Abstract:
A non-contact, step-wise method for automatically positioning a sensing probe (12), having a vibrating cantilever (18) and tip (19), above a target surface (20) utilizing acoustic and Van der Waals interactions respectively during an approach method. The sensing probe is lowered to a substantially optimized tip to target surface distance. The system utilizes the interaction of forces between the vibrating cantilever and target surface to automatically position the sensing probe above the target surface.
Abstract:
A non-contact, step-wise method for automatically positioning a sensing probe (12), having a vibrating cantilever (18) and tip (19), above a target surface (20) utilizing acoustic and Van der Waals interactions respectively during an approach method. The sensing probe is lowered to a substantially optimized tip to target surface distance. The system utilizes the interaction of forces between the vibrating cantilever and target surface to automatically position the sensing probe above the target surface.
Abstract:
A non-contact, step-wise method for automatically positioning a sensing probe (12), having a vibrating cantilever (18) and tip (19), above a target surface (20) utilizing acoustic and Van der Waals interactions respectively during an approach method. The sensing probe is lowered to a substantially optimized tip to target surface distance. The system utilizes the interaction of forces between the vibrating cantilever and target surface to automatically position the sensing probe above the target surface.