Patent ID: 8232518
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A device for characterizing surfaces, the device comprising: means for generating a beam of neutral atoms or molecules, the means being arranged to direct said beam towards a surface for characterizing; and detector means that are sensitive to position for detecting the neutral atoms or molecules of said beam that have been diffused forwards by said surface for characterizing; wherein: said means for generating a beam of neutral atoms or molecules produces a beam having energy lying in the range 50 eV to 5 keV with divergence no greater than 0.05°; and said means for generating a beam of neutral atoms or molecules directs said beam towards said surface for characterizing at an angle of incidence no greater than 10° relative to the plane of said surface; in such a manner that a diffraction pattern of said neutral atoms or molecules diffused forwards by said surface for characterizing is detectable by said position-sensitive detector means.