Abstract: A magnetic property measuring system includes a stage configured to hold a sample and a magnetic structure disposed over the stage. The stage includes a body part, a magnetic part adjacent the body part, and a plurality of holes defined in the body part. The magnetic part of the stage and the magnetic structure are configured to apply a magnetic field, which is perpendicular to one surface of the sample, to the sample. The stage is configured to move horizontally in an x-direction and a y-direction which are parallel to the one surface of the sample.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a carrier, a force feedback sensor, and a probe containing a spin defect, the probe being connected to the force feedback sensor either directly or indirectly via a handle structure. In order to couple the spin defect to a microwave field in an efficient and robust manner, the sensor device includes an integrated microwave antenna arranged at a distance of less than 500 micrometers from the spin defect. The sensor device can be configured as a self-contained exchangeable cartridge that can easily be mounted in a sensor mount of a scanning probe microscope.

Abstract: A method of carrying out sub-resonant tapping in an atomic force microscope includes causing a probe that is disposed above a sample to be translated in a direction parallel to a horizontal plane defined by the sample and to oscillate in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane about an equilibrium line that is separated from the horizontal plane by a vertical offset. As a result, the probe repeatedly taps a surface of the sample. Each tap begins with a first contact of the probe on the surface followed by a progressive increase in force exerted by the sample on the probe until a peak force is attained. The vertical offset is controlled by relying at least in part on a feature other than the peak force as a basis for controlling the vertical offset.

Abstract: A method to perform sub-surface detection of nanostructures in a sample, uses an atomic force microscopy system that comprising a scan head having a probe with a cantilever and a probe tip arranged on the cantilever. The method comprises: moving the probe tip and the sample relative to each other in one or more directions parallel to the surface for scanning of the surface with the probe tip; and monitoring motion of the probe tip relative to the scan head with a tip position detector during said scanning for obtaining an output signal. During said scanning acoustic vibrations are induced in the probe tip by applying a least a first and a second acoustic input signal respectively comprising a first and a second signal component at mutually different frequencies above IGHz, differing by less than IGHz to the probe, and analyzing the output signal for mapping at least subsurface nanostructures below the surface of the sample.

Abstract: A system for applying and measuring tensions of a plurality of bio-object constructs includes a base; and a flexible body disposed on the base, wherein the flexible body defines a plurality of construct holes for accommodating the plurality of bio-object constructs, such that when the flexible body is bent, the bending of the flexible body causes tensions to be applied to the plurality of bio-object constructs, thereby causing displacements of the plurality of bio-object constructs.

Abstract: A control system for placing an optic probe includes a receiver circuit that receives reflected light produced from the optic probe and provides a laser probe (LP) waveform of the reflected light in response to an activation of a trigger signal. A combinational logic analysis (CLA) processor provides a CLA waveform in response to simulating an optical response at a target location on a surface of a cell of a device under test to a test pattern. A test controller receives the CLA waveform and the LP waveform, and has a first output for providing the trigger signal, a second output for providing the test pattern, and a third output for providing a position signal. The test controller updates the position signal to move the optic probe closer to the target location according to a degree of fit between the LP waveform and the CLA waveform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing multiple integrated tip probes for scanning probe microscopy. According to an embodiment is a microscope probe configured to analyze a sample, the microscope probe including: a movable probe tip including a terminal probe end; a first actuator configured to displace the movable probe tip along a first axis; and a detection component configured to detect motion of the movable probe tip in response to an applied signal; where the moveable probe tip comprises a metal layer affixed to a supporting layer, at least a portion of the metal layer at the terminal probe end extending past the supporting layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining extremely high sensitivity chemical composition maps with spatial resolution down to a few nanometers. In some embodiments these chemical composition maps are created using a combination of three techniques: (1) Illuminating the sample with IR radiation than is tuned to an absorption band in the sample; and (2) Optimizing a mechanical coupling efficiency that is tuned to a specific target material; (3) Optimizing a resonant detection that is tuned to a specific target material. With the combination of these steps it is possible to obtain (1) Chemical composition maps based on unique IR absorption; (2) spatial resolution that is enhanced by extremely short-range tip-sample interactions; and (3) resonant amplification tuned to a specific target material. In other embodiments it is possible to take advantage of any two of these steps and still achieve a substantial improvement in spatial resolution and/or sensitivity.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope acquires sample information by performing relative raster scanning between a cantilever and a sample across an XY-plane, while causing an interaction to be generated between a probe provided at a free end of the cantilever and the sample. The atomic force microscope includes a raster-scanning-information generator to generate raster scanning information, a raster-scanning controller to control the raster scanning based on the raster scanning information, and an interaction controller to control strength of the interaction based on the raster scanning information. The interaction controller relatively reduces the strength of the interaction, when a relative speed between the cantilever and the sample across the XY-plane of the raster scanning relatively decreases.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a force-clamp spectrometer that enables operation in constant force mode and allows for automated data acquisition and analysis, using feedback electronics and software. The disclosed subject matter also relates to methods of using the force-clamp spectrometer for the measurement of the dynamics of chemical reactions. The methods may include, but are not limited to, the measurement of the dynamics of substrate folding and unfolding, as well as bond cleavage and bond formation.

