Patent · US Expired

Edge detector

US5304924A · kind A · utility

101Cited by
10References
51Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 20, 1992
Grant dateApr 19, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 20, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S977/852
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An edge detector is disclosed, which detector is improved by providing a probe moving relatively with a tested pattern, a device for detecting a working force or a tunnel current generated between the probe and the tested pattern, and a device for detecting an edge of the tested pattern according to the detected working force or tunnel current. An edge of the tested pattern is detected at high resolution by detecting the tunnel current flowing between a conductive tested pattern and a probe kept closely opposite thereto, or by detecting an atomic force or a magnetic force working between an insulated or a magnetic tested pattern and a lever.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.