Patent ID: 6078044
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: B82Y,G01Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A probe scanning apparatus for use in a device for measuring the shape of a surface or the physical properties of a sample, the probe scanning apparatus comprising:a probe;voice coil motors for generating a moving force in each of three directions x, y and z upon activation thereof; andprobe supporting means mounted for movement in the three directions x, y and z by the moving forces generated by the voice coil motors upon activation thereof to effect coarse/fine movement of the probe in the direction z and to scan the probe in the directions x and y, the probe supporting means having a thinner tube portion and a thicker tube portion extending in the direction z, wherein the probe is scanned in the directions x and y by applying the moving forces generated by the x- and y-direction voice coil motors in the directions x and y to a portion of the thicker tube portion.