Design and Characterization of a MEMS Probe Scanner for On-chip Atomic Force Microscopy
- University of Texas at Dallas; University of Texas at Dallas
- University of Texas at Dallas
This paper presents the design and characterization of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based probe scanner proposed to function as an on-chip atomic force microscope (AFM). The device comprises an in-plane stage with electrostatic actuators and electrothermal displacement sensors. The stage is able to precisely position an AFM probe over a sample to perform tapping-mode AFM imaging. For implementation, a standard silicon-on-insulator (SOI) microfabrication process is used. In a previously reported design, the embedded AFM probe featured only one piezoelectric transducer for simultaneous actuation and sensing, making its use in imaging problematic. To address this issue, the new design features separate actuation and sensing AlN piezoelectric transducers. An extra electrode is also incorporated on the probe that enables canceling the electrical feedthrough from the actuation to sensing. To accommodate the extra signal routing paths, mechanical design of the probe scanner is modified. Device characterization reveals an in-plane displacement range of 8 µm×7 µm with a bandwidth of up to 2.7 kHz. The frequencydomain behavior of the AFM probe is also studied and feedthrough cancellation is performed at the resonant frequency of 127.35 kHz.
- Research Organization:
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Advanced Manufacturing Office (EE-5A)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0008322
- OSTI ID:
- 1556937
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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