Active cantilever for nanomachining and metrology
First Claim
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1. A probe for use in a scanning probe microscope system comprising:
- a base member having;
a cantilever having a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end attached to the base member;
a tip platform suitable for receiving a tip device, the tip platform having a flexural joint connecting it to the free end;
a suspended segment having a first attachment to the base member and having an extension portion spaced apart from the base and having a second attachment proximate the flexural joint,wherein dimensional changes in the suspended segment result in movement of the tip platform about the flexural joint.
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Abstract
A probe assembly suited for use in a scanning probe microscope (SPM) system includes a cantilever having an attachment to a main body portion. A suitable tip disposed at the free end of the cantilever provides various functions. According to various embodiments of the invention, an interference structure is provided to limit the range of deflection of the probe.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A probe for use in a scanning probe microscope system comprising:
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a base member having; a cantilever having a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end attached to the base member; a tip platform suitable for receiving a tip device, the tip platform having a flexural joint connecting it to the free end; a suspended segment having a first attachment to the base member and having an extension portion spaced apart from the base and having a second attachment proximate the flexural joint, wherein dimensional changes in the suspended segment result in movement of the tip platform about the flexural joint. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A probe device for use in a scanning probe microscope comprising:
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a base member; a cantilever extending from the base member, the cantilever having a free end, the cantilever further having a kinetic segment disposed proximate the free end and configured to hold a tip device having micron-sized dimensions, the kinetic segment comprising one or more action members cooperatively configured to effect kinetic action of a tip device held therein; and an actuator segment having a first attachment to the base member, the actuator segment further having an active portion disposed above and spaced apart from the base member, the actuator segment further having a second attachment to at least one of the action members, wherein dimensional changes of the active portion effect kinetic action among the action members, the action members configured to couple at least some of the kinetic action to the tip device. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6)
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7. In a scanning probe microscope system, a probe comprising:
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a base member of electrically conductive material, the base member having a cantilevered segment extending therefrom, the cantilevered segment having a free end, the free end having first and second arm segments extending therefrom; an active platform of electrically conductive material having a first connection to the first arm segment and a second connection to the second arm segment; an insulative layer disposed atop the base member, the cantilever segment and the first and second am segments, an exposed portion of the active platform absent the insulative layer; and a conductive layer disposed atop the insulative layer and in electrical contact with the exposed portion of the active platform, wherein a conduction path or a flow of electric current includes the conductive layer, the active platform, the first and second arm segments and the base member, wherein the flow of electric current causes deformation of the first and second arm segments due to local heating thereat, the deformation causing motion in the active platform. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification