System and methods are described for directly measuring mechanical properties of a sample while concurrently imaging the sample using a scanning beam microscope (e.g., a scanning electron microscope (SEM)). The system includes a clamping mount configured to hold the sample and a load cell positioned proximal to the clamping mount and configured to provide a direct, real-time measurement of force on the sample end. The system further includes a controllable probe configured to apply a force to the sample. In some embodiments, the sample load cell is tiltably couplable to a sample held by the clamping mount and the controllable probe is moveable between a plurality of different mounting positions relative to the load cell.

A scanning probe microscope has a probe configured to move across the surface of a sample to be monitored. A scanner, to which the probe is mounted, moves the probe across the sample surface such that the probe is deflected in accordance with the structure of the sample surface. A beam system directs a light beam at the probe during the movement of the probe across the sample surface and a detector monitors the deflection of the probe using the light beam. The arrangement is such that the scanner is physically independent of the beam system.

A mechanism is provided for sequencing a biopolymer. The biopolymer is traversed from a first medium to a second medium. The biopolymer includes bases. As the biopolymer traverses from the first medium to the second medium, different forces are measured corresponding to each of the bases. The bases are distinguished from one another according to the different measured forces which are measured for each of the bases.

A mechanism is provided for sequencing a biopolymer. The biopolymer is traversed from a first medium to a second medium. The biopolymer includes bases. As the biopolymer traverses from the first medium to the second medium, different forces are measured corresponding to each of the bases. The bases are distinguished from one another according to the different measured forces which are measured for each of the bases.

A mechanism is provided for sequencing a biopolymer. The biopolymer is traversed from a first medium to a second medium. The biopolymer includes bases. As the biopolymer traverses from the first medium to the second medium, different forces are measured corresponding to each of the bases. The bases are distinguished from one another according to the different measured forces which are measured for each of the bases.

A mechanism is provided for sequencing a biopolymer. The biopolymer is traversed from a first medium to a second medium. The biopolymer includes bases. As the biopolymer traverses from the first medium to the second medium, different forces are measured corresponding to each of the bases. The bases are distinguished from one another according to the different measured forces which are measured for each of the bases.