Summing the output of an array of optical detector segments in an atomic force microscope

摘要

A high sensitivity beam deflection sensing optical device, such as an atomic force microscope, including one or more of the following: specified means in the path of the incident beam for adjusting the size and/or power of the incident beam spot, means for moving the incident beam spot with movement of the object whereby to maintain the position of the spot on the object, and means for increasing the signal to noise ratio of the optical detector in which adjusted gains are applied to different segments of the optical detector.