Abstract:
Provided is a composite metal-wide-bandgap semiconductor tip for scanning tunneling microscopy and/or scanning, tunneling lithography, a method of forming, and a method for using the composite metal-wide-bandgap semiconductor tip.
Abstract:
A method of actuating a plurality of probes. Each probe may be made of two or more materials with different thermal expansion coefficients which are arranged such that when the probe is illuminated by an actuation beam it deforms to move the probe relative to a sample. Energy is delivered to the probes by sequentially illuminating them with an actuation beam via an objective lens in a series of scan sequences. Two or more of the probes are illuminated by the actuation beam in each scan sequence and the actuation beam enters the objective lens at a different angle to an optical axis of the objective lens for each probe which is illuminated in a scan sequence. The actuation beam is controlled so that different amounts of energy are delivered to at least two of the probes by the actuation beam during at least one of the scan sequences.
Abstract:
Scanning probe microscope for mapping a sample surface, comprising a plurality of probes for scanning the sample surface, and one or more motion actuators for enabling motion of the probes relative to the sample, the device further comprising a plurality of Z-position detectors for determining a position of each probe along a Z-direction when the probe is in contact with the sample surface; wherein the plurality of probes are mounted on a plurality of heads and each of said heads is mounted on a support base, which is arranged for individually moving its associated head relative to the sample; and wherein each support base comprises a plane actuator unit comprising at least one of said motion actuators for moving the head in at least one direction parallel to the sample surface, wherein the plane actuator unit is located at a first mounting position along said support base, said first mounting position being remote from a second mounting position, wherein the head associated with the support base is mounted on the second mounting position on the support base.
Abstract:
A multi-tip nano-probe apparatus and a method for probing a sample while using the multi-tip nano-probe apparatus each employ located over a substrate: (1) an immovable probe tip with respect to the substrate; (2) a movable probe tip with respect to the substrate; and (3) a motion sensor that is coupled with the movable probe tip. The multi-tip nano-probe apparatus and related method provide for improved sample probing due to close coupling of the motion sensor with the movable probe tip, and also retractability of the movable probe tip with respect to the immovable probe tip.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a system for the inspection of surfaces, which is configured to detect vibration and/or relative displacement characteristics at different points of various elements (51) forming part of a mechanical structure (5), such as a micro or nanomechanical structure. According to the invention, a light beam is moved by the mechanical structure along a first path (A) in order to detect different successive reference positions (C) along the length of said path (A) and the light beam is also moved by the mechanical structure along various secondary paths (B) which are each associated with one of the aforementioned reference positions (C). In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding method and a program for performing said method.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating scanning probe microscopy (SPM) probes is disclosed. The probes are fabricated by forming a structural layer on a substrate, wherein the substrate forms a cavity. A sacrificial layer is located between the substrate and the structural layer. Upon forming the structural layer, the sacrificial layer is selectively removed, and the probe is then released from the substrate. The substrate may then later be reused to form additional probes. Additionally, a contact printing method using a scanning probe microscopy probe is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Apparatus for reducing sensitivity of an article to mechanical shock comprises a frame; first and second planar masses mounted in the frame for bi-directional movement relative to the frame along a first axis of displacement; a first lever pivotable about a first fulcrum secured to the frame; the lever having one end connected to the first mass and the other end connected to the second mass, and the fulcrum being disposed between the ends of the lever; whereby the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the first mass is countered by the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the second mass in response to a mechanical shock applied to the frame along the axis of displacement such that an article carried by the first mass in use has reduced sensitivity to the shock.
Abstract:
Apparatus for reducing sensitivity of an article to mechanical shock comprises a frame; first and second planar masses mounted in the frame for bi-directional movement relative to the frame along a first axis of displacement; a first lever pivotable about a first fulcrum secured to the frame; the lever having one end connected to the first mass and the other end connected to the second mass, and the fulcrum being disposed between the ends of the lever; whereby the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the first mass is countered by the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the second mass in response to a mechanical shock applied to the frame along the axis of displacement such that an article carried by the first mass in use has reduced sensitivity to the shock.