The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 12, 1997
Eisuke Tomita, Chiba, JP;
Seiko Instruments Inc., , JP;
Abstract
A high resolution observation apparatus capable of resolving details smaller than the wavelength of a laser beam used for detection includes a probe for scattering evanescent light projected from a sample in response to the incident laser light. The scattered evanescent light is detected by a photodetector located proximate the probe tip. During measurements, the position of the probe is controlled in the Z axis by a fine movement mechanism while being scanned in the XY plane to conduct measurements. The distance between the probe and the sample is maintained constant by use of a Z-axis servo circuit responsive to an output signal of the photodetector for producing a control signal to control the fine movement mechanism to maintain the detected evanescent light constant. A three-dimensional display of an output of the servo circuit is provided.