Effect of AFM Cantilever Geometry on the DPL Nanomachining Process

With the development of micro and nanotechnology, machining methods at micro and nanoscale have now become interesting research topics. One of the recently-proposed methods for sub-micron machining, especially nanomachining, is dynamic plowing lithography (DPL) method. In this method an oscillating tip is used for machining soft materials such as polymers. The geometry of the oscillating beam and its vibrational properties are the most important parameters in this nanomachining process. In this study, effects of the AFM beam geometry on its stiffness coefficient, resonant frequency, beam stability, and the maximum stress created in the beam structure were investigated for 12 different general shapes using the finite element method. The obtained results indicate that circular and square membranes are the most favourable AFM cantilever geometries because these structures provide higher machining force and speed; while for noisy conditions and environments, straight and V-shaped beams are recommended (because of their higher stability factor) for the DPL nanomachining process.