Abstract: A fixing device selectively fixes a measuring probe of a scanning probe microscope. The fixing device comprises an inserting unit in which the measuring probe is insertable and a master force unit for selectively exerting a master force onto a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism is actuatable without a tool. The fixing mechanism is enabled or disabled to controllably detach or fix the measuring probe when the measuring probe is inserted in the inserting unit.

Abstract: A holding device for detachably holding a magnetic sample holder or a sample body, in particular for a scanning probe microscope, wherein the holding device includes an accommodation unit for accommodating the magnetic sample holder or the sample body, a magnetic field guiding unit which, in a holding mode, is adapted for guiding a magnetic field for applying a magnetic holding force at the accommodation unit for holding the magnetic sample holder or sample body which is accommodated at the accommodation unit, and a magnetic field switching unit which is adapted for switching between at least two relative arrangements between the magnetic field guiding unit and the magnetic field switching unit, in order to selectively adjust the holding mode or a release mode, wherein in the release mode the magnetic sample holder or sample body is released for being detached from the accommodation unit.

Abstract: A positioning unit for a carriage is adjustable by way of a linear drive and a base. The linear drive has an elongate part and a short part. The positioning unit has two compensation rods. In each case two adjacent compensation rods are connected together at one end via a joint and are connected at the other end to the elongate part of the linear drive via one of two joint arrangements that are arranged in each case at the end of the elongate part. The compensation rods and the elongate part of the linear drive are arranged in the form of a triangle and the angle between the compensation rods and the joint is variable by a thermal change in length of the elongate part of the linear drive. The carriage is connected to the joint and the short part of the linear drive is connected to the base.

Abstract: A fixing device selectively fixes a measuring probe of a scanning probe microscope. The fixing device comprises an inserting unit in which the measuring probe is insertable and a master force unit for selectively exerting a master force onto a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism is actuatable without a tool. The fixing mechanism is enabled or disabled to controllably detach or fix the measuring probe when the measuring probe is inserted in the inserting unit.