Patent ID: 7404313
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: B82Y,G01Q

Abstract:
1. A scanning probe microscope comprising: a self detection type probe structure including a cantilever having an electrically conductive probe at a distal end thereof, a supporting part that supports a base end side of the cantilever in a cantilevered fashion, and a piezoresistance element whose resistance value changes depending on the amount of deflection of the cantilever; detecting means for applying a predetermined voltage to the piezoresistance element and detecting the value of the current passing through the piezoresistance element so as to detect the amount of deflection of the cantilever; a sample table for mounting a sample such that a surface of the sample confronts a tip of the probe; moving means for relatively moving the sample table and the probe tip along X and Y directions that are parallel to the surface of the sample and a Z direction that is perpendicular to the surface of the sample; control means for controlling the moving means so that a distance between the probe tip and the surface of the sample is fixed and measuring the surface shape of the sample on the basis of the detection result of the detecting means; applying means for applying a predetermined voltage between the probe and the surface of the sample; and measuring means, operable simultaneously with the detecting means, for measuring electrical property information caused by the voltage applied by the applying means, the measuring means being electrically connected to the probe by a conducting film formed on the cantilever.