Abstract: Provided are single photon devices, single photon emitting and transferring apparatuses, and methods of manufacturing and operating the single photon devices. The single photon device includes a carrier transport layer disposed on a conductive substrate and at least one quantum dot disposed on the carrier transport layer. A single photon emitting and transferring apparatus includes a single photon device, an element that injects a single charge into the single photon device described above, a light collecting unit that collects light emitted from the single photon device, and a light transfer system that transmits light collected by the light collecting unit to the outside.

Abstract: A mechanical connection between two parts of a microelectromechanical and/or nanoelectromechanical structure forming a pivot with an axis of rotation pivot includes two first beams with an axis parallel to the pivot axis, the first beams configured to work in torsion, and two second beams with an axis orthogonal to the axis of the first beams, the second beams configured to work in bending, each one of the first and second beams being connected at their ends to the two parts of the structure.

Abstract: We describe a new technique, standing wave axial nanometry (SWAN), to image the axial location of a single nanoscale fluorescent object with sub-nanometer accuracy and 3.7 nm precision. A standing wave, generated by positing an atomic force microscope tip over a focused laser beam, is used to excite fluorescence; axial position is determined from the phase of the mission intensity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an atomic resolution deformation distribution measurement device that can measure a deformation rate of an atomic scale with low expense by improving resolution using an AFM system, and the atomic resolution deformation distribution measurement device includes: a laser source generating a laser beam; a first cantilever and a second cantilever provided close to a measurement specimen or a reference specimen to cause deformation by an atomic force; an optical system controlling a light path of the laser beam so as to cause the laser beam to be sequentially reflected to the first cantilever and the second cantilever and locate the first cantilever and the second cantilever to an image point; a measurement unit measuring the laser beam reflected from the second cantilever; and a stage on which a measurement specimen or a reference specimen is located and movable in X, Y, and Z axis directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an atomic resolution deformation distribution measurement device that can measure a deformation rate of an atomic scale with low expense by improving resolution using an AFM system, and the atomic resolution deformation distribution measurement device includes: a laser source generating a laser beam; a first cantilever and a second cantilever provided close to a measurement specimen or a reference specimen to cause deformation by an atomic force; an optical system controlling a light path of the laser beam so as to cause the laser beam to be sequentially reflected to the first cantilever and the second cantilever and locate the first cantilever and the second cantilever to an image point; a measurement unit measuring the laser beam reflected from the second cantilever; and a stage on which a measurement specimen or a reference specimen is located and movable in X, Y, and Z axis directions.

Abstract: A microscope probe includes a substrate; an optical resonator disposed on the substrate and including an optical resonance property; a displacement member disposed on the substrate and separated from the optical resonator, the displacement member including: a first end disposed distal to the optical resonator; and a second end disposed proximate to the optical resonator; and a coupling member disposed on the substrate and connecting the displacement member to the substrate, wherein the first end is configured to probe a sample and to be displaced in response to a condition of the sample, the displacement member is configured to communicate displacement of the first end to the second end, and the second end is configured to change the optical resonance property in response to displacement of the second end.

