A microscope device includes a probe having a dielectric material with a
first side and a second side. First and second electrodes are disposed on
the first side of the dielectric material. A nanotube connects the first
and second electrodes. A gate electrode is disposed on the second side
(e.g., backside) of the dielectric material. The device includes a stage
adapted for holding a sample. The stage and probe are moveable with
respect to one another such that the sample can be brought in close
proximity to the nanotube. The device further includes current
measurement circuitry for measuring current (e.g., Random Telegraph
Signals) passing through the nanotube. The microscope device is able to
identify and characterize single defects on the molecular or atomic
scale. The probe device may be combined with spin resonance and/or
optical systems such that the detection/mapping/manipulate of single spin
and single photon could be achieved.