Roughness Patents (Class 73/105)
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Patent number: 8028567Abstract: AFM tweezers that include a first probe, including a triangular prism member having a tip of a ridge which is usable as a probe tip in a scanning probe microscope, and a second probe, including a triangular prism member provided so as to open/close with respect to the first probe, are provided. The first probe and the second probe are juxtaposed such that a predetermined peripheral surface of the triangular prism member of the first probe and a predetermined peripheral surface of the triangular prism member of the second probe face substantially in parallel to each other, and the first probe formed of a notch that prevents interference with a sample when the sample is scanned by the tip of the ridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignees: AOI Electronics Co., Ltd., SII Nano Technology Inc.Inventors: Tatsuya Kobayashi, Masato Suzuki, Masatoshi Yasutake, Takeshi Umemoto
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Patent number: 8024963Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for extracting information carried in higher eigenmodes or harmonics of an oscillating cantilever or other oscillating sensors in atomic force microscopy and related MEMs work are described. Similar apparatus and techniques for extracting information using contact resonance with multiple excitation signals are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Asylum Research CorporationInventors: Roger Proksch, Roger C. Callahan
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Patent number: 8011230Abstract: A scanning probe microscope, capable of performing shape measurement not affected by electrostatic charge distribution of a sample, which: monitors an electrostatic charge state by detecting a change in a flexure or vibrating state of a cantilever due to electrostatic charges in synchronization with scanning during measurement with relative scanning between the probe and the sample, and makes potential adjustment so as to cancel an influence of electrostatic charge distribution, thus preventing damage of the probe or the sample due to discharge and achieving reduction in measurement errors due to electrostatic charge distribution.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Watanabe, Toru Kurenuma, Hiroshi Kuroda, Takafumi Morimoto, Shuichi Baba, Toshihiko Nakata, Manabu Edamura, Yukio Kembo
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Patent number: 8011016Abstract: An SPM probe with an elongated support element and a cantilever projecting beyond the front face of the support element and carrying a scanning tip, with the cantilever arranged at a front face side of the support element of the probe, protruding there from a front face side flank, and with the support element having an essentially trapezoidal cross-section with a longer and a shorter transverse edge at the face side flank, and also with critical corners at one of the transverse edges of the face side flank that are closest to a sample during the scanning process, wherein the support element has an elongated raised portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the support element and of the cantilever, with the raised portion having an essentially trapezoidal cross-section, and with the cantilever arranged on the face side on a narrow transverse edge of the raised portion of the support element, and with the raised portion with the cantilever arranged preferably at the longer transverse edge of the faceType: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: NanoWorld AGInventors: Thomas Sulzbach, Christoph Richter
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Publication number: 20110203357Abstract: Dynamic IR radiation power control for use in a nanoscale IR spectroscopy system based on an Atomic Force Microscope. During illumination from an IR source, an AFM probe tip interaction with a sample due to local IR sample absorption is monitored. The power of the illumination at the sample is dynamically decreased to minimize sample overheating in locations/wavelengths where absorption is high and increased in locations/wavelengths where absorption is low to maintain signal to noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Craig Prater, Kevin Kjoller
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Patent number: 8001830Abstract: An AFM based technique has been demonstrated for performing highly localized IR spectroscopy on a sample surface. Such a technique implemented in a commercially viable analytical instrument would be extremely useful. Various aspects of the experimental set-up have to be changed to create a commercial version. The invention addresses many of these issues thereby producing a version of the analytical technique that cab be made generally available to the scientific community.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Anasys Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Alexandre Dazzi, Rui Prazeres, Kevin Kjoller, Michael Reading
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Patent number: 8006316Abstract: A method for interrogating a surface using scanning probe microscopy comprises bringing a scanning probe into proximity with the surface and controlling the position of the probe relative to the surface to maintain a constant distance, characterized in that pressure is applied to the surface by a regulated flow of liquid through the probe, with subsequent monitoring of the position of the probe, wherein movement of the probe indicates a consequent movement of the surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Ionscope LtdInventors: Yuri Evgenievich Korchev, Max Joseph Lab, Daniel Paulo Sànchez-Herrera
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Patent number: 8003939Abstract: A foreign matter detecting apparatus includes a detecting device for detecting foreign matter by measuring smoothness of a surface of an object undergoing measurement, a marking device for providing a dent on the surface of the object with a predetermined horizontal distance from the foreign matter detected by the detecting device, and a mass spectrum measuring device for irradiating and scanning a small area with a primary ion beam, as a part of the object, including the foreign matter and the dent, so as to measure a mass spectrum of secondary ions emitted from the foreign matter located at a position within a predetermined horizontal distance from the dent.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Jindai, Hideto Yokoi
