A scanning probe microscopy system (1) comprises a probe (2), a scanning head (11) having a first probe holder (21), a probe exchange manipulator (12) having a second probe holder (22), a force generating system (31, 32), and a force control system (41, 42) for controlling the force generating system to provide a resultant force (72) acting on the probe. Said resultant force comprises gas pressure force components and/or electrostatic force components. During probe-demounting or probe-mounting the probe is moving (52) from the first probe holder (21) towards the second probe holder (22), or vice versa, respectively, while neither the first probe holder nor the second probe holder is contacting the probe. Said movement of the probe is driven by said resultant force. The invention allows for automatically mounting and demounting of probes with high speed and with high accuracy.

A scanning probe microscopy system (1) comprises a probe (2), a scanning head (11) having a first probe holder (21), a probe exchange manipulator (12) having a second probe holder (22), a force generating system (31, 32), and a force control system (41, 42) for controlling the force generating system to provide a resultant force (72) acting on the probe. Said resultant force comprises gas pressure force components and/or electrostatic force components. During probe-demounting or probe-mounting the probe is moving (52) from the first probe holder (21) towards the second probe holder (22), or vice versa, respectively, while neither the first probe holder nor the second probe holder is contacting the probe. Said movement of the probe is driven by said resultant force. The invention allows for automatically mounting and demounting of probes with high speed and with high accuracy.

A scanning head of a scanning probe microscope includes a scanning head frame having a first end portion and a second end portion which are oppositely disposed, the first end portion and the second end portion defining a first receiving space and a second receiving space, respectively; a sample table located in the first receiving space; a scanning module located in the second receiving space; and a plurality of fixed electrodes fixed on the second end portion of the scanning head frame. Signal lines of the scanning head of the present invention do not fall off or tear off during operation. In addition, the scanning head allows a laser to be incident on its scanning probe, enabling the scanning probe to be coupled with the laser, so that the range of application is wide.

A scanning head of a scanning probe microscope includes a scanning head frame having a first end portion and a second end portion which are oppositely disposed, the first end portion and the second end portion defining a first receiving space and a second receiving space, respectively; a sample table located in the first receiving space; a scanning module located in the second receiving space; and a plurality of fixed electrodes fixed on the second end portion of the scanning head frame. Signal lines of the scanning head of the present invention do not fall off or tear off during operation. In addition, the scanning head allows a laser to be incident on its scanning probe, enabling the scanning probe to be coupled with the laser, so that the range of application is wide.

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.

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.

Device and system for characterizing samples using multiple integrated tips scanning probe microscopy. Multiple Integrated Tips (MiT) probes are comprised of two or more monolithically integrated and movable AFM tips positioned to within nanometer of each other, enabling unprecedented micro to nanoscale probing functionality in vacuum or ambient conditions. The tip structure is combined with capacitive comb structures offering laserless high-resolution electric-in electric-out actuation and sensing capability. This platform-on-a-chip approach is a paradigm shift relative to current technology based on single tips functionalized using stacks of supporting gear: lasers, nano-positioners and electronics.

According to embodiments, a cantilever probe for use with an atomic force microscope (AFM) or scanning probe microscope (SPM) has a pad of conformable material that facilitates non-permanent adhesion through van der Waals interactions. Such removable probes and probe tips facilitate use of multiple tips or probes, while reducing the need for recalibration or repositioning.

According to embodiments, a cantilever probe for use with an atomic force microscope (AFM) or scanning probe microscope (SPM) has a pad of conformable material that facilitates non-permanent adhesion through van der Waals interactions. Such removable probes and probe tips facilitate use of multiple tips or probes, while reducing the need for recalibration or repositioning.

A method for inspecting a nozzle includes producing a jet from the nozzle, moving the nozzle to cause the jet to approach a stylus of a touch probe, generating a contact signal under a force acting on the stylus, and determining that the jet is appropriate in response to a contact signal received first after the jet has an axis at a distance from the stylus that is equal to or less than a first normal distance calculated from a normal jet shape.