Patent ID: 7591171
Filing Date: 2009-09-22
Classification: G01B,G01Q

Abstract:
1. An atomic force microscope for measuring a surface shape of a member to be measured, comprising: a light source for emitting measuring light; a probe having a reflection surface; an optical system for focusing the measuring light from said light source on the reflection surface of said probe; a housing for holding said optical system; a probe scanner, mounted to said housing, for holding said probe and moving said probe in X direction, Y direction, or Z direction relative to said housing; light detection means for detecting the measuring light reflected by the reflection surface; processing means for processing displacement of said probe in Z direction on the basis of an output of said light detection means; focus position movement means for moving a focus position of said optical system by shifting an optical path of the measuring light before the measuring light enters said optical system; and control means for controlling drive of said probe scanner and said focus position movement means, wherein said control means drives said focus position movement means in synchronism with drive of said probe scanner so that a focus position of the measuring light focused by said optical system is on the reflection surface of said probe.