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.

A large radius probe for a surface analysis instrument such as an atomic force microscope (AFM). The probe is microfabricated to have a tip with a hemispherical distal end or apex. The radius of the apex is the range of about a micron making the probes particularly useful for nanoindentation analyses. The processes of the preferred embodiments allow such large radius probes to be batch fabricated to facilitate cost and robustness.

The present disclosure provides a tip-enhanced Raman spectroscope system. The system includes a laser emitting unit, a laser excitation unit, a first dichroic beam splitter, a first Raman spectrometer, and a confocal detecting unit. The laser excitation unit includes a sample stage and a first scanning probe. The sample stage is configured to have a sample disposed thereon such that a first incident laser beam emitted from the laser emitting unit is transmitted to the sample to excite first scattered light. The first dichroic beam splitter is configured to split a first Raman scattered light from the first Rayleigh scattered light. The first Raman spectrometer is disposed on a first Raman optical path of the first Raman scattered light. The confocal detecting unit is disposed on a first Rayleigh optical path of the first Rayleigh scattered light to image the sample.

The present disclosure provides a scanning probe, a method and an apparatus for manufacturing the scanning probe. The scanning probe includes a base and a micro-tip disposed on an end of the base, wherein at least a section of the micro-tip comprises a lateral surface with a concavely curved generatrix. In the method, an end of a probe precursor is immersed in a corrosive solution by having a length direction of the probe precursor inclined with a liquid surface of the corrosive solution. The probe precursor is corroded by the corrosive solution while a corrosion current of the corroding is monitored. The probe precursor is moved away from the corrosive solution after a magnitude of the corrosion current has a plunge. The apparatus includes a container containing the corrosive solution, and a driving device configured to move the probe precursor in the container through a fastener.

The invention relates to a method for providing a probe device for scanning probe microscopy, in particular for atomic force microscopy, wherein a scanning probe microscope is used for measuring a sample by means of a tip which is arranged on a cantilever of the probe device and which has a tip geometry. According to the invention, in a step upstream of the manufacturing process producing the tip, the tip geometry is optimized based on a selected tip basic form with regard to defined, required measurement properties, by computer simulating and evaluating the tip geometry, and modifying the tip geometry according to the evaluation with regard to these measurement properties. The invention further relates to a probe device for scanning probe microscopy, in particular for atomic force microscopy, having a cantilever and a tip formed on the cantilever in the nanometer range, with which samples to be measured can be scanned.

The invention relates to a method for providing a probe device for scanning probe microscopy, in particular for atomic force microscopy, wherein a scanning probe microscope is used for measuring a sample by means of a tip which is arranged on a cantilever of the probe device and which has a tip geometry. According to the invention, in a step upstream of the manufacturing process producing the tip, the tip geometry is optimized based on a selected tip basic form with regard to defined, required measurement properties, by computer simulating and evaluating the tip geometry, and modifying the tip geometry according to the evaluation with regard to these measurement properties. The invention further relates to a probe device for scanning probe microscopy, in particular for atomic force microscopy, having a cantilever and a tip formed on the cantilever in the nanometer range, with which samples to be measured can be scanned.

A micro probe array device and method of manufacturing are disclosed. In the micro probe array device, a plurality of working electrodes are arranged in an array form, so that an individual electric signal can be applied to an object for each working electrode. In the micro probe array device, the height of the working electrode may be different, the working electrode and the counter electrode may constitute a double electrode, or the substrate may be made of a flexible material.

A micro probe array device and method of manufacturing are disclosed. In the micro probe array device, a plurality of working electrodes are arranged in an array form, so that an individual electric signal can be applied to an object for each working electrode. In the micro probe array device, the height of the working electrode may be different, the working electrode and the counter electrode may constitute a double electrode, or the substrate may be made of a flexible material.

A manufacturing method of a probe according to the present embodiment is used to manufacture a probe for a scanning probe microscope. An insulating film is formed on the surface of a probe provided on a base. Metal ions are implanted into the insulating film. An electric field is applied to the insulating film to concentrate the metal ions in the insulating film at a tip of the probe and form a metallic filament in the insulating film.

A manufacturing method of a probe according to the present embodiment is used to manufacture a probe for a scanning probe microscope. An insulating film is formed on the surface of a probe provided on a base. Metal ions are implanted into the insulating film. An electric field is applied to the insulating film to concentrate the metal ions in the insulating film at a tip of the probe and form a metallic filament in the insulating film.