Scanning Probe Microscope Probes With Insulated Handles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scanning probe microscopy probes are often incompatible with certain environments and difficult to manipulate, limiting their measurement capabilities and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of scanning probe microscopy probes with a handle that is long enough to connect to distant locations, thin enough to pass through seals, and coated with an insulating layer to prevent leakage, allowing for easier manipulation and electrical connections in challenging environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle is made longer to connect to distant locations, then ease of manipulation and electrical connection capability improve, but the probe becomes more difficult to pass through seals and confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manipulationVSAvoidhandle length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into distinct functional segments: a long handle for manipulation and electrical connection, a chip containing the mechanical resonator, and a tip for measurement. This segmentation allows the handle to be optimized for ease of operation while the chip-tip assembly remains compact for passing through seals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the handle is made thinner to pass through seals, then ability to access confined environments improves, but structural strength and electrical connection capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle thicknessVSAvoidhandle strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is constructed as a composite structure combining an insulating substrate with conductive traces embedded within or attached to it. This composite design provides both mechanical strength for handling and electrical conductivity for connections, while maintaining a thin profile to pass through seals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If an insulating coating is added to prevent electrical leakage, then electrical isolation and measurement accuracy improve, but manufacturing complexity and process steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidcoating process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating coating serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical isolation to prevent leakage, protects the conductive traces from environmental damage, and acts as a structural layer in the handle assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the probe structure is optimized for ease of manipulation, then handling and installation become easier, but compatibility with certain measurement environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manipulationVSAvoidenvironmental compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the probe have different properties optimized for their specific functions: the handle has insulating properties and structural strength for manipulation, while the tip and mechanical resonator region have properties optimized for sensitive measurements in various environments. This local optimization allows both ease of handling and environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11499990B2Atomic force microscope probes and methods of manufacturing probes

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 NANOSURF

AI summary

Articles and methods related to scanning probe microscopy probes are generally provided. A scanning probe microscopy probe may comprise a chip, a mechanical resonator attached to the chip, a tip attached to the mechanical resonator, and a handle attached to the chip. The handle may have a length of at least 5 mm and an average thickness of less than or equal to 500 microns. The probe may further comprise an insulating coating covering both the chip and the handle.