Patent ID: 8256017

Claim:
A method comprising: providing a scanning probe instrument comprising a scanner operatively coupled to a one-dimensional array of cantilevers comprising cantilever tips; providing a substantially flat substrate surface; wherein the position of the array of cantilever tips with respect to the substrate is controlled by three z-axis motors Z 1 , Z 2 , and Z 3 in a triangular, surrounding relationship with respect to the array; wherein the Z 1 , Z 2 , and Z 3 motors are adapted to raise and lower the cantilever tips with respect to the surface; wherein the Z 1 motor is also adapted to tilt the cantilever tips with respect to the substrate surface, and the Z 2 and Z 3 motors are adapted to level the cantilever tips with respect to the substrate surface; lowering the array until at least some of the cantilever tips touch the substrate surface; determining whether the array of cantilevers are substantially level by observing a reflected light from the array of cantilevers; adjusting the Z 2 motor, the Z 3 motor, or both Z 2 and Z 3 motors, until all the cantilever tips are substantially level with respect to the substrate surface; recording the relative positions of the z-axis motors for future calibration reference; and printing by depositing material from the cantilever tips to the substrate surface.