A method for aligning a probe relative to a supporting substrate defining a first planar surface, an edge, and a first crystal plane includes the steps of masking the surface of the substrate to define an exposed area on the first surface at the edge; and etching, using an etch reagent, a recess in the exposed area, the recess defining first and second opposed sidewalls, an end wall remote from the edge, and a bottom wall. The method further includes the step of providing a probe substrate defining a second planar surface and a second crystal plane identical to the first crystal plane, and positioning the probe substrate so that the first and the second crystal planes are positioned identically when forming a probe from the probe substrate using the etch reagent, wherein the probe defines congruent surfaces to the first and second sidewalls.