Patent ID: 7051582

Claim:
An actuating and sensing device for scanning probe microscopes, said actuating and sensing device including a tuning fork ( 21 , 31 , 41 , 61 , 81 , 91 , 201 ) containing two prongs ( 46 , 76 , 106 , 206 , 306 ) and connection means ( 23 , 33 , 43 , 63 , 83 , 93 , 103 ) with a probing tip ( 22 , 32 , 42 , 62 , 82 , 202 , 302 ), wherein the tip ( 22 , 32 , 42 , 62 , 82 , 202 , 302 ) is connected to both of said two prongs ( 46 , 76 , 106 , 206 , 306 ) of the tuning fork ( 21 , 31 , 41 , 61 , 81 , 91 , 201 ) via the connection means ( 23 , 33 , 43 , 63 , 83 , 93 , 103 , 203 , 303 ).