A fixing device for a tip holder in a scanning probe microscope
By using a fixation device for the tip holder and tip seat, and by employing a flexible second electrode and a blind hole design, the problems of easy damage and complex structure of the tip holder in the prior art are solved, thus achieving stable clamping and improved imaging quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GEWU ZHIHAN (SUZHOU) SCI INSTR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the method of fixing the tip holder can easily damage the probe and increase the overall structural complexity, affecting the imaging quality and repeatability.
The device employs a needle tip holder and a needle tip seat for fixing. By setting a second electrode that can be elastically extended and a blind hole in the base, three-point clamping is achieved. Combined with the notch design, the probe is prevented from being damaged during disassembly, and the overall structure remains simple.
It achieves stable clamping of the tip holder, reduces vibration, improves imaging quality and repeatability, while avoiding probe damage and not increasing the overall size.
Smart Images
Figure CN224341558U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of scanning probe microscope technology, and in particular to a fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope. Background Technology
[0002] In scanning probe microscopy, the method of fixing the tip holder has a crucial impact on its performance and imaging quality. A stable and reliable fixing method can effectively reduce noise, improve image resolution, and enhance the repeatability of detection results.
[0003] In the existing technology, the needle tip frame is fixed by gluing and welding. Although this fixing method can reduce needle tip vibration, it is easy to damage the needle tip when disassembling. Another method is to fix the needle tip frame by mechanical clamping. The additional clamping structure not only makes the overall structure more complicated, but also increases the overall size and affects the layout. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope, which can ensure stable clamping of the tip holder without increasing the overall size and avoid damage to the probe during disassembly. The overall structure is relatively simple.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0006] A fixing device for a tip holder in a scanning probe microscope, the tip holder including a tip support and a tip seat connected to each other, the tip support including a handle section, a connecting section connected to the handle section and having a through hole on its surface, and a first electrode disposed in the through hole, the connecting section being used to connect the tip seat, the tip seat including a probe; the fixing device including a base for insertion by the connecting section;
[0007] The base includes a main body with a hollow inner cavity, a mounting seat disposed in the main body, and a blind hole for mounting a second electrode in the mounting seat. One end of the second electrode can elastically extend out of the blind hole. A gap for the insertion of the connecting segment is provided between the side of the mounting seat for the second electrode to extend out and the corresponding side of the main body. A notch for accommodating the needle tip seat is also provided on the side of the main body facing the blind hole.
[0008] There are at least three blind holes, and the number of through holes is less than or equal to the number of blind holes. The through holes and the corresponding blind holes are used to align along the length direction parallel to the probe when the connecting section is inserted into the base. The diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the opening end of the corresponding blind hole, and the three blind holes are arranged in a triangle.
[0009] Preferably, the second electrode is spherical, the diameter of the blind hole is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second electrode, and the diameter of the opening end of the blind hole is less than the diameter of the second electrode.
[0010] Preferably, the blind hole is further provided with an elastic element that can elastically stretch and contract along the length direction parallel to the probe. One end of the elastic element is used to abut the closed end of the blind hole, and the other end of the elastic element is used to abut the second electrode.
[0011] More preferably, the elastic element is a compression spring, and the compression spring is arranged coaxially with the blind hole.
[0012] More preferably, the total volume of the second electrode is V, and when the elastic element is in a free state, the volume of the second electrode extending out of the blind hole is V1, where V1 < 2 / V.
[0013] Preferably, the mounting base is provided with a first groove formed by the inward recess of its outer surface, the number of the first grooves being the same as the number of blind holes, and the first grooves communicating with the outer side of the corresponding blind hole.
[0014] More preferably, a second groove is provided on one side of the main body, the number of the second groove is the same as the number of the first groove, and the second groove and the corresponding first groove are aligned one-to-one along the length direction parallel to the probe; the second groove and the notch are respectively provided on opposite sides of the main body.
[0015] Preferably, the needle tip holder is an AFM needle tip holder, and there are three through holes and three blind holes. The through holes and the blind holes are arranged to be aligned one by one along the length direction parallel to the probe when the connecting section is inserted into the base.
[0016] Preferably, the tip holder is an STM tip holder, there is one through hole and three blind holes, and the through hole and one of the blind holes are used to align the connecting section in the base along the length direction parallel to the probe.
[0017] Preferably, the connecting section and the mounting base are both made of insulating ceramic material.
[0018] Due to the application of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art: This utility model is a fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope. By setting a blind hole in the mounting base for installing the second electrode, one end of the second electrode can elastically extend out of the blind hole. The second electrode not only plays the role of signal transmission, but also, by setting the specific position of the mounting base, the extended end of the second electrode can be elastically pressed against the connecting section of the tip holder, thereby achieving stable clamping of the tip holder and greatly reducing the vibration of the tip holder. The three-point clamping can further improve the stability of the tip holder. By opening a notch on the side of the main body facing the blind hole to accommodate the tip holder, damage to the probe can be avoided during disassembly. The replacement of the tip holder is relatively easy. This fixing device does not increase the size of the mechanism and the structure is relatively simple. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the fixing device and the needle tip holder according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;
[0020] Appendix Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fixing device according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;
[0021] Appendix Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the fixing device according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;
[0022] Appendix Figure 4 This is a front view structural diagram of the fixing device according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;
[0023] Appendix Figure 5 Attached with a diagram Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line AA;
[0024] Appendix Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the AFM needle tip holder.
