Patent ID: 6677567
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: G01Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A scanning probe microscope comprising:a stationary frame; an x-y scanner attached to the stationary frame, and a sample chuck attached to the x-y scanner, the sample chuck being movable by the x-y scanner in a plane; a z scanner physically detached from the x-y scanner, the z scanner being mounted on a z stage attached to the stationary frame; a cantilever supported by the z scanner, and a probe tip attached to a free end of the cantilever, the cantilever being movable by the z scanner along a line perpendicular to the plane of movement of the sample chuck; a first reflector located on the cantilever; a light source aimed at the first reflector, the light source being mounted on the z stage; a second reflector mounted on the z stage; and a photodetector positioned to receive a portion of the light from the light source reflected by the first reflector and reflected by the second reflector, wherein the photodetector is mounted on the z scanner, further comprising a third reflector supported on the z stage, and parallel to the second reflector, wherein the second reflector is oriented at an angle relative to the line of movement of the probe tip, and the second reflector and the third reflector are located on opposite sides of the line.