Precision stylus control system

A system comprising:

• a probe arm comprising a probe tip, wherein the probe tip is configured to contact a surface of a sample;
• a control arm connected to the probe arm, wherein the control arm includes an internal magnet;
• one or more torque coils disposed on opposite sides of the internal magnet of the control arm, wherein the one or more torque coils are configured to cause rotation of the control arm about a pivot joint based on interaction with the internal magnet;
• a sensing subsystem configured to measure a rotational position of the control arm;
• and
• a processor in electronic communication with the one or more torque coils and the sensing subsystem, wherein the processor is configured to:
• energize at least one of the one or more torque coils with a force signal to generate a magnetic force between the one or more torque coils and the internal magnet, which causes the control arm to rotate about the pivot joint, thereby causing the probe arm connected to the control arm to rotate about the pivot joint and causing the probe tip to contact the surface of the sample;
• energize the sensing subsystem with an excitation signal;
• and
• receive a sensing signal difference from the sensing subsystem that is proportional to the rotational position of the control arm, which corresponds to a height of the probe tip relative to the surface of the sample, wherein the sensing signal difference is a voltage difference or a current difference.