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:
May. 08, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 11, 1994
Hiroshi Muramatsu, Tokyo, JP;
Tatsuaki Ataka, Tokyo, JP;
Masamichi Fujihira, Yokohama, JP;
Norio Chiba, Tokyo, JP;
Seiko Instruments Inc., , JP;
Abstract
An apparatus capable of measuring the topography and the optical characteristics of the surface of a sample at high resolution irrespective of the transmittance and the conductivity of the sample is realized. The apparatus comprises a probe, a light source for illuminating a sample with light, a photoelectric converter device and optics for receiving light transmitted through the sample or light reflected by the sample, a laser emitting laser light for detecting deflections of the probe, a condenser lens for directing the laser light to the rear surface of the probe, a detection system for detecting reflected light, a rough-motion mechanism and a fine-motion mechanism for moving the sample and the probe relative to each other, a control means for controlling the distance between the sample and the probe, and a computer for controlling the whole apparatus. The probe has a front end portion and a light-propagating body continuous with the front end portion. The front end portion and the light-propagating body are shaped like a hook. The apparatus observes the topography and the optical characteristics of the surface of the sample.