Patent ID: 7451636
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: G01Q

Abstract:
1. A method for measuring the mechanical properties of surface as a function of temperature, load, and the duration of time of applying said temperature and load, said method comprising of the steps of: a) providing an array of more than one cantilever tip, wherein each of said tips in said array of tips is spaced at select distances along X and Y axes; b) positioning said array of tips relative to the surface; c) contacting more than one of said tips in said array of tips with the surface; d) heating more than one of said tips in said array of tips to a select temperature; e) applying a select load to more than one tip in said array of tips for a select time; f) determining the depth of indentation produced by each of said tips; and g) repeating steps b) to f) positioning said array of tips at select intervals along the X and Y axes, with a first incremental select spacing along the X axis and a second incremental spacing along the Y axis, wherein one parameter selected from the group consisting of temperature, load and time is varied a first incremental select amount between each position along the X axis and a second parameter, different from the first parameter, selected from the group consisting of temperature, time and load is varied a second incremental select amount between each position along the Y axis.