Scanning probe microscope (SPM) with a conducting tip was used to electrically probe silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) embedded in a SiO2 layer. The Si NCs were generated by the laser ablation method with compressed Si powder followed by a sharpening oxidation. The size of Si NCs is in the range of 10-50 nm, and the density is around 10(11)/cm(2). Using a conducting tip, the charge was injected directly into each Si NC, and the image contrast change and dC/dV curve shift caused by the trapped charges were monitored. The results were compared with those of the conventional MOS capacitor.