Sample container mounting member and sample container sealing method

A method comprising:

• providing a scanning probe microscope having a stage, a tubular sample container having a bottom and a sample disposed therein, a holding member holding a cantilever, and a sample container mounting member comprising an elastic annular main body and a protrusion;
• a mounting step of mounting the mounting member such that the mounting member is elastically deformed along an outer circumferential surface of the sample container and inserting the holding member into the sample container such that the cantilever is brought close to the sample disposed in the sample container;
• and
• a sealing step of, while the mounting member is elastically deformed along the outer circumferential surface of the sample container, detaching a one end of the mounting member having the protrusion from the outer circumferential surface of the sample container while the holding member is inserted into the sample container, and sealing the sample container by bringing the one end of the mounting member into close contact with an outer circumferential surface of the holding member such that the protrusion mechanically contacts the outer circumferential surface of the holding member;
• and
• a scanning step of acquiring a surface image of the sample by scanning the cantilever along a surface of the sample in a state where the holding member is inserted into the sample container.