Nanomanipulation Experiments Exploring Frictional and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

In many cases in experimental science, the instrument interface becomes a limiting factor in the efficacy of carrying out unusual experiments or prevents the complete understanding of the acquired data. We have developed an advanced interface for scanning probe microscopy (SPM) that allows intuitive rendering of data sets and natural instrument control, all in real time. The interface, called the nanoManipulator, combines a high-performance graphics engine for real-time data rendering with a haptic interface that places the human operator directly into the feedback loop that controls surface manipulations. Using a hand-held stylus, the operator moves the stylus laterally, directing the movement of the SPM tip across the sample. The haptic interface enables the user to “feel” the surface by forcing the stylus to move up and down in response to the surface topography. In this way the user understands the immediate location of the tip on the sample and can quickly and precisely maneuver nanometer-scale objects. We have applied this interface to studies of the mechanical properties of nanotubes and to substrate-nanotube interactions. The mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes have been demonstrated to be extraordinary. They have an elastic modulus rivaling that of the stiffest material known, diamond, while maintaining a remarkable resistance to fracture. We have used atomic-force microscopy (AFM) to manipulate the nanotubes through a series of configuration that reveal buckling behavior and high-strain resilience. Nanotubes also serve as test objects for nanometer-scale contact mechanics. We have found that nanotubes will roll under certain conditions. This has been determined through changes in the images and through the acquisition of lateral force during manipulation. The lateral force data show periodic stick-slip behavior with a periodicity matching the perimeter of the nanotube.

Atomic force microscope manipulation of multiwalled and single walled carbon nanotubes with reflux and ultrasonic treatments

“…While studying the manipulation at nanoscale, sliding friction and tribological behavior play an eminent role (Carpick and Salmeron 1997;Meyer 2002;Persson 2000). Some pioneer work on manipulation of CNTs (Falvo et al 1998Hertel et al 1998) by using a force stylus to feel the CNTs on a surface is available in the literature. Evidences are available for the possibility of cutting of bamboo shaped CNTs (Jang et al 2005) with tip force application.…”

One-, two-, and three-dimensional organization of colloidal particles using nonuniform alternating current electric fields

“…Methods such as colloidal crystallization [10][11][12][13] and template-directed synthesis [14][15][16] have been proposed for achieving particle organization. Additionally, atomic [17][18][19] and scanning force [20,21] microscopy, nanotube nanotweezers [22], and optical tweezers [23][24][25][26] have been used for the manipulation of a small number of individual particles. However, the organization of colloidal particles into ordered assemblies of one, two, or three dimensions, devoid of structural defects, that extend over length scales much larger than the particle size still remains a big challenge.…”

A Review of Haptic Feedback Teleoperation Systems for Micromanipulation and Microassembly

“…The manipulation is semi-teleoperated: the operator controls the overall operation, but some tasks are performed automatically [52], [53]. Users can thus concentrate on the main task, while the technical gestures are performed automatically.…”