Abstract: A pump probe measuring device (1) comprises: an ultrashort optical pulse laser generator (2) for generating a first ultrashort optical pulse train which is a pump light (3a), second and third ultrashort optical pulse trains (3b), (3c) which are probe lights; an optical shutter unit (6) to which the second and the third ultrashort pulse trains (3b), (3c) are introduced; and a detecting unit (20) including an irradiation optical system (8) for directing the pump light (3a), the first probe light (3b) and the second probe light (3c) to a sample (7), a sensor (11) for detecting a probe signal from the sample (7), and a phase-sensitive detecting means (12) connected to the sensor (11).

Abstract: A method of measuring surface curvature comprises forming an intensity distribution defined by Fresnel diffraction, wherein said intensity distribution is formed by electromagnetic radiation reflected from a surface, obtaining data for the intensity distribution and determining information relating to the curvature of the surface using the obtained data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of performing photothermal chemical nanoidentification of a sample includes positioning a tip of a probe at a region of interest of the sample, with the tip-sample separation being less than about 10 nm. Then, IR electromagnetic energy having a selected frequency, ?, is directed towards the tip. Using PFT mode AFM operation, absorption of the energy at the region of interest is identified. Calorimetry may also be performed with the photothermal PFT system.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a probe of a probe microscope. A lens is arranged to receive a beam and focus it onto the probe. A scanning system varies over time the angle of incidence at which the beam enters the lens relative to its optical axis. The scanning system is typically arranged to move the beam so as to track movement of the probe, thereby maintaining the location on the probe at which the beam is focused. The scanning system may comprise a beam steering mirror which reflects the beam towards the lens; and a mirror actuator for rotating the beam steering mirror.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope based apparatus and method for detecting Raman effect on a sample of interest utilizes first and second electromagnetic sources to emit first electromagnetic radiation of frequency Vi and second electromagnetic radiation of frequency V2 onto a probe tip, which is coupled to a structure that can oscillate the probe tip. The frequency Vi and the frequency v2 are selected to induce Raman effect on a sample engaged by the probe tip that results in Raman force interactions between the probe tip and the sample. Oscillations of the probe tip due to the Raman force interactions are then measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the combined analysis of a sample with objects to be analyzed, in particular a sample with biological objects, in which measurement results for one or more of the objects to be analyzed in the sample are obtained by analyzing the one or more objects to be analyzed by an imaging method of measurement, probe-microscopic measurement results are obtained for the one or more objects to be analyzed by analyzing the one or more objects to be analyzed by a probe-microscopic method of measurement, and the measurement results and the probe-microscopic measurement results are assigned to one another, after optional prior intermediate processing. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out combined analysis of a sample with objects to be investigated, in particular a sample with biological objects.

Abstract: A microscope probe includes a substrate; an optical resonator disposed on the substrate and including an optical resonance property; a displacement member disposed on the substrate and separated from the optical resonator, the displacement member including: a first end disposed distal to the optical resonator; and a second end disposed proximate to the optical resonator; and a coupling member disposed on the substrate and connecting the displacement member to the substrate, wherein the first end is configured to probe a sample and to be displaced in response to a condition of the sample, the displacement member is configured to communicate displacement of the first end to the second end, and the second end is configured to change the optical resonance property in response to displacement of the second end

Abstract: An apparatus and method directed to a scanning probe microscopy cantilever. The apparatus includes body and an electromagnetic sensor having a detectable electromagnetic property varying upon deformation of the body. The method includes scanning the surface of a material with the cantilever, such that the body of the cantilever undergoes deformations and detecting the electromagnetic property varying upon deformation of the body of the cantilever.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical light beam positioning system that enables the combination of two or more light beams of different wavelengths to be focused onto a probe or sample of a scientific instrument, such as an atomic force microscope, for a number of specific uses typical to AFMs, like measuring the deflection or oscillation of the probe and illuminating an object for optical imaging, and less traditional ones like photothermal excitation of the probe, photothermal activated changes in the sample, photothermal cleaning of the probe and photochemical, photovoltaic, photothermal and other light beam induced changes in the sample. The focused light beams may be independently positioned relative to each other.

