Patent ID: 6291822
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: B82Y,G01Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A scanning probe microscope comprising: a cantilever having a probe at an end portion thereof; scanning signal generating means for generating a main scanning signal and a sub-scanning signal; main scanning means for scanning the probe along a main scanning direction over a sample surface in accordance with the main scanning signal; sub-scanning means for scanning the probe along a sub-scanning direction over the sample surface in accordance with the sub-scanning signal; and Z-direction fine moving means for moving the probe in a fine movement in the Z direction with respect to the sample surface and for maintaining the probe at a predetermined distance from the sample surface; each of the main scanning means, the sub-scanning means, and the z-direction fine moving means comprising a voice coil motor having a stator having a groove and a movable member extending into the groove for undergoing movement therein; and a viscous fluid disposed in the groove of the stator of each voice coil motor for attenuating Q of a resonant vibration thereof, the viscosity coefficients of the viscous fluids being different from one another.