Abstract: A microprobe has a cantilever having a first lever portion having a free end portion, a second lever portion having a front end portion from which the first lever portion projects, and a support portion for supporting the second lever portion. A piezoresistive element is disposed on the second lever portion for bending the second lever portion.

Abstract: A multiprobe device is provided for a scanning probe instrument and has a plurality of individually-selectable probe members for conducting scanning probe operations. The multiprobe has a plurality of cantilever probes supported by a support member. Each of the cantilevers is individually-selectable for use in conducting scanning probe operations, and each has a different resonance frequency from the others. In a preferred embodiment, portions of the respective cantilevers that are brought into contact with a sample to conduct scanning probe operations are arranged in a substantially linear configuration. A given one of the cantilevers is selected by vibrating the multiprobe at the resonance frequency of the given cantilever.

Abstract: A scanning probe apparatus and a self-exciting cantilever probe therefor are provided for measuring a characteristic of a sample by scanning a lever of the probe across the sample surface. The probe has a deflectable lever extending from a base and formed integrally therewith, and a resistive body provided on the lever to excite the lever in response to a periodic bias signal applied to the resistive body. In addition, the resistive body has a resistance value that varies in response to deflection of the lever so that the resistance of the resistive body may be monitored to detect deflection of the lever.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microprobe enabling to move finely by forming a piezoresistive element on a cantilever and a sample surface measuring apparatus using the microprobe.