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Patent number: 8001831Abstract: There is provided a scanning probe microscope employing a positioning apparatus M1 including a unit to be driven in XY direction having a substantially square form in plane geometry at the center of the plane in the XY directions and having a first elastic support that bends in the X-axis direction at least on one side of the square form and a second elastic support that bends in the Y-axis direction at least on one side orthogonal to the side and a support unit that supports a stage unit 1 in the XY directions such that the facing surface can face in parallel against the facing surface of the unit to be driven in the XY directions. The positioning apparatus has a space of a predetermined thickness between the surface corresponding to the unit to be driven in the XY directions at least and the facing surface of the support unit that faces against it, and the space is filled with a viscosity agent.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: SII Nano Technology Inc.Inventors: Masafumi Watanabe, Masatoshi Yasutake
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Publication number: 20110197665Abstract: A surface texture measuring device includes a threshold value storage module configured to store a threshold input through an operation key, a stylus move distance detector configured to detect a move distance in the trace direction of the stylus, a cumulative move distance storage module configured to cumulatively store the move distance of the stylus detected by the stylus move distance detector; and. a notification module (controller) configured to make a comparison between the threshold value stored in the threshold value storage module and the cumulative move distance stored in the cumulative move distance storage module and notifying a user of replacement of the stylus when the cumulative move distance has exceeded the threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventors: Yukihiro Sakata, Hiroomi Honda, Hiroyuki Hidaka
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Patent number: 7997124Abstract: A scanning probe microscope has a cantilever mounted to undergo oscillation movement over a surface of a sample. The cantilever has a probe on a distal end thereof. A Z-axis controlling amount calculating mechanism calculates a controlling amount for keeping constant an oscillation amount of the cantilever. A Z-axis driving mechanism drives in a Z direction the cantilever or the sample in accordance with the controlling amount from the Z-axis controlling amount calculating mechanism. A driving range limiting device limits a driving range of the Z-axis driving mechanism. A driving range setting device optionally sets the driving range of the Z-axis driving mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.Inventors: Yoshiteru Shikakura, Kazutoshi Watanabe
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Patent number: 7997123Abstract: A dispensing device has a cantilever comprising a plurality of thin films arranged relative to one another to define a microchannel in the cantilever and to define at least portions of a dispensing microtip proximate an end of the cantilever and communicated to the microchannel to receive material therefrom. The microchannel is communicated to a reservoir that supplies material to the microchannel. One or more reservoir-fed cantilevers may be formed on a semiconductor chip substrate. A sealing layer preferably is disposed on one of the first and second thin films and overlies outermost edges of the first and second thin films to seal the outermost edges against material leakage. Each cantilever includes an actuator, such as for example a piezoelectric actuator, to impart bending motion thereto. The microtip includes a pointed pyramidal or conical shaped microtip body and an annular shell spaced about the pointed microtip body to define a material-dispensing annulus thereabout.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Horacio D. Espinosa, Nicolaie A. Moldovan, Keun-Ho Kim
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Patent number: 7997125Abstract: A miniaturized spring element is intended to be particularly suitable for use as a beam probe or cantilever for detecting atomic or molecular forces, in particular in an atomic force microscope, and, to this end, is intended to make it possible to detect its deflection in a particularly reliable manner and with high resolution. For this purpose, the spring element contains a basic body which is formed from a matrix containing embedded nanoparticles or defects. The spring element is produced using the principle of local deposition with focused energetic particles or electromagnetic waves or by pyrolytically induced deposition.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignees: Nanoscale Systems, Nanoss GmbH, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-UniversitaetInventors: Alexander Kaya, Michael Huth
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Patent number: 7997126Abstract: A texture measuring apparatus that measures surface information of an object includes: a probe coming into contact with the object while moving on a surface of the object; a first sensor unit, provided at the probe, for detecting a force acting on the probe in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the probe; and a second sensor unit, provided at the rear of the probe, for detecting a force acting on the probe in the lengthwise direction of the probe. The apparatus further includes a third sensor unit, provided between the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit, for detecting variations in the forces acting on the probe.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Sung Chul Kang, Hyouk Ryeol Choi
