Patent ID: 7456400
Filing Date: 2008-11-25
Classification: G01Q,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A scanning probe microscope comprising: a probe needle; control means for controlling relative scanning movement between the probe needle and a sample surface in two directions parallel to the sample surface and controlling relative movement between the probe needle and the sample surface in a direction perpendicular to the sample surface; vibration applying means for resonating or forcibly vibrating the probe needle at a vibrating frequency relative to the sample surface; approach/separation means for causing the probe needle to relatively approach to and separate from the sample surface at a predetermined distance while the probe needle is vibrated at the vibrating frequency relative to the sample surface by the vibration applying means; detection means for detecting a rate of change in a vibration state of the probe needle in accordance with a distance between the probe needle and the sample surface when the probe needle is caused to approach to and separate from the sample surface by the approach/separation means; and observation means for gathering observation data from the sample surface when the probe needle has been caused to approach or contact the sample surface and the rate of change in the vibration state of the probe needle detected by the detection means has exceeded a previously set threshold value.