Abstract: A method and a device permit scanned probe microscopes with a non-optical feedback mechanism (1.2), such as a tuning fork, to be used in air or in liquid. The embodiments of the invention require geometric construction of the scanning device that can incorporate the non-optical feedback mechanism in a way that does not obstruct geometrically essentially any lens (1.3) from above or below and permits free access to the probe that is interacting with the sample. In one such embodiment, a scanner (1.1) in x, y and z can move the probe with a structure in which either the non-optical feedback mechanism is in the liquid or in the air and can use either a cantilevered or straight probe. The system can also be constructed with multiple independent scanned probe microscopy probes that can work in liquid and/or in air.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for fabricating a micro or nano structure such as an optical waveguide incorporating an emitting surface in the form of a lens. The structure is fabricated on the basis of a theoretical simulation of the structure, with the parameters of the structure being characterized by geometric and light profiling using near-field and far-field monitoring. The results of the characterizing are compared iteratively with the simulation during fabrication.

Abstract: A tapered, nonconductive structure (10) having a hollow core (18) and a conical tip (14) includes a metal wire (16) within the core (18). The wire (16) is sealed within, and is exposed at the end (22) of, the tip (14). An electrically conductive or semiconductive layer (24) on the exterior of the tip (14) form a point thermocouple contact with the wire. The tip (14) may be fabricated, for example, by placing a metal wire (16) within a tube (12), and heating and pulling the tube (12) to produce two tapered micropipettes. Thereafter, a thin metal or semiconductor film (24) is evaporated onto the outer surface.