Abstract:
This invention is a novel methodology for precision metrology, sensing, and actuation at the micro- and nano-scale. It is well-suited for tiny technology because it leverages off the electromechanical benefits of the scale. The invention makes use of electrical measurands of micro- or nano-scale devices to measure and characterize themselves, other devices, and whatever the devices subsequently interact with. By electronically measuring the change in capacitance, change in voltage, and/or resonant frequency of just a few simple test structures, a multitude of geometric, dynamic, and material properties may be extracted with a much higher precision than conventional methods.
Abstract:
A scanning probe microscope includes a plate moveable in an x-axis direction, a y-axis direction, and a z-axis direction, and a probe tip coupled to the plate. A plurality of actuators cooperate to move the probe tip with three degrees of freedom of movement.