METHOD OF INVESTIGATING A SAMPLE SURFACE BY SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY WHICH ADJUSTS PROBE MISALIGNMENTS

摘要

A method of investigating a sample surface. A probe is brought into close proximity with a first sample and scanned across the first sample. A response of the probe to its interaction with the sample is monitored using a detection system and a first data set is collected indicative of said response. The probe and/or sample is tilted through a tilt angle. The probe is scanned across the first sample or across a second sample after the tilting step, and a response of the probe to its interaction with the scanned sample is monitored using a detection system and a second data set is collected indicative of said response. The method includes the additional step of analysing the first data set prior to tilting the probe and/or sample in order to determine the tilt angle.