Patent ID: 6809306
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: B82Y,G01Q,G02B,H01J

Abstract:
A scanning microscope for using a probe to observe a surface of a sample, comprising:a probe arranged in the vicinity of a surface of a sample; a cantilever for supporting the probe; a scanning unit for relatively scanning the probe and the sample; and a displacement detection system for detecting displacement of the cantilever based on the interaction of the probe and the sample, the scanning unit including: a first actuator for moving an object to be moved which is either the probe or the sample along a first axis, the first actuator having a pair of end portions, the object being attached to one of the end portions, the first actuator being held at a position in the vicinity of the center in dimension or the center of gravity thereof; a second actuator for moving the object along a second axis different from the first axis; and a third actuator for moving the object along a third axis different from both the first axis and the second axis, the second actuator and the third actuator comprising a common cylindrical piezoelectric actuator.