Talk:Scanning probe microscopy

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I think that NSOM falls under optical microscopy, not scanning probe. I believe it is the most powerful optical technique known, but it is truly optical. Srnec 21:32, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

I would also argue that SEM (and FESEM) are also scanning probe microscopies. The probe being the electron beam. Lateralis 10:26, 18 July 2007 (UTC)

NSOM might fall under either category, but it is more likely to be scanning probe. Although it uses light, it does not uses lenses, as proper optical microscope should. Image is gathered one point at time. SEM is scanning, but not scanning probe microscope (although also depends on definition). Probe seems to be implied to be hard, material piece. -Yyy 14:00, 21 September 2007 (UTC)