US Patent 7862733 Method for manufacturing a probe

The present invention provides a probe manufacturing method in which, after a metal material for a probe is deposited on a base table, the probe can be detached from the base table relatively easily. A sacrificial layer is formed on a base table. The sacrificial layer is partially removed so as to form a recess in the sacrificial layer. A mask that exposes an area formed in a desired probe flat surface shape containing the recess is formed on the sacrificial layer. A probe material exhibiting different etching resistance characteristics from those of the sacrificial layer is deposited in the area exposed from the mask. By the deposition of the material, a coupling portion corresponding to the recess and a probe that is integral with the coupling portion are formed. After the mask is removed, the sacrificial layer is removed with use of etchant. Thereafter, the probe held on the base table at the coupling portion is detached from the base table together with the coupling portion.