Abstract: A probe alignment tool (10) for scanning probe microscopes utilizes an attached relay optics to view the scanning probe microscope probe tip (40) and align its image in the center of the field of view of an optical microscope (36). Adjustments to optical microscope motorized stages (50) and (60) along with adjustments of scanning probe microscope stages (44), (46) and (58) allow determination of a path and distance from the center of the field of view to the probe tip (40). From such determination a target area to be examined by the scanning probe microscope may be positioned precisely and accurately under the probe tip (40). Replacement of a scanning probe microscope probe tip (40) in an atomic force microscope unit (42) may be accomplished without the loss of alignment measurements.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope including: a scanning probe microscope unit section including, a cantilever having a probe, a cantilever holder configured to fix the cantilever, a sample holder on which a sample is configured to be placed, a horizontal fine transfer mechanism configured to relatively scan a surface of the sample with the probe, a vertical fine transfer mechanism configured to control a distance between the probe and the sample surface, an optical microscope configured to observe the cantilever and the sample; a control device; an imaging device to which a viewing field, wider than that of the optical microscope and capable of observing the cantilever and the sample at the same time, can be set; and an image display device configured to display images observed by the optical microscope and the imaging device.

Abstract: A micro-object is affixed to a mounting structure at a desired relative orientation. The micro-object may be a tool tip optimized to work with particular microscope objectives permitting the tip to be imaged along with the object surface and used to make measurements or modifications through a travel range along the microscope imaging axis equal to or nearly equal to the working distance of the given objective. The tool tip may have a lengths exceeding 80 microns, say up to several millimeters; even the longest tips can have widths of tens of microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for examining a measurement object (2, 12), in which the measurement object (2, 12) is examined by means of scanning probe microscopy using a measurement probe (10) of a scanning probe measurement device, and in which at least one subsection (1) of the measurement object (2, 12) is optically examined by an optical measurement system in an observation region associated with the optical measurement system, wherein a displacement of the at least one subsection (1) of the measurement object (2, 12) out of the observation region which is brought about by the examination by means of scanning probe microscopy is corrected in such a way that the at least one displaced subsection (1) of the measurement object (2, 12) is arranged back in the observation region by means of a readjustment device which processes data signals that characterize the displacement.

Abstract: A new method in microscopy is provided which extends the domain of AFM's to nanoscale spectroscopy. Molecular resonance of nanometer features can be detected and imaged purely by mechanical detection of the force gradient between the interaction of the optically driven molecular dipole/multipole and its mirror image in a Platinum coated scanning probe tip. The method is extendable to obtain nanoscale spectroscopic information ranging from infrared to UV and RF.

Abstract: An improved mode of AFM imaging (Peak Force Tapping (PFT) Mode) uses force as the feedback variable to reduce tip-sample interaction forces while maintaining scan speeds achievable by all existing AFM operating modes. Sample imaging and mechanical property mapping are achieved with improved resolution and high sample throughput, with the mode workable across varying environments, including gaseous, fluidic and vacuum.

Abstract: To measure surface potentials in a liquid, the in-liquid potential measurement device according to the present invention includes: a cantilever having a probe at its free end; a displacement measurement unit that measures a voltage corresponding to a displacement of a tip of the cantilever; an AC source that applies an AC voltage between the probe and the sample; and a signal detection unit. A frequency of the AC voltage is 10 kHz or higher. The signal detection unit detects, from the voltage measured by the displacement measurement unit, an amplitude of a frequency component having the same frequency as that of the AC voltage, an amplitude of a frequency component having double frequency of that of the AC voltage, and a frequency component having the same phase as that of the frequency of the AC voltage.

Abstract: A probe head and a scanning probe microscope (SPM) including the probe head are provided. The probe head includes a plurality of cantilevers, each including a probe; and a holder on which the plurality of cantilevers are installed, wherein a cantilever facing a sample is changed by rotating the holder.

