Patent ID: 6563570
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
An apparatus for evaluating a sample comprising a self-supporting thin film and struts that divide the thin film into multiple subfields that are separated one from another and that include respective portions of the thin film, the apparatus comprising:a sample-support mechanism; a chamber defining an opening over which the sample, mounted with respect to the sample-support mechanism, is placed such that a pneumatic pressure established in the chamber is transmitted to a desired region on the thin film of the sample; a deflection-measuring device situated and configured to measure an amount of deflection exhibited by the region on the thin film whenever the pressure is being applied from the chamber to the region; and an optical system situated and configured to irradiate the region on the thin film of the sample with light and to cause light reflected from the region to be incident on the deflection-measuring device; wherein the sample-support mechanism comprises a substrate and a retainer, the substrate defining voids separated from each other by intervening projecting portions such that, whenever the sample is being supported by the sample-support mechanism, the voids are aligned with respective subfields and the projecting portions are aligned with respective struts so as to allow access of at least the desired region on the thin film to the pressure, and the retainer is configured to secure the sample and the substrate to the opening in the chamber in a manner in which the substrate and sample are sandwiched between the retainer and the chamber.