Scanning probe microscope having graphical information

A scanning probe microscope having a light source emitting light toward a cantilever and an optical detector for detecting light reflected from the cantilever to measure displacement of the cantilever, said optical detector having a light-sensitive portion producing output signals, said scanning probe microscope comprising:

• information-finding means for finding information about a position on said light-sensitive portion hit by the light from the output signals from said light-sensitive portion;
• storage means for storing graphical information about said light-sensitive portion;
• a display means having a viewing screen;
• and
• a control means for displaying a picture of said light-sensitive portion on the viewing screen of said display means according to graphical information stored in said storage means and for superimposing a marker on said picture of said light-sensitive portion according to output from said information-finding means, said marker indicating the position on said light-sensitive portion hit by the light.