Abstract: A method and apparatus for precision machining a surface suitable for use as a data recorder, using a scanning probe microscope (SPM) capable of observing an electrically insulating surface. The SPM includes a probe which comprises a tip having a pointed end, and also including a conductive layer applied on a surface of the tip. The tip is brought into close proximity to the surface which is to be machined and a machining voltage is applied between the tip and the surface to machine the surface.

Abstract: Optical disk information recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus are designed to efficiently improve the transfer rate in information recording and reproduction, and have compatibility with the existing recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus using a single light beam while keeping the disk form with a single spiral track structure. Beam spots are simultaneously irradiated on a plurality of different radial positions on a disk at a pitch of a predetermined number of tracks to independently record various information signals, and the optical head is allowed to jump over a predetermined number of tracks every time the disk makes a predetermined number of turns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precision machining a surface suitable for use as a data recorder, using a scanning probe microscope (SPM) capable of observing an electrically insulating surface. The SPM includes a probe which comprises a tip having a pointed end, and also including a conductive layer applied on a surface of the tip. The tip is brought into close proximity to the surface which is to be machined and a machining voltage is applied between the tip and the surface to machine the surface.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope in which the deflection of a cantilever caused by the proximity between a stylus and a sample is detected, the relative distance between the sample and a probe at which the level of the deflection detection signal coincides with a reference level is subjected to servo control thereby to control the force exerted on the stylus to a constant level, and the relative positions of the sample and the probe are scanned to produce a three-dimensional image of the surface of the sample. In order to eliminate the error of servo control attributable to the deformation of the cantilever, the deflection detection signal is held with the cantilever set in free standing state, and the signal thus held is used to correct the level of the cantilever deflection detection signal. The servo control is effected by the detection signal thus corrected.

Abstract: Optical disk information recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus are designed to efficiently improve the transfer rate in information recording and reproduction, and have compatibility with the existing recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus using a single light beam while keeping the disk form with a single spiral track structure. Beam spots are simultaneously irradiated on a plurality of different radial positions on a disk at a pitch of a predetermined number of tracks to independently record various information signals, and the optical head is allowed to jump over a predetermined number of tracks every time the disk makes a predetermined number of turns.

Abstract: A surface observing apparatus for obtaining information of a specimen comprises a probe disposed in the close vicinity of the specimen, a deformable cantilever for holding the probe, a scanning mechanism for scanning a surface of the specimen with the probe and a detector for detecting displacements of the cantilever to thereby allow information of the specimen to be derived on the basis of the displacement of the cantilever. The apparatus further comprises a first detector for detecting a force acting on the probe from the displacement of the cantilever, and a second detector for measuring a change in the force acting on the probe on the basis of the displacement of the cantilever.