Scanning Probe Microscope Focus Control via Stored Position Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning probe microscopes require a wide range of movement and slow speed to focus the optical microscope on an observation target, increasing the time needed for focusing.
Innovation Solution
A scanning probe microscope with a control device that moves the optical microscope from an initial position to a focused position while confirming focus, stores relative position information, and uses this information to quickly re-focus on new targets, employing pulse motors to precisely control movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical microscope is moved over a wide range to focus on the observation target, then the focus can be achieved, but the focusing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores the relationship between the position of the observation target and the focused position of the optical microscope in advance. When focusing is needed, the system retrieves this pre-stored positional relationship information and uses it to directly position the optical microscope, eliminating the need to move through a wide range to find the focus point, thus significantly reducing focusing time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error focusing method (moving the optical microscope physically to find focus) with an information-based positioning method. By storing and retrieving positional relationship data, the system substitutes physical exploration with computational recall, achieving instant positioning without mechanical searching
2Loss of time
If the optical microscope is moved at high speed, then the focusing time is reduced, but the ability to confirm focus is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs focus confirmation in advance during the initial focusing process and stores the validated positional relationship. This pre-confirmation ensures reliability before high-speed operation, allowing subsequent rapid repositioning without compromising focus accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a positional relationship map (a copy of the focus information) that can be rapidly retrieved and applied multiple times. This copied information allows the system to quickly reposition the optical microscope without repeating the full focus confirmation process, maintaining reliability through the stored validated data
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required to focus the optical microscope by eliminating the need for continuous focus confirmation during movement, allowing for faster adjustment and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the change in the reflected light of laser irradiated on the back surface of the cantilever
Implementation Method 2
an optical microscope configured to be positioned at a location capable of acquiring an enlarged image of an observation target
Implementation Method 3
the change in the reflected light of laser irradiated on the back surface of the cantilever is detected by a photodetector by converting the change in the reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A control device is configured to perform control to move the optical microscope from an initial position to a position at which the optical microscope is focused on the observation target while confirming the focus, store information capable of identifying a relative position between the optical microscope and the observation target in a focused state (S3), move the optical microscope to the relative position based on the stored information and then move the optical microscope to a position at which the optical microscope is focused on the observation target while confirming the focus.