Abstract: A micromanipulator for the movement of an object relative to a treatment or analyzing position so that at least a part of the surface of the object can be treated or analyzed. The micromanipulator possesses a plurality of kinematic elements which support the object or an object holder and which, for this purpose, are equipped with a support for the object or the object holder. For the implementation of micromovements, the kinematic elements are piezo-electrically displaceable. The object is supported on at least one of the kinematic elements in such a manner that there can also be concurrently implemented micromovement and macromovements normal to the treatment or analysis plane of the object.

Abstract: A kinematic arrangement for the micro-movement over long distances of objs, and in particular, for imparting movement to and the manipulation of objects which are to be investigated or treated microscopically. The object is supported on at least one motion-imparting or kinematic element constituted of piezoelectric material, which is deformable through the application of electrical voltages. The supporting point or points of the kinematic or motion-imparting elements is or are changed in position through a deformation of the piezoelectric material due to the application of electrical voltage variations to the kinematic element, which so changes in its position that the object which is supported by the kinematic elements will move in desired directions within a plane predetermined by the supporting points.

Abstract: One or both plates of a capacitor, caused to vibrate so as to permit measment of the contact potential between the electrodes, is coated with a sensor material for which the electron work function, and therefore the related contact potential, are sensitive to adsorption of a particular substance to be detected and measured in a gas or liquid to be analyzed. Two different materials may respectively be provided on the fixed and movable electrodes of the capacitor, for example nickel and molybdenum for measurement of ammonia content in air. The gas or liquid to be analyzed is introduced into a chamber in which the sensitized vibrating capacitor is located. Different substances can be detected and measured with the same sensor material if the temperature in the chamber is caused to run up or down through a temperature range and if the substances to be detected affect the sensor work function at different temperatures.

Abstract: The resonance of a piezoelectric vibrating element itself sets the frequency of the excitation producing ac oscillator for e.g. Kelvin probe or chopper applications.The oscillation amplitude is continuously adjustable. The superposition of a dc voltage in addition to the ac excitation voltage renders a continuously adjustment of the mean spacing of the working electrodes. A phase stable reference signal is provided for phase sensitive amplifier synchronization.

Abstract: A spring member is resin bonded to a piezoelectric material body at one end nd at the other end carries the oscillating electrode of a Kelvin probe capacitor used for electron work function measurement under vacuum. The piezoelectric material body can be either a piezoelectric crystal or a piezoceramic. An alternating voltage causes it to vibrate the spring member at a resonant frequency, so that a still greater amplitude of vibration is produced at the electrode. A superimposed d-c voltage is applied to the piezoelectric material body to set the average spacing between the movable reference electrode and the fixed sample electrode. A polyurethane-based resin provides vacuum-proof bonding. The piezoelectric material body and spring are mounted in a tube providing electrostatic shielding.