Optics landing system and method therefor
US7123035B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/24
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A landing system is provided for accurate placing of collection optics in a microscope. In one example, a solid immersion lens (SIL) is used for light collection, and the landing system is operated to place the SIL in contact with an IC. A proximity sensor is used for determining the SIL's position with respect to the IC. The arrangement is attached to a z-motion stage. During the placement procedure, the navigation is performed in steps and at each step the compression of the SIL is measured relative to its uncompressed state. When a measured compression exceeds a preset threshold, a SIL landing is recognized. In one example, after a landing is recognized, a further compression is imparted to the SIL in order to place the SIL in a focusing distance to the objective lens.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.