Abstract: A torsional probe for a metrology instrument includes a cantilever coupled to a support structure via a torsion bar. The cantilever, support structure, and arms of torsion bar have substantially the same thickness. A method of manufacture of the torsion probe, as well as a method of using the torsion probe to measure photothermal induced surface displacement of a sample are also described.

Abstract: A torsional probe for a metrology instrument includes a cantilever coupled to a support structure via a torsion bar. The cantilever, support structure, and arms of torsion bar have substantially the same thickness. A method of manufacture of the torsion probe, as well as a method of using the torsion probe to measure photothermal induced surface displacement of a sample are also described.

Abstract: A mechanical method of removing nanoscale debris from a sample surface using an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe. The probe is shaped to include an edge that provides shovel-type action on the debris as the probe is moved laterally to the sample surface. Advantageously, the probe is able to lift the debris without damaging the debris for more efficient cleaning of the surface. The edge is preferably made by focused ion beam (FIB) milling the diamond apex of the tip.

Abstract: A torsional probe for a metrology instrument includes a cantilever coupled to a support structure via a torsion bar. The cantilever, support structure, and arms of torsion bar have substantially the same thickness.

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: An apparatus and method of performing sample characterization with an AFM and a pulsed IR laser directed at the tip of a probe of the AFM. The laser pulses are synchronized with the oscillatory drive of the AFM and may only interact with the tip/sample on selected cycles of the oscillation. Peak force tapping mode is preferred for AFM operation. Nano-mechanical and nano-spectroscopic measurements can be made with sub-50 nm, and even sub-20 nm, resolution.

Abstract: A torsional probe for a metrology instrument includes a cantilever coupled to a support structure via a torsion bar. The cantilever, support structure, and arms of torsion bar have substantially the same thickness.

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: Methods and apparatuses are provided for automatically controlling and stabilizing aspects of a scanning probe microscope (SPM), such as an atomic force microscope (AFM), using Peak Force Tapping (PFT) Mode. In an embodiment, a controller automatically controls periodic motion of a probe relative to a sample in response to a substantially instantaneous force determined and automatically controls a gain in a feedback loop. A gain control circuit automatically tunes a gain based on separation distances between a probe and a sample to facilitate stability. Accordingly, instability onset is quickly and accurately determined during scanning, thereby eliminating the need of expert user tuning of gains during operation.

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: 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: A sample vessel retention mechanism for an inverted microscope having an optical objective and a scanning probe microscope (SPM) head. The inverted microscope includes a platform for supporting a sample vessel, in which is formed an aperture sized to provide a passage for the objective of the inverted microscope to approach the sample vessel from below. The retention mechanism provides a vacuum region formed in the platform, with the vacuum region being barometrically coupled with a vacuum generator. Establishment of a vacuum in the vacuum region prevents or substantially reduces oscillation of the sample vessel floor in an operating frequency range of the SPM head.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a cantilever probe for use with an atomic force microscope (AFM) or scanning probe microscope (SPM) has a pad of conformable material that facilitates non-permanent adhesion through van der Waals interactions. Such removable probes and probe tips facilitate use of multiple tips or probes, while reducing the need for recalibration or repositioning.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for automatically controlling and stabilizing aspects of a scanning probe microscope (SPM), such as an atomic force microscope (AFM), using Peak Force Tapping (PFT) Mode. In an embodiment, a controller automatically controls periodic motion of a probe relative to a sample in response to a substantially instantaneous force determined, and automatically controls a gain in a feedback loop. A gain control circuit automatically tunes a gain based on separation distances between a probe and a sample to facilitate stability. Accordingly, instability onset is quickly and accurately determined during scanning, thereby eliminating the need of expert user tuning of gains during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of positioning a probe of an atomic force microscope (AFM) includes using a dual probe configuration in which two probes are fabricated with a single base, yet operate independently. Feedback control is based on interaction between the reference probe and surface, giving an indication of the location of the surface, with this control being modified based on the difference in tip heights of the two probes to allow the sensing probe to be positioned relative to the sample at a range less than 10 nm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for automatically controlling and stabilizing aspects of a scanning probe microscope (SPM), such as an atomic force microscope (AFM), using Peak Force Tapping (PFT) Mode. In an embodiment, a controller automatically controls periodic motion of a probe relative to a sample in response to a substantially instantaneous force determined and automatically controls a gain in a feedback loop. A gain control circuit automatically tunes a gain based on separation distances between a probe and a sample to facilitate stability. Accordingly, instability onset is quickly and accurately determined during scanning, thereby eliminating the need of expert user tuning of gains during operation.

Abstract: A sample vessel retention mechanism for an inverted microscope having an optical objective and a scanning probe microscope (SPM) head. The inverted microscope includes a platform for supporting a sample vessel, in which is formed an aperture sized to provide a passage for the objective of the inverted microscope to approach the sample vessel from below. The retention mechanism provides a vacuum region formed in the platform, with the vacuum region being barometrically coupled with a vacuum generator. Establishment of a vacuum in the vacuum region prevents or substantially reduces oscillation of the sample vessel floor in an operating frequency range of the SPM head.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a cantilever probe for use with an atomic force microscope (AFM) or scanning probe microscope (SPM) has a pad of conformable material that facilitates non-permanent adhesion through van der Waals interactions. Such removable probes and probe tips facilitate use of multiple tips or probes, while reducing the need for recalibration or repositioning.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope (AFM) and corresponding method to provide low force (sub-20 pN) AFM control and mechanical property measurement is provided. The preferred embodiments employ real-time false deflection correction/discrimination by adaptively modifying the drive ramp to accommodate to deflection artifacts.

Abstract: A sample vessel retention mechanism for an inverted microscope having an optical objective and a scanning probe microscope (SPM) head. The inverted microscope includes a platform for supporting a sample vessel, in which is formed an aperture sized to provide a passage for the objective of the inverted microscope to approach the sample vessel from below. The retention mechanism provides a vacuum region formed in the platform, with the vacuum region being barometrically coupled with a vacuum generator. Establishment of a vacuum in the vacuum region prevents or substantially reduces oscillation of the sample vessel floor in an operating frequency range of the SPM head.