Multiple Integrated Tips Scanning Probe Microscope
First Claim
1. A scanning probe adapter comprising:
- a probe head having at least one probe tip; and
an optical microscope configured to view the probe head in relation to a sample.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Device and system for characterizing samples using multiple integrated tips scanning probe microscopy. Multiple Integrated Tips (MiT) probes are comprised of two or more monolithically integrated and movable AFM tips positioned to within nm of each other, enabling unprecedented micro to nanoscale probing functionality in vacuum or ambient conditions. The tip structure is combined with capacitive comb structures offering laserless high-resolution electric-in electric-out actuation and sensing capability and novel integration with a Junction Field Effect Transistor for signal amplification and low-noise operation. This “platform-on-a-chip” approach is a paradigm shift relative to current technology based on single tips functionalized using stacks of supporting gear: lasers, nano-positioners and electronics.
22 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A scanning probe adapter comprising:
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a probe head having at least one probe tip; and an optical microscope configured to view the probe head in relation to a sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of operating a scanning probe microscope, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a probe with at least one tip, the probe comprising at least one monolithically integrated actuator and sensor, wherein the monolithically integrated actuator is configured to actuate and oscillate the probe tip; and measuring, using the monolithically integrated sensor, a motion of the oscillating probe tip. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method of aligning at least two probe tips in a scanning probe adapter, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a probe head comprising at least two probe tips; biasing a sample and the at least two probe tips with either an AC or DC signal; moving, using a sample stage, the sample and the at least two probe tips into proximity; measuring a current from each of the at least two probe tips; comparing the measured currents to determine which, if any, of the at least two probe tips generated a higher current; and if one of the at least two probe tips generated a higher current, retracting the sample stage and rotating the probe head away from whichever of the at least two probe tips generated the highest current, or determining that the at least two probe tips are aligned if equivalent currents are measured from the at least two probe tips. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A method of aligning at least two probe tips in a scanning probe adapter, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a probe head comprising at least two probe tips; moving the sample and the at least two probe tips into proximity; capturing, using an optical microscope, an image of the at least two probe tips and a corresponding reflection of the at least two probe tips; tracking, using an image recognition algorithm, an outer line shape of the at least two probe tips and the corresponding reflections; calculating a distance between an apex each of the at least two probe tips and the apex of the corresponding reflection; comparing the calculated distances to determine which, if any, of the at least two probe tips had a shorter calculated distance; and if one of the at least two probe tips had a shorter calculated distance, rotating the probe head away from whichever of the at least two probe tips had the shorter calculated distance, or determining that the at least two probe tips are aligned if equivalent distances are calculated for each of the at least two probe tips. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A method for characterizing a sample using a scanning probe adapter, the method comprising:
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providing a probe head comprising at least two probe tips; aligning the at least two probe tips; scanning the sample with at least one of the at least two probe tips to obtain a first measurement; and performing at least one of storing the obtained first measurement, transmitting the obtained first measurement, and displaying the obtained first measurement. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification