A scanning probe microscope has a self-detection type probe structure
including a cantilever having an electrically conductive probe at a
distal end thereof, a supporting part, and a piezoresistance element
whose resistance value changes depending on the deflection of the
cantilever. A detector applies a predetermined voltage to the
piezoresistance element and detects the value of the current passing
through the piezoresistance element to detect deflection of the
cantilever. A sample table mounts a sample such that a surface of the
sample confronts a tip of the probe, and a moving mechanism relatively
moves the sample table and the probe tip in X, Y and Z directions. A
controller controls the moving mechanism to maintain a fixed distance
between the probe tip and the sample surface and measures the surface
shape of the sample on the basis of the detection result of the detector.
A predetermined voltage is applied between the probe and the sample
surface, and a measuring part operates simultaneously with the detector
and measures electrical property information caused by the applied
voltage.