Patent ID: 7441447
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: B82Y,G01Q

Abstract:
1. A system for generating definable nano-scale properties of a sample, comprising: an integrated force sensor positioned in proximity to and detecting said sample; a first output signal corresponding to detected material properties of said sample; a second output signal corresponding to detected surface properties of said sample; a hardware component for receiving said force sensor output signals and selectively transmitting received signals; and a software component for controlling operating parameters of said hardware component, receiving transmitted signals from said hardware component, determining material and surface properties of said sample according to received data, and outputting said determinations, wherein said integrated force sensor comprises: a detection surface; at least one reflective diffraction grating provided in connection with said detection surface; a force sensor attached to said detection surface, said force sensor comprising: an actuator coupled to each of the diffraction grating and flexible mechanical structure and configured to electrostatically apply force to the flexible mechanical structure; and a detector configured to measure deflection of said flexible mechanical structure.