[0025] Appendix Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the STM tip holder.
[0026] The components are: 1. Needle tip support; 11. Handle section; 12. Connecting section; 13. Through hole; 2. Needle tip seat; 21. Probe; 3. Base; 31. Body; 32. Mounting seat; 33. Second electrode; 34. Blind hole; 35. Spacing; 36. Notch; 37. Elastic element; 38. First groove; 39. Second groove. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.
[0028] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.
[0029] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "inner", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this utility model.
[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0031] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0032] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0033] The following disclosure provides many different implementations or examples for different structures of the embodiments of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the embodiments of the present invention, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples of the embodiments of the present invention; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various implementations and / or arrangements discussed.
[0034] See Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a fixing device for a tip holder in a scanning probe microscope. The tip holder includes a tip support 1 and a tip seat 2 connected to each other, and the fixing device includes a base 3 for insertion of the tip support 1.
[0035] See Figure 6-7 As shown, the needle tip holder 1 includes a handle section 11, a connecting section 12 connected to the handle section 11 and having a through hole 13 on its surface, and a first electrode (not shown in the figure) disposed in the through hole 13. The connecting section 12 is used to connect to the needle tip seat 2, which includes a probe 21. The base 3 is used for insertion by the connecting section 12 of the needle tip holder 1, while the handle section 11 is located outside the base 3 for insertion and removal. The handle section 11 and the connecting section 12 are arranged parallel to the direction in which the connecting section 12 is inserted into the base 3 and perpendicular to the length direction of the probe 21.
[0036] See Figure 2-4 As shown, the base 3 includes a main body 31 with a hollow inner cavity, a mounting base 32 disposed in the main body 31, and a blind hole 34 for mounting a second electrode 33 in the mounting base 32. One end of the second electrode 33 can elastically extend out of the blind hole 34. A gap 35 for the insertion of the connecting segment 12 is provided between the side of the mounting base 32 where the second electrode 33 extends and the corresponding side of the main body 31. A notch 36 for accommodating the needle tip seat 2 is also provided on the side of the main body 31 facing the blind hole 34. The width of the notch 36 is smaller than the width of the connecting segment 12.
[0037] In this embodiment, the second electrode 33 is spherical, and the diameter of the blind hole 34 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second electrode 33 so that the second electrode 33 can reciprocate along its axial direction in the blind hole 34; the diameter of the opening end of the blind hole 34 is smaller than the diameter of the second electrode 33 so as to limit the second electrode 33 and prevent the second electrode 33 from coming out of the blind hole 34 as a whole.
[0038] See Figure 5As shown, the blind hole 34 is also provided with an elastic element 37 that can elastically extend and retract along the length direction parallel to the probe 21. One end of the elastic element 37 is used to abut the closed end of the blind hole 34, and the other end of the elastic element 37 is used to abut the second electrode 33. In this embodiment, the elastic element 37 is a compression spring, and the compression spring is arranged coaxially with the blind hole 34.
[0039] In this embodiment, the total volume of the second electrode 33 is V, and when the elastic member 37 is in a free state, the volume of the second electrode 33 extending out of the blind hole 34 is V1, where V1 < 2 / V.
[0040] Specifically, the main body 31 is a cuboid with an opening on one side into which the needle tip holder 1 is inserted. The lower surface of the mounting base 32 and the lower surface of the main body 31 have a vertically spaced interval 35, allowing the needle tip holder 1 to be inserted. A notch 36 is provided on the lower surface of the main body 31 to accommodate the needle tip holder 2, preventing interference during the insertion of the needle tip holder 1. In this embodiment, the length of the notch 36 is parallel to the direction in which the connecting section 12 is inserted into the base 3 and perpendicular to the length of the probe 21.
[0041] There are at least three blind holes 34, and the number of through holes 13 is less than or equal to the number of blind holes 34. The through holes 13 and the corresponding blind holes 34 are used to align along the length direction parallel to the probe 21 when the connecting section 12 is inserted into the base 3. The diameter of the through hole 13 is smaller than the diameter of the opening end of the corresponding blind hole 34, and the three blind holes 34 are arranged in a triangle. Since the diameter of the through hole 13 is smaller than the diameter of the opening end of the blind hole 34, the second electrode 33 extending out of the blind hole 34 can abut against the through hole 13, that is, against the connecting section 12, thereby ensuring stable clamping of the needle tip support 1 and the needle tip seat 2.
