Patent ID: 7631548
Filing Date: 2009-12-15
Classification: B82Y,G01Q

Abstract:
1. A scanning probe microscope that uses a probe to scan a surface of a sample to detect interaction between the probe and the sample surface to measure a sample property, the microscope comprising: a sample stage on which the sample is placed; the probe; driving means for three-dimensionally moving the probe relative to the sample placed on the sample stage; control means for controlling the driving means; means for detecting the deflection of the probe; and means for detecting displacement of the probe; wherein the driving means moves the probe relative to the sample surface while allowing the probe to withdraw from or approach the sample surface with a variable amplitude; wherein the deflection of the probe and the displacement of the probe are used to acquire at least one sample property to display a distribution of the sample property; wherein the sample property is a shape of the sample surface, or an elastic property of the sample surface, or an adhesive force of the sample surface, or the film thickness of an adhesive layer in the sample surface, or a position of a material boundary in a pattern sidewall of the sample; and wherein the adhesive force is acquired from a maximum value of the deflection resulting from withdrawal of the probe from the sample.