Multifunctional Scanning Probe Microscope with Dual Measuring Heads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Multifunctional near-field microscopes face challenges in quickly switching between different working regimes due to complex adjustment requirements, making them difficult to use and increasing the risk of operator error.

Innovation Solution

The microscope features first and second guides on a plate with movable measuring heads, allowing for rapid regime changes without reconfiguring the device, along with additional components like laser modules, reception modules, and precision clamps for enhanced functionality and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the microscope uses a single fixed measuring head configuration, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot switch between different measurement regimes quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement regime switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microscope is divided into multiple independent measuring heads (first measuring head for tunnel regime, second measuring head for atomic force regime), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different measurement regimes by selecting which measuring head to use, rather than requiring complete reconfiguration of a single fixed system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microscope system is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple measurement types (tunnel regime and atomic force regime) through the use of multiple measuring heads that can be selectively positioned. The system can adapt to different measurement needs by activating the appropriate measuring head, making the device versatile without requiring complete redesign for each regime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the microscope requires complicated adjustment to change working regimes, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregime switching easeVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each measuring head is pre-configured and calibrated for its specific measurement regime before use. The first measuring head is prepared for tunnel regime measurements and the second for atomic force regime measurements. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complicated adjustments when switching regimes, as each head is already optimized for its intended function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the measuring heads to be moved between different positions (first position for tunnel regime, second position for atomic force regime) as needed. This dynamic repositioning enables quick regime switching while maintaining measurement precision, as each head can be accurately positioned for its specific measurement type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the microscope allows frequent rework of adjustment by operator, then adaptability improves, but reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement regime flexibilityVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each measuring head is pre-calibrated and pre-configured for its specific measurement regime, eliminating the need for frequent operator adjustments. The first measuring head is prepared for tunnel regime and the second for atomic force regime, so switching between regimes simply requires positioning the appropriate pre-configured head, not re-adjusting parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed so that each measuring head is self-contained and self-sufficient for its specific measurement regime. The heads contain their own configuration and calibration, so they can be switched between positions without requiring operator intervention for adjustment, thereby maintaining reliability while providing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Speed

If the microscope uses movable measuring heads on guides, then regime switching speed improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregime switching speedVSAvoidguide structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses separate guides (first guide for first measuring head, second guide for second measuring head) that allow independent movement of each measuring head. This segmentation of the positioning system enables quick switching between regimes by moving only the required head along its dedicated guide, rather than reconfiguring an entire complex positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guides act as intermediary structures that facilitate the movement between measuring heads. By providing dedicated guides for each head, the system enables smooth transitions between measurement regimes without requiring complex direct coupling or complete system reconfiguration, thus improving switching speed while managing complexity through modular guide design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables quick and efficient switching between measurement regimes, reducing the need for complex adjustments and minimizing operator error, thereby increasing the robustness and usability of the device.

Implementation Method 1

a laser module, first two-coordinate guides oriented towards the sample and fixed to the laser module, a laser disposed movably on the first two-coordinate guides and able to have an optical coupling with the measurement zone of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a reception module, second bicoordinate guides oriented towards the sample and fixed to the reception module, a photoelectric receiver disposed movably on the second bicoordinate guides and able to have optical coupling with the measurement zone of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2219036B1Multifunctional Scanning Probe Microscope
Publication Date: 2014.03.12 MDT SERVICE & LOGISTICS
  • EP2219036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2219036B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2219036B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a multifunctional near-field microscope comprising: - a base (1), - a preliminary approach block (3) movable on the base (1), - a piezo scanner (4) disposed on the preliminary approach block (3), - a specimen holder (5) disposed on the piezo scanner (4), - a sample (6) comprising a measurement zone (M) and fixed on the piezo scanner (4) using the specimen holder (5), - a platform (9) fixed on the base (1) opposite the sample (6), - an analyzer disposed on the platform (9) and comprising a first measuring head (13) oriented towards the sample (6) and adapted to probe the measurement zone (M) of the sample (6).According to the invention, it comprises a first (10) and a second (11) guides fixed on the platform (9), the analyzer comprises a second measuring head (16) oriented towards the sample (6) and adapted to probe the measurement area (M) of the sample (6), and the first (13) and second (16) measuring heads are movable respectively on the first (10) and second (11) guides.