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Patent number: 7992431Abstract: The invention is direct to a piezoelectric microcantilever for static contact and dynamic noncontact atomic force microscopy which may be carried out in solution. The piezoelectric microcantilever, which includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer is capable of self actuation and detection. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3)0.65—(PbTiO3)0.35(PMN0.65-PT0.35)(PMN-PT), zirconate titanate (PZT)/SiO2 or from any lead-free piezoelectric materials such as doped sodium-potassium niobate-lithium niobate. The piezoelectric layers of the microcantilevers may have dielectric constants of from 1600-3000 and thicknesses below 10 ?m. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating microcantilever sensors and methods for atomic force microscopy employing the microcantilevers.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Wan Y. Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Zuyan Shen, Qing Zhu
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Patent number: 7987703Abstract: A tweezer-equipped scanning probe microscope comprises a first arm with a probing portion, a second arm that moves along an opening direction or a closing direction relative to the first arm, an electrostatic actuator that drives the second arm along the opening direction or the closing direction based upon an opening/closing drive voltage applied thereto, an amplifier that induces self-oscillation in the electrostatic actuator by using an electrically equivalent circuit accompanying the electrostatic actuator as a feedback circuit and causes the second arm to vibrate through the self-oscillation, and a vibration state detection unit that detects a change of vibration state of the second arm as the second arm contacts an object.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignees: AOI Electronics Co., Ltd., SII Nano Technology Inc.Inventors: Takashi Konno, Masatoshi Yasutake
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Publication number: 20110162444Abstract: A lever-type detector, a stylus, and an automatic stylus exchanger allow styluses of different types to be exchanged automatically and reduce the burden of exchanging the styluses of different types for the lever-type detector. An approximately U-shaped notch is formed in a seating plate provided for a stylus body. In order to attach a stylus to a stylus holder, the longitudinal direction of the stylus body is set in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of a shaft body of the stylus holder, and the seating plate is moved in the direction orthogonal to the central axis of the shaft body. Then, the notch guides the shaft body to the center of gravity of the whole stylus on the seating plate. With the shaft body guided to the center of gravity by the notch, a flat swinging member holds the seating plate detachably.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventors: Takeshi YAMAMOTO, Atsushi SHIMAOKA
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Patent number: 7975316Abstract: A frequency shift ?f obtained by an FM-AFM can be expressed by a simple linear coupling of a ?fLR derived from a long-range interaction force and a ?fSR derived from a short-range interaction force. Given this factor, a ?f curve on an atomic defect and a ?f curve on a target atom on the sample surface are each measured for only a relatively short range scale (S1 and S2), and a difference ?f curve of those two curves is obtained (S3). Since the difference ?f curve is derived only from a short-range interaction force, a known conversion operation is applied to this curve obtain an F curve which illustrates the relationship between the force and the distance Z, and then the short-range interaction force on the target atom is obtained from the F curve (S4). Since the range scale in measuring the ?f curve can be narrowed, the measurement time can be shortened, and since the conversion from the ?f curve into F curve is required only once, the computational time can also be shortened.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignees: Osaka University, Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Masahiro Ota, Noriaki Oyabu, Masayuki Abe, Oscar Custance, Yoshiaki Sugimoto, Seizo Morita
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Patent number: 7971266Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a measuring probe (1, 1a, 2) for a probe microscopic examination of a sample in a probe microscope, in particular a scanning probe microscope, in which the measuring probe (1), which has a probe base (1a) and a probe extension (2) formed thereon, is held on a carrier device and the measuring probe (1) is processed before or after a measurement by detaching a section of the probe extension (2). The invention further relates to an arrangement having a probe microscope for the probe microscopic examination of a sample, in particular a scanning probe microscope.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: JPK Instruments AGInventors: Torsten Jähnke, Torsten Müller, Detlef Knebel, Kathryn Poole
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Patent number: 7966867Abstract: The invention provides a scanning probe microscope capable of performing highly accurate three-dimensional profile measurement in a state in which no sliding of the probe or deformation of the sample substantially occurs.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Watanabe, Shuichi Baba, Toshihiko Nakata
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Patent number: 7963153Abstract: A method, a system and a computer readable medium for dynamic mode AFM amplitude versus distance curve acquisition. In an embodiment, a constant force feedback mechanism is enabled prior to the first time an AFM probe tip contacts a sample. The feedback mechanism setpoint is iteratively reduced while at least phase and amplitude of the probe tip are recorded as a function of the relative z-height of a cantilever coupled to the probe tip. The feedback mechanism setpoint may be repeatedly swept between upper and lower bounds to average out drift between the cantilever and sample. Upon detecting a threshold, an absolute tip-to-sample distance is determined and correlated to the relative z-heights. The amplitude and phase data recorded prior to tip-sample contact is then determined as a function of absolute tip-to-sample distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Chikuang Charles Wang, Biao Liu, Yuri S. Uritsky
