A non-resonant microwave imaging microscope and associated probe. The probe
includes a sensor unit with two fixed electrodes, preferably a large outer
electrode surrounding a small inner electrode which are approximately
co-planar, thereby protecting the small inner electrode from an uneven
topography. The outer electrode may be deposited on a conically shaped
dielectric disk having a bore through which the inner electrode is placed.
Non-resonant circuitry couples the inner electrode to the probe signal
variably selected in the range of 10 MHz-50 GHz and to an amplifier whose
output is coupled to a signal processor detector in-phase and out-of-phase
components of the current or voltage across the two electrodes. A
mechanical positioner moves the probe vertically towards the sample and
scans it across the sample.
