Scanning probe microscope
US5675154A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/869
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Features for incorporation with scanning probe microscopes are provided which may be used separately or together. The features include constructing the microscope with a hinged top housing providing easy access to the heart of the microscope; a self-aligning and torque limiting magnetic clutch coupling a motor drive powering at least one vertical adjustment screw of the microscope; a removable microscope head for easy adjustment; an optical microscope, optionally mounted to an electronic camera and imaging system, installed adjacent to the head; operation on an inverted microscope stage; bowing error correction; a gas sparging system providing contaminant and noise reduction; a glove box type of loading system so that reactive materials may be safely loaded into the microscope; and a compact desk-top chamber which provides acoustic and vibration isolation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.