Acoustic scanning probe microscopy: an overview

In this chapter, which serves as an introduction to the entire book, an overview is given of techniques resulting from the synergy between ultrasonic methods and scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Although other acoustic SPMs have been developed, those reviewed in this book are either the earliest proposed techniques, which are most widespread, extensively used, and continuously improved, or have been recently developed, but have been proved to be extremely promising. The techniques are briefly introduced, emphasizing what they have in common, their differences, their capabilities, and limitations.