A data processing device for a scanning probe microscope, the data processing device processing biaxial data indicating a change in a second physical quantity with respect to a change in a first physical quantity, the biaxial data being acquired for each of a plurality of measurement points on a sample surface by scanning the sample surface with a probe using a scanning probe microscope, the data processing device includes: a feature amount calculator 41 that acquires one or a plurality of types of feature amounts from the biaxial data at each measurement point; a feature amount selector 42 that causes a user to select one of the one or the plurality of types of feature amounts; a two-dimensional mapping image display unit 43 that displays the feature amount on a screen as a two-dimensional mapping image with each measurement point as one pixel based on selection of the feature amount by the user; and a biaxial data display unit 44 that, when the user selects one of the pixels in the two-dimensional mapping image, displays on the screen the selected pixel and the biaxial data of the measurement point corresponding to one or a plurality of pixels adjacent to the selected pixel.

The present invention relates to a method for examining a measuring tip of a scanning probe microscope, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) generating at least one test structure before a sample is analyzed, or after said sample has been analyzed, by the measuring tip; and (b) examining the measuring tip with the aid of the at least one generated test structure.

The present invention relates to a method for examining a measuring tip of a scanning probe microscope, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) generating at least one test structure before a sample is analyzed, or after said sample has been analyzed, by the measuring tip; and (b) examining the measuring tip with the aid of the at least one generated test structure.

The present application relates to an apparatus for a scanning probe microscope, said apparatus having: (a) at least one first measuring probe having at least one first cantilever, the free end of which has a first measuring tip; (b) at least one first reflective area arranged in the region of the free end of the at least one first cantilever and embodied to reflect at least two light beams in different directions; and (c) at least two first interferometers embodied to use the at least two light beams reflected by the at least one first reflective area to determine the position of the first measuring tip.

A data processing device for a scanning probe microscope, the data processing device processing biaxial data indicating a change in a second physical quantity with respect to a change in a first physical quantity, the biaxial data being acquired for each of a plurality of measurement points on a sample surface by scanning the sample surface with a probe using a scanning probe microscope, the data processing device includes: a feature amount calculator 41 that acquires one or a plurality of types of feature amounts from the biaxial data at each measurement point; a feature amount selector 42 that causes a user to select one of the one or the plurality of types of feature amounts; a two-dimensional mapping image display unit 43 that displays the feature amount on a screen as a two-dimensional mapping image with each measurement point as one pixel based on selection of the feature amount by the user; and a biaxial data display unit 44 that, when the user selects one of the pixels in the two-dimensional mapping image, displays on the screen the selected pixel and the biaxial data of the measurement point corresponding to one or a plurality of pixels adjacent to the selected pixel.

Active cantilever probes having a thin coating incorporated into their design are disclosed. The probes can be operated in opaque and/or chemically harsh environments without the need of a light source or optical system and without being significantly negatively impacted by corrosion. The probes include a substrate that has a cantilever, a thermomechanical actuator associated with the cantilever, a piezoresistive stress sensor disposed on the cantilever, and a thin coating disposed on the cantilever and the piezoresistive stress sensor. The coating is bonded to the substrate, is thermally conductive, and has a low thermal resistance. Further, the thin coating is configured to have little to no impact on one or more of a mass of the active probe, a residual stress of the cantilever, or a stiffness of the active probe. Techniques for performing topography and making other measurements in an opaque and/or chemically harsh environment are also provided.

Active cantilever probes having a thin coating incorporated into their design are disclosed. The probes can be operated in opaque and/or chemically harsh environments without the need of a light source or optical system and without being significantly negatively impacted by corrosion. The probes include a substrate that has a cantilever, a thermomechanical actuator associated with the cantilever, a piezoresistive stress sensor disposed on the cantilever, and a thin coating disposed on the cantilever and the piezoresistive stress sensor. The coating is bonded to the substrate, is thermally conductive, and has a low thermal resistance. Further, the thin coating is configured to have little to no impact on one or more of a mass of the active probe, a residual stress of the cantilever, or a stiffness of the active probe. Techniques for performing topography and making other measurements in an opaque and/or chemically harsh environment are also provided.

The present invention relates to methods and devices for extending a time period until changing a measuring tip of a scanning probe microscope. In particular, the invention relates to a method for hardening a measuring tip for a scanning probe microscope, comprising the step of: Processing the measuring tip with a beam of an energy beam source, the energy beam source being part of a scanning electron microscope.

The present invention relates to methods and devices for extending a time period until changing a measuring tip of a scanning probe microscope. In particular, the invention relates to a method for hardening a measuring tip for a scanning probe microscope, comprising the step of: Processing the measuring tip with a beam of an energy beam source, the energy beam source being part of a scanning electron microscope.

The present invention relates to methods and devices for extending a time period until changing a measuring tip of a scanning probe microscope. In particular, the invention relates to a method for hardening a measuring tip for a scanning probe microscope, comprising the step of: Processing the measuring tip with a beam of an energy beam source, the energy beam source being part of a scanning electron microscope.