Scanning probe microscope

A scanning probe microscope comprising:

• a frame;
• a positioning scanner attached to said frame;
• a scanning probe coupled to said positioning scanner;
• at least three support members engaged with and passing through said frame;
• a cover attached to said frame with a hinge;
• at least one of said support members engaged with a mechanical actuator disposed on said cover;
• and
• said support members rest on a surface to be scanned, said surface being generally in the shape of a plane;
• said mechanical actuator provides a drive in a direction generally orthogonal to said surface to said at least one of said support members so as to control a distance between said scanning probe and said surface.

A scanning probe microscope comprising:

• a frame;
• a positioning scanner attached to said frame;
• a scanning probe coupled to said positioning scanner;
• at least three support members, each having first and second ends, each engaged with and passing through said frame and including magnetic portions at its second end;
• a sample stage fabricated of a material attracted to said magnetic portions, said sample stage disposed in a stage plane below said scanning probe, said sample stage is removably attached to said support members;
• a cover attached to said frame with a hinge;
• at least one of said support members engaged with a mechanical actuator disposed on said cover;
• and
• said mechanical actuator provides a drive in a direction generally orthogonal to said stage plane to said at least one of said support members so as to control a distance between said scanning probe and said sample stage.