Resonant probe driving arrangement and a scanning probe microscope including such an arrangement
First Claim
1. A control apparatus for controlling a driving signal used to stimulate a resonating sensing element, in which the control apparatus is responsive to a sensor used to monitor the motion of the sensing element characterized in that the control apparatus comprises a signal processor for filtering signals from the sensor so as to remove harmonics above a predetermined order from the signal, and drive signal controller responsive to the output of the signal processor for adjusting the driving signal so as to maintain the sensing element in resonance.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A drive system is provided for a resonating probe device, such as a scanning probe microscope, wherein the amplitude of the drive signal is controlled by feeding back a phase shifted and amplified component of the amplitude of oscillation of the resonating element. Means are provided for electronically enhancing the quality factor of a resonating probe device when operated in a liquid environment. Such enhancement of the quality factor improves the sensitivity of the probe device.
53 Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A control apparatus for controlling a driving signal used to stimulate a resonating sensing element, in which the control apparatus is responsive to a sensor used to monitor the motion of the sensing element characterized in that the control apparatus comprises a signal processor for filtering signals from the sensor so as to remove harmonics above a predetermined order from the signal, and drive signal controller responsive to the output of the signal processor for adjusting the driving signal so as to maintain the sensing element in resonance.
Specification