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Publication number: 20110138895Abstract: A surface texture measuring device includes a rotation driving device configured to rotate a measured substance, a roughness detector including a stylus provided displaceably at a tip of a detector main body and at least one skid provided at the tip of the detector main body and in the proximity of the stylus and outputting displacement of the stylus based on the skid as an electric signal, and a detector driving device configured to drive a detector holder. The detector holder includes a guide member driven by the detector driving device, a slide member configured to hold the roughness detector and provided slidably in a displacement direction of the stylus to the guide member, and an urging member configured to urge the slide member so that the skid always comes in contact with the measurement face of the measured substance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventors: Keiji YAMADA, Norimichi OTA, Hideki SHINDO
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Patent number: 7962966Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method for using the same are disclosed. The Scanning probe microscope includes a probe mount for connecting a cantilever arm and a probe signal generator. The probe position signal generator generates a position signal indicative of a position of the probe relative to one end of the cantilever arm. The probe position signal generator includes a first light source that directs a light beam at a first reflector positioned on the cantilever arm and a detector that detects a position of the light beam after the light beam has been reflected from the first reflector. A second reflector reflects the light beam after the light beam is reflected from the first reflector and before the light beam enters the detector, the second reflector passing light from a second light source that illuminates the sample.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James Robert Massie
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Patent number: 7958776Abstract: A scanning probe microscope in which the probe is oscillated at a frequency lower than its resonant frequency, a force sensor that is sensitive to the bending of the cantilever and minimally sensitive to the oscillation is used to measure tip-sample interaction force. The sensor signal is then converted to a force gradient signal by electronics. The gradient signal is kept constant by a feedback mechanism as the tip is scanned across the surface of a sample, and force and topographical information are mapped.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: Chunhai Wang
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Patent number: 7960695Abstract: An e-beam or ion beam imaging and exposure system is built into the end of an AFM cantilever which images using the scanning capabilities built into the AFM. In one embodiment, a boron doped diamond cold cathode is formed into the cantilever with an associated accelerating electrode and secondary electron collection electrode. The assembly is brought within a few nanometers of the object to be imaged or exposed using the AFM. One or more gas channels built into the cantilever assembly provide a positive pressure of inert gas to prevent oxidative erosion of the cold cathode and can bleed any surface charge build up on the sample surface. After secondaries are collected the cantilever is moved to the next area to be exposed.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: Victor B. Kley
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Patent number: 7958775Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for the quantitative measurement of the feel of a surface, comprising a prehensile envelope, a hollow contact body for bringing into contact with the surface on a sensing zone, first acoustic detection elements to detect noises emitted by the hollow body on contact with the sensing zone, second mechanical detection elements embodied for measurement of the normal pressure or the normal pressure and the rubbing force exerted by the surface on the hollow body. The above is of application in the measurement of the triboacoustic properties of the skin or phanera, textiles, leather, plastic materials or any other material for which the an appreciation of the feel thereof is important.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)Inventors: Hassan Zahouani, Roberto Vargiolu, Alain Mavon
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Patent number: 7951334Abstract: The use of direct-write nanolithography to generate anchored, nanoscale patterns of nucleic acid on different substrates is described, including electrically conductive and insulating substrates. Modification of nucleic acid, including oligonucleotides, with reactive groups such as thiol groups provides for patterning with use of appropriate scanning probe microscopic tips under appropriate conditions. The reactive groups provide for chemisorption or covalent bonding to the substrate surface. The resulting nucleic acid features, which exhibit good stability, can be hybridized with complementary nucleic acids and probed accordingly with use of, for example, nanoparticles functionalized with nucleic acids. Patterning can be controlled by selection of tip treatment, relative humidity, and nucleic acid structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Chad A. Mirkin, Linette Demers, David S. Ginger
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Patent number: 7945364Abstract: A process of enabling and providing a service for improving haulage efficiency in a haulage system includes identifying a customer who may benefit from the service. Haulage vehicles of a fleet of haulage vehicles are equipped with a system for monitoring haulage parameters of the haulage vehicles. Equipment for gathering data on the monitored haulage parameters and for gathering information on haulage vehicle location along haul roads is provided. Target haulage parameters which result in desired haulage system performance are determined. The data is analyzed and deviations of actual haulage system performance from desired haulage system performance are determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David R. Schricker, Anthony R. Fratini, Jon R. Greiner, Christopher M. Sprock
