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 sample carriage, for receiving a sample to be scanned and positionable in a scanning probe microscope, is used for physically decoupling the sample from the scanning probe microscope assembly. The sample carriage, constructed from low thermal coefficient material, is physically decoupled by releasably clamping a sample carriage to a bridge support.
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.