Patent ID: 7797757
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: G01Q

Abstract:
1. An atomic force microscopy sensor, comprising: a. a substrate, a portion of which is transparent; b. a cantilever beam having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the proximal end in a fixed relationship with the substrate and the cantilever beam is configured so that the distal end is in a moveable relationship with respect to the substrate; c. an electrostatic actuator that includes a first electrode that is coupled to the cantilever beam adjacent to the proximal end and a spaced apart second electrode that is affixed to the substrate, so that when an electrical potential is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode is drawn to the second electrode, thereby causing the distal end of the cantilever beam to move; d. a probe extending from the distal end of the cantilever beam; e. a diffraction grating disposed on the substrate; and f. a reflective surface disposed on the cantilever beam in a location so that when a beam of electromagnetic radiation is directed to the reflective surface, a reflected beam interacts with the diffraction grating so as to form a diffraction pattern that is indicative of a displacement between the cantilever beam and the substrate.