How do SPM and STM achieve nanoscale probing without contact?

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philip041
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How on Earth do 'they' get a probe that close to a sample in SPM without it touching (in STM) or at just the right controlled amount?
 
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You use very good feedback electronics (a PLL).
This is combination with piezoelectric stacks that allow for very precise position control is the whole "secret", it is actually remarkably simple.