Liquid Bell Probe Holder for Scanning Microscope Surface Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning probe microscopes face challenges in efficiently operating with liquid specimens due to high surface tension forces that cause irreversible deformation of cantilevers, making repeated use and analysis in different chambers difficult.
Innovation Solution
A measuring probe device with a measuring probe holder and chamber designed to reduce physical loads by forming a liquid bell around the probe, using a sleeve structure and flexible materials to minimize surface forces, and a multi-chamber measuring cell with partitions of varying heights to facilitate gentle insertion and withdrawal, allowing for increased probe life and specimen throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the measuring probe is used in liquid specimens, then specimen analysis capability is improved, but the high surface tension forces cause irreversible deformation of the cantilever, reducing probe service life
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate chambers (first chamber for probe storage, second chamber for specimen analysis) connected by a transfer aperture. This segmentation allows the probe to be isolated from liquid specimens during storage while enabling liquid analysis during measurement, thus preventing surface tension damage while maintaining specimen analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid bridge is introduced as an intermediary mechanism during probe transfer between chambers. The liquid bridge forms temporarily during transfer and is controlled to minimize surface tension effects on the probe, allowing the probe to move between chambers without suffering irreversible deformation from high surface tension forces
2Productivity
If the measuring probe is repeatedly inserted and withdrawn from liquid specimens, then specimen throughput is improved, but mechanical loading from surface tension causes probe deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring cell is divided into multiple chambers separated by partitions with apertures. The probe can be transferred through liquid-filled apertures between chambers with minimal insertion/withdrawal cycles, as each chamber can be independently filled and the probe moves through controlled liquid interfaces rather than repeatedly entering/exiting large liquid volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structures with apertures act as flexible barriers that can be filled with liquid to create controlled liquid bridges. These thin film-like partitions allow the probe to pass through with minimal mechanical loading, as the liquid interface is confined and controlled rather than exposing the probe to bulk liquid surface tension forces
3Strength
If the measuring probe is coated with adhesion-promoting material, then binding capability is improved, but surface tension effects during liquid transfer are intensified
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is selectively coated with adhesion-promoting material only in the region that contacts the specimen, while the shaft region remains uncoated or has different surface properties. This localized coating maintains binding capability where needed while reducing surface tension effects during liquid transfer along the probe shaft
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces mechanical loading on the measuring probe, extends its service life, and enables efficient specimen characterization by minimizing surface tension effects, allowing for repeated use and automation in different chambers.
Implementation Method 1
high surface tension forces that cause irreversible deformation of cantilevers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring probe device for a probe microscope, in particular a scanning probe microscope, with a measuring probe holder and a measuring probe arranged on the measuring probe holder, which is set up for a probe microscopic investigation of a sample, wherein on the measuring probe holder, a measuring probe chamber is formed, which receives the measuring probe at least partially and is open on a side away from the measuring probe holder, and is configured to receive a liquid surrounding the measuring probe. The invention also relates to a measuring cell for receiving a liquid sample for a probe microscope, a scanning probe microscope with a measuring probe device and a scanning probe microscope with a measuring cell.