Patent ID: 7501833
Filing Date: 2009-03-10
Classification: B82Y,G01Q,H01Q

Abstract:
1. An evanescent microwave microscopy probe, comprising: a center conductor comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the center conductor comprises a waveguide for microwave radiation; a probe tip affixed to the first end of the center conductor, wherein the probe tip is capable of acquiring a near-field microwave signal from a sample; an outer shield surrounding the center conductor, wherein the center conductor and the outer shield are in a generally coaxial relationship, wherein the outer shield comprises a first end and a second end corresponding to the first and second ends of the center conductor, and wherein the center conductor and the outer shield are not in direct contact such that a gap exists between the center conductor and the outer shield; an insulating material occupying at least a portion of the gap between the center conductor and the outer shield; an aperture located near the probe tip, wherein: a tuning network in electronic communication with the second end of the center conductor and with the outer shield, wherein the tuning network comprises a pair of capacitors in a parallel electronic relationship.