Bingqian Xu

US Patent:

20090249522, Oct 1, 2009

Filed:

Mar 30, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/414069

Inventors:

Bingqian Xu - Athens GA, US
Fan Chen - Seattle WA, US

International Classification:

G12B 21/08

US Classification:

850 41

Abstract:

An exemplary, highly integrated, SPM-based system for measuring the conductivity and/or force of substance under programmable engaging/stretching processes is described. A sample bias is applied across two electrodes. A substance to be measured is sandwiched between them. A first electrode is first brought relative to a second electrode (engaging) in programmable pathways that can be described as stretching distance versus time curves. The process of engaging the electrodes continues until a certain current reached, a certain force reached and whichever case happens first. The electrodes are then separated (stretching) in programmable pathways that can be described as stretching distance versus time curves. A periodic modulation can be applied to the engaging/stretching process to realize different stretch pathways. The sample bias across the electrodes is kept constant or swept in a programmable shape over time, described as a voltage-versus time curve. The conductivity, engaging/stretching distance, and/or force are measured simultaneously.