Patent ID: 7614287
Filing Date: 2009-11-10
Classification: G01Q

Abstract:
1. A scanning probe microscope having a stage parallel to an X-Y plane for a sample to be placed thereon, comprising: a cantilever generally extending along a Y-axis at an angle inclined from the Y-axis and having a supported end and a free end, wherein the free end is positioned substantially at a Z-axis and thus defines the origin of the four quadrants of the X-Y plane, and the four quadrants are defined as a 1st quadrant, a 2nd quadrant, a 3rd quadrant and a 4th quadrant counterclockwise from the upper right quadrant; a light source oriented to irradiate a beam of light along a light path, wherein the light source is placed so as not to interfere with a view of at least the free end of the cantilever for observation thereof; a reflection surface defined at the free end of the cantilever and oriented to receive the beam of light incident downwardly from a first point located within a space defined by a Z positive area of an X-Z plane and a Y negative area of a Y-Z plane, exclusive of the planes, and further by one of the 3rd and 4th quadrants, and reflect the received beam of light upward towards a second point located within a space defined by the Z positive area of the X-Z plane and the Y negative area of the Y-Z plane, exclusive of the planes, and further by the other of the 3rd and 4th quadrants; and a photodetector configured to detect the beam of light from the reflection surface of the cantilever.