Patent ID: 7497613
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: B82Y,G01Q

Abstract:
1. A microfabricated thermal probe, comprising; a substrate, a cantilever comprising a fixed end at the substrate and a planar surface extending from the substrate to a free end opposite the fixed end, a sharp probe tip, located at least substantially at the free end of the cantilever, the probe tip having a base that is coplanar with the planar surface of the cantilever the probe tip extending out and away from the plane of the planar surface of the cantilever to a sharp end, at least two separate electrically conductive traces formed by an implant process on the cantilever; and, at least one heating element with an active area, formed by an implant process on the cantilever, electrically connected to and bridging the traces, wherein; there is no spatial overlap between the base of the probe tip and the active area of the heating element, the active area of the heating element is located at the free end of the cantilever and adjacent to the tip and heats the tip; and, the resistance of the heating element is greater than twice the resistance of the traces.