Patent ID: 6167753
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B82Y,G01Q,G01R,Y10S

Abstract:
Apparatus for measuring topographical features of a sample surface and a force field extending outward therefrom, wherein said apparatus comprises:a probe tip movable by forces within said force field; a vertical actuator attached to said probe tip by a cantilever, with said vertical actuator moving said probe tip along a Z-axis perpendicular to said sample surface; lateral drive means for creating relative motion between said probe tip and said sample surface, said relative motion being parallel to said sample surface along a scan line; a vibration excitation circuit applying a vibration excitation signal to said vertical actuator; a positioning drive circuit applying a positioning signal to said vertical actuator; tip vibration detection means for detecting an amplitude of vibration of said probe tip; data storage means storing data developed from output signals of said tip vibration detection means; and control means operating said apparatus in a first mode in which said relative motion is intermittent, with said probe tip being vibrated in engagement with said sample surface during said relative motion as said positioning signal is developed to maintain a pre-determined level of vibration amplitude, with said relative motion being stopped at a plurality of sampling points along a scan line, with said relative motion being subsequently restarted along said scan line from various sampling points within said plurality thereof, and with vibration of said probe tip out of contact with said sample surface being measured by said tip vibration detection means to determine conditions of said force field as said relative motion is stopped and held at each sampling point within said plurality thereof.