Patent ID: 6873163
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: G01Q,G01R,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for determining impedance information of an interface in a sample, the method comprising the steps of: (a) applying an ac voltage to the sample, laterally across the interface, the ac voltage having a predetermined frequency; (b) disposing a cantilevered tip in a first position proximate to a surface of the sample; (c) measuring a first response of the cantilevered tip with the cantilevered tip in the first position; (d) placing the cantilevered tip in a second position proximate to the surface of the sample, the interface being between the first position and the second position; (e) measuring a second response of the cantilevered tip with the cantilevered tip in the second position; and (f) determining impedance information of the interface based upon the measured first response and the measured second response.