A programmable AFM-based nanomanipulation method using vibration-mode operation

A novel method is developed to effectively manipulating nano-entities to predefined positions and orientations autonomously. In this method, the nanomanipulation process is programmed by planning and executing the AFM tip´s movement, and the amplitude of probe-tip´s vibration is measured in real-time to detect the boundary of the nano-entities under manipulation - which will change as a function of the distance between the probe-tip and a nano-entity due to their inter-molecular force interactions. After the start- position and destination are defined by the user interface software, the nanomanipulation process is operated automatically. The result from each manipulation step is detected and used as the information for feedback control on the subsequent operating step. Using this method, CNTs can be manipulated to any position and orientation. Experimental results show that this manipulation method is effective and more efficient (reduce operation time by >50%) than nanomanipulation processes with a human operator in the feedback loop.