In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is a force sensor
for a probe based instrument. The force sensor can comprise a detection
surface and a flexible mechanical structure disposed a first distance
above the detection surface so as to form a gap between the flexible
mechanical structure and the detection surface wherein the flexible
mechanical structure is configured to deflect upon exposure to an
external force, thereby changing the first distance over a selected
portion of the gap, the change in distance at the selected portion
orienting a probe tip of the force sensor for multi-directional
measurement.