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Patent number: 7945964Abstract: Provided are a structure of an apparatus for analysis, inspection, and measurement in which a support structure supporting a detection unit is resistant to disturbance, suppresses a reduction in resolution during large-sample measurement, and has high rigidity, and a probe microscope using the apparatus structure. The apparatus structure supporting the detection unit which is opposed to a sample which is located on a unit movable in at least one axis direction and is an object to be analyzed has an arch shape. In the apparatus structure having the arch shape and supporting the detection unit, a surface substantially perpendicular to a flat surface portion of a sample holder located immediately under the apparatus structure is formed. The detection unit is supported on the perpendicular surface. The arch-shaped apparatus structure is a curved structure consistent with a catenary curve.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.Inventors: Shigeru Wakiyama, Kenichi Akamatsu
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Patent number: 7945965Abstract: The sensor has the self-detecting probe including a body portion, an elongated belt-like flexible substrate, connecting members, a resinous portion, and external contacts formed at the ends of the flexible substrate brought out of liquid. The probe further includes a cantilever whose base end is supported to the body portion, a strain resistive element whose resistance value varies according to the amount of displacement of the cantilever, and interconnects electrically connected with the strain resistive element. A probe tip is formed at the front end of the cantilever. The flexible substrate has an interconnect pattern sandwiched between two insulating sheets. The flexible substrate supports the body portion while the cantilever protrudes outwardly. At least one end of the flexible substrate is brought out of liquid. The connecting members connect the interconnects with the interconnect pattern.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.Inventors: Naoya Watanabe, Masatsugu Shigeno, Masato Iyoki
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Patent number: 7937991Abstract: A controller for cantilever-based instruments, including atomic force microscopes, molecular force probe instruments, high-resolution profilometers and chemical or biological sensing probes. The controller samples the output of the photo-detector commonly used to detect cantilever deflection in these instruments with a very fast analog/digital converter (ADC). The resulting digitized representation of the output signal is then processed with field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors without making use of analog electronics. Analog signal processing is inherently noisy while digital calculations are inherently “perfect” in that they do not add any random noise to the measured signal. Processing by field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors maximizes the flexibility of the controller because it can be varied through programming means, without modification of the controller hardware.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Asylum Research CorporationInventors: Roger Proksch, Jason Cleveland, Dan Bocek, Todd Day, Mario B. Viani, Clint Callahan
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Patent number: 7934417Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a scanning probe microscope, which includes a base frame to which a probe holder with a probe as well as a probe support are, or can be fixed. The probe and the sample mount can be moved relative to one another in order to obtain information about the surface of the sample by scanning a sample which is arranged on the sample mount. Furthermore, a reaction chamber can be attached to the base frame of the scanning probe microscope, with the sample mount arranged therein. The reaction chamber has an opening on its side facing the probe, through which the probe can enter the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber can enable treatment of the sample's surface by the specific influence of fluids within the reaction chamber when the reaction chamber is closed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventors: Markus Hund, Hans Herold
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Patent number: 7930946Abstract: A device is provided for simultaneous determination of forces, comprising an arrangement of parallel springs with integrated piezoresistive resistances in the form of a full Wheatstone bridge. The parallel springs, have, for example, silicon or fused quartz, are arranged in lines, wherein the parallel springs at their ends are permanently connected by silicon or fused quartz spacers. At the free ends of the parallel springs, measurement-technology elements are arranged. The opposite ends of the parallel springs are fastened to a frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: SIOS Meβtechnik GmbHInventor: Gerd Jäger
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Patent number: 7930766Abstract: The following invention pertains to the introduction of a gas (or fluid) around a SPM probe or Nanotool™ to control chemical activity e.g. oxygen to promote oxidation, argon to inhibit oxidation or clean dry air (CDA) to inhibit moisture to control static charging due to the action of the probe or nanotools and to provide vacuum at and around the tip and substrate area. The invention can also produce electrical current for use with active electronic devices on, in or near the body of the device. In addition by use of a fluid like water, certain oils, and other liquids in conjunction with specific tip structure either electric discharge machining can be used at the tip area on the tip itself (in conjunction with a form structure on the work piece) or on a work piece beneath the tip to shape, polish and remove material at very small scales (10 microns to 1 nm or less).Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: General Nanotechnology LLCInventor: Victor B. Kley
