Abstract: A positioning apparatus for performing coarse and fine positioning of samples for scanning such as by a scanning microscope system generally and a scanning SQUID microscope especially. The apparatus includes a connecting rod that pivots about a fixed point and a translation mechanism, such as an XYZ translation device, for manipulating one end of the rod to cause motion at the other end by way of the fixed pivot point. At the other end of the rod, a sample may be mounted such that the manipulating mechanism can move the rod in a plurality of directions so the sample can be scanned by a sensing device.

Abstract: Improved probes for miniaturized scanning magnetometers (scanning microscopes), particularly those utilizing superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), are provided by the invention. The improved probes can have sub-.mu.m.sup.2 effective pickup loop areas and enhanced shielding through the use of progressively wider double groundplane structures which result in improved probes having high spatial resolution.

Abstract: A method of modulating light incident to a semiconductor body comprising the steps of: coupling the incident light to the surface plasmon polariton mode at an interface of the semiconductor body; and selectively altering the absorption of the incident light by the semiconductor body so as to decouple the incident light from the surface plasmon polariton mode. The absorption can be selectively altered by establishing a quantum confined optical absorption region within the semiconductor body, and effecting a Stark shift of the quantum confined optical absorption region.