Design of a large measurement-volume metrological atomic force microscope (AFM)

The design of a large measurement-volume metrological atomic force microscope (AFM) is presented. The translation of the sample is accomplished with multiple stages which allow for separate 'coarse' and 'fine' motion. Interferometers and autocollimators are used to measure the position and orientation of the sample. The instrument does not attempt to control position via feedback from the interferometers, thereby allowing use of readily available commercial translation stages and controllers.Peer reviewed: NoNRC publication: Ye