Abstract: A modular transferable ultra-high vacuum compatible device has a body with a tunnel through its thickness. An interferometric sensor is mounted above the body and has a brace on which a cantilever is disposed and through which an optical fiber passes so that the two may be aligned prior to installation in an atomic force measurement apparatus. The sensor-mounted body is coupled to a mount for engaging an atomic force measurement apparatus to act as the interferometric head of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus of leveling a substrate in a charged particle lithography system. In an example, the apparatus includes a cantilever-based sensor that includes an optical sensor and a cantilever structure. The optical sensor determines a distance between the optical sensor and a surface of the substrate based on light reflected from the cantilever structure. In an example, a first distance is between the cantilever structure and optical sensor, a second distance is a height of the cantilever structure, and a third distance is between the optical sensor and the surface of the substrate. The optical sensor determines the first distance based on the light reflected from the cantilever structure, such that the third distance is determined from the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs) allow forces within systems under observation to be probed from the piconewton forces of a single covalent bond to the forces exerted by cells in the micronewton range. The pendulum geometry prevents the snap-to-contact problem afflicting soft cantilevers in AFMs which enable attonewton force sensitivity. However, the microscopic length scale studies of cellular/subcellular forces parallel to the imaging plane of an optical microscope requires high sensitivity force measurements at high sampling frequencies despite the difficulties of implementing the pendulum geometry from constraints imposed by the focused incoming/outgoing light interfering with the sample surface. Additionally measurement systems for biological tissue samples in vitro must satisfy complex physical constraints to provide access to the vertical cantilever.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided of characterizing a re-entrant SPM probe tip (30) through a single scan of a characterizer, thus dramatically increasing throughput, accuracy, and repeatability when compared to prior known tip characterization techniques. The characterizer also preferably is one whose dimensions can be known with a high level of certainty in order to maximize characterization accuracy. These dimensions are also preferably very stable or, if unstable, change catastrophically rather than in a manner that is difficult or impossible to detect. A carbon nanotube (CNT), preferably a single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), has been found to be well-suited for this purpose. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (130) and other structures may also suffice for this purpose. Also provided are a method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of a CNT.

Abstract: An improved mode of AFM imaging (Peak Force Tapping (PFT) Mode) uses force as the feedback variable to reduce tip-sample interaction forces while maintaining scan speeds achievable by all existing AFM operating modes. Sample imaging and mechanical property mapping are achieved with improved resolution and high sample throughput, with the mode being workable across varying environments, including gaseous, fluidic and vacuum. Ease of use is facilitated by eliminating the need for an expert user to monitor imaging.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing this cantilever for the magnetic force microscope, a magnetic film is formed on a probe at a tip of the cantilever for the magnetic force microscope. When a non-magnetic rigid protective film is formed around the probe, the film is formed from the front of the probe of the cantilever for the magnetic force microscope at an angle (15° to 45°) and from the back of the probe of the cantilever for the magnetic force microscope in two directions each at an angle in a range of (15° to 30°).

Abstract: A system includes a displacement sensor, an actuator connected to the displacement sensor, and a feedback unit. The displacement sensor is configured to measure at least one of a relative position and a relative orientation between the displacement sensor and the target object. The feedback unit receives a signal from the displacement sensor related to the measured relative position or relative orientation and controls the actuator to move the displacement sensor on the basis of variations in the received signal arising due to a change in environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method for optically controlling an atomic force microscope (AFM) includes acquiring an optical image of a sample using an optical imaging device, identifying a feature of interest on the sample using the optical image, acquiring a high resolution AFM image of the sample using an AFM imaging device, the AFM imaging device comprising a cantilever having a tip, overlaying the AFM image with the optical image at the feature of interest, and positioning the probe tip over the feature of interest using the optical image.

Abstract: A high-speed atomic force microscope (HSAFM) is disclosed herein. The HSAFM includes a cantilever, a piezotube, an optical detector, a circuit element, and a feedback controller. The cantilever has a probe, and the piezotube is arranged in proximity to the probe. The optical detector is configured to detect deflection of the cantilever, and the circuit element is abutting a first end of the cantilever and is configured to exert a force on the cantilever to resist deflection of the cantilever. The circuit element is communicably connected to the optical detector by a first feedback loop. The feedback controller is communicably connected to the piezotube and configured to modulate the piezotube along the Z-axis towards and away from the probe. And the feedback controller is communicably connected to the optical detector through a second feedback loop.

