Importance

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Abstract

A scanning probe microscope has a self-detection type probe structure including a cantilever having an electrically conductive probe at a distal end thereof, a supporting part, and a piezoresistance element whose resistance value changes depending on the deflection of the cantilever. A detector applies a predetermined voltage to the piezoresistance element and detects the value of the current passing through the piezoresistance element to detect deflection of the cantilever. A sample table mounts a sample such that a surface of the sample confronts a tip of the probe, and a moving mechanism relatively moves the sample table and the probe tip in X, Y and Z directions. A controller controls the moving mechanism to maintain a fixed distance between the probe tip and the sample surface and measures the surface shape of the sample on the basis of the detection result of the detector. A predetermined voltage is applied between the probe and the sample surface, and a measuring part operates simultaneously with the detector and measures electrical property information caused by the applied voltage.

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First Claim