Abstract: An atomic force microscope that has an electrically-conductive probe and tip includes a feedback control circuit for generating a substantially constant, desired Fowler-Nordheim current between the probe tip and the surface of an electrically-conductive sample having a thin dielectric or insulating film thereon. The feedback circuit maintains the desired Fowler-Nordheim current flow between the probe tip and the sample by adjusting the bias voltage applied to the probe tip, and by tracking and using the changes in the applied bias voltage to provide a measure of the thickness, electrical conductivity or other electrical property of the film.

Abstract: This is an atomic force microscope in which the sensor can be built as a very small integrated structure. The sensor utilizes optical interference and can be operated in either the contact mode for high resolution or in the non-contact mode to measure electric and magnetic fields. One configuration of this microscope is a stand-alone configuration in which the microscope can be placed on or be suspended above large samples for scanning of small local areas thereof. The sensor is built into a scanner so that the sensor can be scanned over a stationary sample.

Abstract: This is an atomic force microscope in which the sensor can be built as a very small integrated structure. The sensor utilizes optical interference and can be operated in either the contact mode for high resolution or in the non-contact mode to measure electric and magnetic fields. One configuration of this microscope is a stand-alone configuration in which the microscope can be placed on or be suspended above large samples for sanning of small local areas thereof. The sensor is built into a scanner so that the sensor can be scanned over a stationary sample.

Abstract: A light modulator/deflector which uses acoustic surface waves wherein an illuminating beam 10 enters the side of and strikes the active surface 18 of a transparent, piezoelectric, and electrooptic acoustic substrate 12 near the grazing angle of incidence and is reflected off that surface 18 through the remaining portion of substrate 12 and out the other side thereof into at least a zero order undiffracted direction and a first order diffracted direction. For a modulator the light 10 is made to converge in the plane of incidence so that it comes to focus on the active surface 18 of the acoustic device. For a deflector, the light 10 is collimated so that it interacts with as much of the acoustic wave 20 as possible. A set of interdigital electrodes 16 is evaporated on this surface 18 so as to launch acoustic waves 20 in a direction normal to the plane of incidence of the light.

Abstract: A corona charging device having a corona electrode in the form of a conductive wire covered with a thick dielectric coating. The electrode is supported along its entire active length at a spaced distance from both an adjacent conductive plate and an imaging surface to be charged.

Abstract: A corona discharge device including a corona discharge electrode in contact or closely spaced from a conductive shield electrode, the discharge electrode comprising a conductive wire coated with a relatively thick dielectric material so as to prevent the flow of conduction current therethrough. When the electrode is spaced from the shield, it is supported along its length on a dielectric surface and when it is in contact with the shield, the shield itself may provide the lengthwise support for the wire, or the support may alternatively be provided by a dielectric substrate on which the shield is carried. The delivery of charge to the photoconductive surface is accomplished by means of electric field separation of charges produced by the discharge electrode. These charges are produced by an alternating voltage applied to the discharge electrode. The flow of charge to the surface to be charged is regulated by means of a d.c. voltage bias applied to the shield electrode.

Abstract: A corona charging arrangement comprising a plurality of charging devices formed onto a unit. Each of the devices is rotatable to an operative position in which it is coupled to suitable terminals for applying energizing potential thereto, the operative position being selected so that charge therefrom is deposited on the imaging surface.