1-15
solving system concerns. It should not be used to train new operators or
modify or enhance software.
A Note to Our Overseas Customers
Overseas customers should contact their local Agilent Technologies
representative or distributor for details concerning technical support.
Training
Agilent provides instrument and software training at the time of
installation. If you are interested in further training, please call Agilent
Technologies, Chandler, AZ, at 480-756-5900.

2-1
Agilent Nano Indenter G200
User’s Guide
Agilent Technologies
2
Quick Start Guide
Hardware Overview 2-2
Facility and Instrument Dimensions 2-3
Specifications 2-5
Software Interface Overview 2-6
NanoSuite Software 2-6
Getting Started 2-8
Power Up the System 2-8
Launch NanoSuite 2-10
Prepare a Sample for Testing 2-11
Install the Sample Disk into the Sample Tray 2-16
Install the Sample Tray into the Indenter 2-18
Adjust the Height of the Samples 2-19
Methods and Batches in NanoSuite 2-27
First Batch Test 2-27
Second Batch Test 2-47
Third Batch Test 2-52
In this chapter, you will use your Nano Indenter G200 to perform
several tests. This Quick Start Guide is intended to convey basic
information on running the instrument and looking at data. It is not
intended to convey all of the information that you need to get the most
out of your instrument.
This Quick Start Guide introduces you to the general functions of the
instrument. You should also refer to the “Quick Start Guide” in the
User’s Manual for Compliance with ISO 14577 for a quick introduction
to running tests that are compliant with the ISO standard for
instrumented indentation testing.
If you would like further help a training video is available. Email
support at [email protected].