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Patent number: 7926328Abstract: There is provided a sample manipulating apparatus which is an apparatus for manipulating a sample mounted on a substrate surface, in which at least position data and shape data are acquired by observing the sample. Thereafter, tweezers are positioned by moving means such that the sample is positioned between an observing probe and a grasping probe based on the two set of data. After positioning, a height of the tweezers is set to a position of being remote from the substrate surface by a constant distance by moving means while monitoring a result of measurement by displacement measuring means. Thereafter, the grasping probe is moved to a side of the observing probe while monitoring the result of measurement by the displacement measuring means at the set height and the sample is grasped while detecting a grasping start point.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: SII Nano Technology Inc.Inventors: Masatoshi Yasutake, Takeshi Umemoto, Masafumi Watanabe
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Publication number: 20110083497Abstract: A surface texture measuring machine includes: a stage, a contact-type detector having a stylus, an image probe, a relative movement mechanism and a controller. The controller includes: a center position calculating unit that, when the image probe enters position data of at least three points on a circular contour of a circular concave portion or a circular convex portion of an object, approximates the entered position data to a circle to obtain a center position of the circle; and a stylus setting unit that, after calculating the center position, operates the relative movement mechanism to position the stylus of the contact-type detector at the center position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventors: Sadayuki MATSUMIYA, Yoshiyuki OMORI, Sadaharu ARITA, Kotaro HIRANO, Yasushi FUKUMOTO, Koichi KOMATSU, Fumihiro TAKEMURA
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Patent number: 7918141Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating degradation of a thermal barrier coating disposed on a turbine blade. The method includes measuring a residual stress of an outer surface portion of a thermal barrier coating on a turbine blade, the turbine blade having been subjected to normal operating conditions and determining degradation of the thermal barrier coating based on a comparison between the residual stress measurement and a control stress measurement.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Shamachary Sathish, Sonia A. Martinez
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Patent number: 7913544Abstract: The present invention is directed to scanning probes in which a cantilever contacts a stylus via an integrated stylus base pad, and methods for fabricating such probes. The probe offer many advantages over other types of scanning probes with respect to eliminating the need for a soft, reflective coating in some applications and providing for the simple fabrication of sharp stylus tips, flexibility with respect to functionalizing the tip, and minimal thermal drift due to reduced bimorph effect. The advantage of these features facilitates the acquisition of high resolution images of samples in general, and particularly in liquids.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Applied NanoStructures, Inc.Inventor: Ami Chand
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Patent number: 7908908Abstract: Disclosed herein are surface force microscope probes comprising living cells adhered thereto, as well as methods of making same. Also disclosed is a system for high throughput screening of nanostructures having biological relevance through use of surface force microscope probes comprising living cells. Further disclosed are methods of screening for biointeractive nanostructures.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Brown, Brij M. Moudgil, Yakov I. Rabinovich, Veena B. Antony, Mohammed A. Kamal
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Patent number: 7908909Abstract: The preferred embodiments are directed to a probe cassette for a scanning probe microscope that includes a base having at least one probe storage receptacle, a lid mountable on the base with the probe storage receptacle at least substantially covering the at least one receptacle, and a probe retainer that retains a probe device of the scanning probe microscope in the receptacle under a compressive force. The probe cassette can be pre-loaded and shipped to a user site where the cassette can be loaded in an AFM without manual manipulation of the individual probe devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Bruker Nano, Inc.Inventors: Adam J. Feinstein, Matthew R. Wilson
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Publication number: 20110061452Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for sensing pulsed forces. Some of the described devices and methods are also useful for measuring infrared absorbances and compiling spectral and chemical maps of surfaces. Also described are microcantilever having reduced harmonic frequencies when operating in contact mode. Some of the described microcantilevers comprise an internal resonator configured to vibrate substantially independent of friction between the microcantilever tip and a surface when the microcantilever operates in contact mode. A number of the described devices and methods are useful for monitoring pulsed forces with enhanced sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: William P. King, Jonathan R. Felts, Craig Prater, Kevin Kjoller
