Patent ID: 8479308
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: G01Q

Abstract:
1. A scanning probe microscope having a first probe and a second probe both for scanning a sample while maintaining a constant distance to a surface of the sample, comprising: a) a first scanner for moving the first probe relative to the sample; b) a second scanner for moving the second probe relative to the sample; c) a vibrator for providing either the first probe or the second probe with a vibration of a specific frequency; d) a vibration monitor for monitoring the vibration of the specific frequency of the first probe and the second probe; e) a probe proximity detector for detecting proximity of the first probe and the second probe to each other based on a change of at least either a vibration of the first probe or a vibration of the second probe; and f) a controller for controlling the first scanner and the second scanner based on a result of detection by the probe proximity detector.