Lock-in modules

The lock-in modules let you modulate and demodulate any of the input and output signals available in the Nanonis SPM controller with frequencies up to 40 kHz. Up to 8 lock-in modules can be used independently from each other or synchronized in a phase coherent manner when the generation of multiple frequencies is required. With the multi-frequency option a single module can demodulate up to 8 harmonics of the same signal or independent input signals. The advantage of an internal lock-in detector over an external device is 

• Higher resolution and dynamic range
• Multifrequency and multi-input operation
• Over 120 dB linearity
• Over 100 dB dynamic reserve
• No need for gain and attenuation switching
• Steeper filters (up to 8. order) 
• Up to 8 lock-ins, which can also be synchronized for phase-coherent operation
• Lock-in can be synchronized with OC4. Measure STM current at the exact oscillation frequency of the probe
• Synchronization with data acquisition when using Sync filtering
• Integration avoids errors due to insufficient settling time with slow filter responses 
• no additional noise source through external cabling
• no potential grounding problems
• Tandem-demodulation is straightforward to configure
• flexible and simple setup
• Guided filter set-up utility
• Ability to turn on and off the excitation through software during the experiment
• Ability to turn on and off the excitation for different bias ranges through software during the experiment

Applications range from regular dI/dV, CITS, inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS), transport experiments, Hall measurements, multi-frequency and multi-demodulator measurements of open and closed loop transfer functions and every type of phase sensitive measurements.