Abstract: A method of measuring properties of a sample, the method comprising: measuring a deflection of a cantilever of a COIFM; measuring a voltage at an actuator contacting the cantilever and configured to counteract the deflection of the cantilever; measuring a voltage at a scan signal source, wherein the scan signal source is communicably coupled to the piezotube and configured to move the piezotube along an X- and a Y-axis; measuring a voltage at a feedback controller, wherein the feedback controller is communicably coupled to the piezotube and configured to move the piezotube along a Z-axis; switching a switch from a first position to a second position; switching the switch to a third position; correlating at least one of the measurements to (i) a repulsive force, and (ii) an attractive force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of collecting topography, mechanical property data and electrical property data with an atomic force microscope (AFM) in either a single pass or a dual pass operation. PFT mode is preferably employed thus allowing the use of a wide range of probes, one benefit of which is to enhance the sensitivity of electrical property measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing magnetic resonance force microscopy on one or more large area samples comprising a base plate, one or more heat sink plates coupled to the base plate, one or more suspension mechanisms coupled to the base plate and the heat sink plates, a probe head suspended from the one or more suspension mechanisms for scanning the one or more samples and a sample cylinder comprising a sample stage coupled to the probe head for sample positioning and an outer drum for isolating the sample stage.

Abstract: A probe detection system (74) for use with a scanning probe microscope comprises both a height detection system (88) and deflection detection system (28). As a sample surface is scanned, light reflected from a microscope probe (16) is separated into two components. A first component (84) is analysed by the deflection detection system (28) and is used in a feedback system that maintains the average probe deflection substantially constant during the scan. The second component (86) is analysed by the height detection system (88) from which an indication of the height of the probe above a fixed reference point, and thereby an image of the sample surface, is obtained. Such a dual detection system is particularly suited for use in fast scanning applications in which the feedback system is unable to respond at the rate required to adjust probe height between pixel positions.

Abstract: A dynamic probe detection system (29,32) is for use with a scanning probe microscope of the type that includes a probe (18) that is moved repeatedly towards and away from a sample surface. As a sample surface is scanned, an interferometer (88) generates an output height signal indicative of a path difference between light reflected from the probe (80a,80b,80c) and a height reference beam. Signal processing apparatus monitors the height signal and derives a measurement for each oscillation cycle that is indicative of the height of the probe. This enables extraction of a measurement that represents the height of the sample, without recourse to averaging or filtering, that may be used to form an image of the sample. The detection system may also include a feedback mechanism that is operable to maintain the average value of a feedback parameter at a set level.

Abstract: A high-bandwidth SPM tip scanner includes an objective that is vertically movable within the scan head to increase the depth of focus for the sensing light beam. Movable optics also are preferably provided to permit targeting of the sensing light beam on the SPM's probe and to permit the sensing light beam to track the probe during scanning. The targeting and tracking permit the impingement of a small sensing light beam spot on the probe under direct visual inspection of focused illumination beam of an optical microscope integrated into the SPM and, as a result, permits the use of a relatively small cantilever with a commensurately small resonant frequency. Images can be scanned on large samples having a largest dimension exceeding 7 mm with a resolution of less than 1 Angstrom and while scanning at rates exceeding 30 Hz.

Abstract: A probe head and a scanning probe microscope (SPM) including the probe head are provided. The probe head includes a plurality of cantilevers, each including a probe; and a holder on which the plurality of cantilevers are installed, wherein a cantilever facing a sample is changed by rotating the holder.

Abstract: To detect both of near-field light and magnetic field generated by a thermal assist type magnetic head and to perform inspection of the head, a cantilever of a scanning probe microscope has a lever in which a probe is formed, a thin magnetic film formed on a surface of the probe, and fine particles or thin film of noble metal or an alloy including noble metal formed on a surface of the magnetic film. An inspection apparatus has the cantilever, a displacement detection unit to detect vibration of the cantilever, a near-field light detection unit to detect scattered light caused by near-field light generated from a near-field light emitter and enhanced on the surface of the probe of the cantilever, and a processing unit to process signals obtained by detection with the displacement detection unit and the near-field light detection unit.