Patent ID: 8993962
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: G01N,G01R,H01J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for extracting a sample from a substrate, the sample having a planar sample face, and the apparatus comprising: a moveable stage for a substrate, the stage connected to one or more stage controllers; microprobe comprising a hollow tube connected to a vacuum source and open at said microprobe tip; said microprobe having a beveled probe tip; said microprobe capable of rotating so that the beveled probe tip can come into contact with a planar sample face; a micromanipulator connected to the microprobe, said micromanipulator connected to one or more micromanipulator controllers; an imaging device positioned above the sample and having a lens for receiving light radiated normal to the sample surface; a vacuum source connected to the microprobe so that a vacuum can be applied through the microprobe tip; a light source positioned at an oblique angle with respect to the substrate surface to illuminate the substrate and determine the absence of the sample to be extracted wherein light from the light source will be reflected into the lens from a trench on the substrate when there is no lamella present so that the trench appears bright only when there is no lamella present.