[0042] By providing a blind hole 34 in the mounting base 32 for mounting the second electrode 33, one end of the second electrode 33 can elastically extend out of the blind hole 34. The second electrode 33 not only plays the role of signal transmission, but also, by setting the specific position of the mounting base 32, the extended end of the second electrode 33 can be elastically pressed against the connecting section 12 of the needle tip holder 1, thereby achieving stable clamping of the needle tip frame and greatly reducing the vibration of the needle tip frame. The three-point clamping can further improve the stability of the needle tip frame.
[0043] See Figure 2 As shown, the mounting base 32 has a first groove 38 formed by the inward recess of its outer surface. The number of first grooves 38 is the same as the number of blind holes 34, and the first grooves 38 are connected to the outside of the corresponding blind holes 34. This arrangement allows wires in the blind holes 34 to be led out from the side, enabling them to be connected to external devices.
[0044] In this embodiment, a second groove 39 is provided on one side of the main body 31. The number of second grooves 39 is the same as the number of first grooves 38. The second grooves 39 and the corresponding first grooves 38 are aligned one-to-one along the length direction parallel to the probe 21. The second grooves 39 and the notch 36 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the main body 31. In this embodiment, the notch 36 is provided on the lower side of the main body 31, and the second groove 39 is provided on the upper side of the main body 31. The second groove 39 is used to regularly lead out the wires in the blind hole 34, so as to facilitate neat and beautiful wiring.
[0045] See Figure 6 As shown, the above-mentioned needle tip holder is an AFM needle tip holder, with three through holes 13 and three blind holes 34. The through holes 13 and the corresponding blind holes 34 are used to align one by one along the length direction parallel to the probe 21 when the connecting section 12 is inserted into the base 3.
[0046] See Figure 7 As shown, the above-mentioned needle tip holder is an STM needle tip holder. There is only one through hole 13 and three blind holes 34. The through hole 13 and one of the blind holes 34 are used to align the connecting section 12 in the base 3 along the length direction parallel to the probe 21.
[0047] Taking the AFM needle tip holder as an example, the probe 21 is connected to the first electrode in the through hole 13 through the electrode on the needle tip seat 2. After the needle tip support 1 is installed in place, the second electrode 33 extends into the through hole 13 and is connected to the first electrode. The electrical signal output of the probe 21 is realized through the second electrode 33.
[0048] In this embodiment, the connecting section 12 and the mounting base 32 are made of insulating ceramic material, respectively, to provide insulation protection for the first electrode and the second electrode 33.
[0049] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A fixing device for a tip holder in a scanning probe microscope, the tip holder comprising a tip support and a tip seat connected to each other, the tip support comprising a handle section, a connecting section connected to the handle section and having a through hole on its surface, and a first electrode disposed in the through hole, the connecting section being used to connect to the tip seat, the tip seat comprising a probe; characterized in that: The fixing device includes a base for insertion into which the connecting segment is inserted; The base includes a main body with a hollow inner cavity, a mounting seat disposed in the main body, and a blind hole for mounting a second electrode in the mounting seat. One end of the second electrode can elastically extend out of the blind hole. A gap for the insertion of the connecting segment is provided between the side of the mounting seat for the second electrode to extend out and the corresponding side of the main body. A notch for accommodating the needle tip seat is also provided on the side of the main body facing the blind hole. There are at least three blind holes, and the number of through holes is less than or equal to the number of blind holes. The through holes and the corresponding blind holes are used to align along the length direction parallel to the probe when the connecting section is inserted into the base. The diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the opening end of the corresponding blind hole, and the three blind holes are arranged in a triangle.
2. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second electrode is spherical, the diameter of the blind hole is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second electrode, and the diameter of the opening end of the blind hole is less than the diameter of the second electrode.
3. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blind hole is also provided with an elastic element that can elastically stretch and contract along the length direction parallel to the probe. One end of the elastic element is used to abut the closed end of the blind hole, and the other end of the elastic element is used to abut the second electrode.
4. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic element is a compression spring, and the compression spring is arranged coaxially with the blind hole.
5. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: The total volume of the second electrode is V. When the elastic element is in a free state, the volume of the second electrode extending out of the blind hole is V1, where V1 < 2 / V.
6. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting base is provided with a first groove formed by the inward recess of its outer surface. The number of the first grooves is the same as the number of the blind holes, and the first grooves are connected to the outer side of the corresponding blind holes.
7. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: A second groove is provided on one side of the main body. The number of the second groove is the same as the number of the first groove. The second groove and the corresponding first groove are aligned one-to-one along the length direction parallel to the probe. The second groove and the notch are respectively provided on opposite sides of the main body.
8. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle tip holder is an AFM needle tip holder, and there are three through holes and three blind holes. The through holes and blind holes are used to align one by one along the length direction parallel to the probe when the connecting section is inserted into the base.
9. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle tip holder is an STM needle tip holder. There is one through hole and three blind holes. The through hole and one of the blind holes are used to align the connecting section with the probe along its length direction when the connecting section is inserted into the base.
10. The fixing device for the tip holder in a scanning probe microscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting section and the mounting base are both made of insulating ceramic material.