Abstract: A scanning probe microscope for measuring a surface profile of a sample by bringing a probe into close proximity to or contact with the surface of the sample and scanning the sample surface includes: a sample stage movable in at least one axis direction; the probe which is brought into close proximity to or contact with the surface of the sample mounted on the sample stage and scans the sample surface; a probe-driving unit for moving the probe three-dimensionally; a probe deflection detector for detecting a deflection of the probe; and an observation optical system which has an objective lens and observes the probe disposed on substantially the optical axis of the objective lens, and the sample. The probe-driving unit is disposed with three sets of paired drive sources arranged essentially with symmetry with respect to the optical axis of the objective lens.

Abstract: A probe is made by attaching a carbon nanotube 12 to a mounting base end 13, which eliminates the effects of a carbon contamination film, to increase the bonding strength, increase the conductivity of the probe, and strengthen the bonding performance thereof by coating the entire circumference of the nanotube and the base with a coating film, rather than coating just one side. The work of mounting the carbon nanotube and mounting base end are performed under observation by a microscope. Further, the carbon contamination film 14 formed by an electron microscope is stripped off at a stage before bonding by the coating film.

Abstract: The probe tip movement control method of the scanning probe microscope is used for a scanning probe microscope provided with a cantilever 21 having a probe tip 20 facing a sample 12. The atomic force occurring between the probe tip and sample is measured when the probe tip scans the surface of the sample. X-, Y-, and Z-fine movement mechanisms 23, 29, and 30 are used to relatively change the positions of the probe tip and sample. It is possible to maintain a high measurement accuracy and enable scan movement of a probe tip on a sample surface by simple control when measuring a part having a gradient in measurement of an uneven shape on a sample surface.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for measuring the depths of many fine holes formed in the surface of a sample by etching. Positional information on a plurality of hole patterns is acquired by scanning, with a stylus, the surface of the sample in which the hole patterns are formed by etching. The depths of the plurality of hole patterns are measured by scanning, with the stylus, bottom faces of the plurality of hole patterns and the surface of the sample in the respective vicinities of the hole patterns on the basis of the positional information that has been acquired. Information on distribution of the depths of the plurality of hole patterns is displayed on a screen on the basis of information on the measured depths of the plurality of hole patterns and the positional information on each of the hole patterns.