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Patent number: 7907288Abstract: A shape measuring apparatus includes a probe for scanning across a surface to be measured, while vibrating up and down; a minute-vibration generation section for vibrating the probe up and down; a vertical movement control section for moving the probe up and down to keep a constant contact force or a constant distance between the surface to be measured and the probe; a scanning section for scanning the surface to be measured with the probe; a displacement sensor for measuring the vertical displacement of the probe and outputting a probe displacement signal; and a signal processing section for obtaining information about the contact force or the distance between the surface to be measured and the probe from a high-frequency component of the probe displacement signal, and for obtaining information about profile of the surface to be measured from a low-frequency component of the signal obtained when the surface to be measured is scanned such that the distance or the contact force is kept constant.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Kawasaki, Satoshi Koga, Yoshimasa Suzuki
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Patent number: 7900506Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-dimensional standing wave probe for microscale and nanoscale measurement, manipulation, and surface modification, including: a filament having a first free end and a second end that is attached to at least one actuator to apply oscillation cycles to the filament; wherein the oscillation of the filament during at least one complete cycle of oscillation of the actuator causes the free end to move in a multi-dimensional envelope, producing a defined virtual probe tip at the free end, wherein a shape of the virtual probe tip is defined by both a characteristic shape of the oscillation of the free end and a geometry of the filament. Optionally, the actuator includes a monolithic crystal actuator. Preferably, the monolithic crystal actuator includes a crystal having zero grain boundaries. The monolithic crystal actuator also includes a plurality of thin flexure structures.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Insitutec, Inc.Inventors: Shane C. Woody, Marcin B. Bauza, Stuart T. Smith
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Patent number: 7900497Abstract: The true roughness of highly granular perpendicular media is measured by forming an inverse replica of the surface of the media. The invention enables AFM measurements of granular media valley depth to more consistently predict the corrosion performance of the media. A liquid resist is used to first replicate the media topography and form the inverse replica. The narrow valleys in the original media are precisely modeled as sharp peaks on the replica. The height of the peaks are readily measured with an AFM tip. The resulting image is a negative of the original surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Qing Dai, Bruno Marchon, Tsai-Wei Wu
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Patent number: 7895885Abstract: Methods and systems for constructing microfabricated devices including a microknife and methods and devices for a three-dimensional microstructure constructed from a plurality of separable planar components using one or more microfabrication techniques and optionally using one or more interlock structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: David Sretavan, Chris Keller
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Patent number: 7898266Abstract: A supported probe device that has a probe tip and probe body, the probe body having a sample facing surface and an opposing surface. The probe tip and a first electrode are on the sample facing surface. A second electrode is present on the probe body opposing surface. A third electrode is spaced from the second electrode, so that the second electrode is between the third electrode and the probe body. A first DC voltage source is electrically coupled to the first electrode, as is a first sensing circuit. A second DC voltage source is electrically coupled to the second electrode, and an AC voltage source electrically coupled to the third electrode. The probe body may be cantilevered.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Wayne Allen Bonin, Dadi Setiadi, Lance Eugene Stover
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Publication number: 20110041593Abstract: A material measure for use in evaluating the performance of a measuring instrument for measuring surface texture includes: a measurement area having a plurality of grooves in a predetermined direction. With the configuration, each of the grooves has a simple cross-sectional shape at a cross-section along the predetermined direction; and a length of the cross-sectional shape in the predetermined direction is different for the predetermined number of adjacent grooves in the predetermined direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Takahiko KAKEMIZU, Akihiro FUJII
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Patent number: 7886583Abstract: A low voltage signal amplifying apparatus includes a probe device, an actuator providing relative motion between the probe device and the sample, and a transducer that generates a voltage signal indicative of a property of at least one of the probe device, the sample, and the actuator. A differential voltage to current converter receives a differential voltage signal from the transducer and generates a differential current signal to provide a balanced, differential, low impedance current mode amplified signal that can be readily carried over a signal transmission device.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.Inventors: Carl Masser, Henry Mittel
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Patent number: 7880318Abstract: A sensing system includes a nanowire, a passivation layer established on at least a portion of the nanowire, and a barrier layer established on the passivation layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Theodore I. Kamins, Zhiyong Li, Duncan R. Stewart
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Publication number: 20110016956Abstract: A surface texture measuring instrument includes a force sensor (1), an actuator (11) and a detector (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventors: Shiro Igasaki, Masaoki Yamagata