Patent · US Active

Scanning probe microscope

US7498589B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
11References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 18, 2005
Grant dateMar 3, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 29, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB82Y35/00
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A scanning probe microscope for measuring a surface profile of a sample by bringing a probe into close proximity to or contact with the surface of the sample and scanning the sample surface includes: a sample stage movable in at least one axis direction; the probe which is brought into close proximity to or contact with the surface of the sample mounted on the sample stage and scans the sample surface; a probe-driving unit for moving the probe three-dimensionally; a probe deflection detector for detecting a deflection of the probe; and an observation optical system which has an objective lens and observes the probe disposed on substantially the optical axis of the objective lens, and the sample. The probe-driving unit is disposed with three sets of paired drive sources arranged essentially with symmetry with respect to the optical axis of the objective lens.

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