Process for fabricating a feeler member for a micromechanical probe, in particular for an atomic force microscope

摘要

A process for fabricating a feeler member for a micromechanical probe, in particular for an atomic force microscope, consists in creating a "positive" first mold by isotropically or anisotropically undercutting a silicon substrate. The resulting tip is precursor of the hard material (preferably diamond) tip to be obtained. The precursor has a small angle at the apex, for example in the order of 10 DEG to 20 DEG , or less. The positive mold is then used to fabricate a "negative" mold having an imprint whose shape is that of the tip precursor. The negative mold is filled with a layer of hard material and the tip is then uncovered. The hard material tip therefore also has a small angle at the apex, equal to that of the precursor. The resolution that can be achieved with the probe is therefore higher than that assured by prior art probes.