We describe a nanometer-scale manipulation and cutting method using ultrasonic oscillation scratching. The system is based on a modified atomic force microscope (AFM) coupled with a haptic device as a human interface. By handling the haptic device, the operator can directly move the AFM probe to manipulate nanometer scale objects and cut a surface while feeling the reaction from the surface in his or her fingers. As for manipulation using the system, nanometer-scale spheres were controllably moved by feeling the sensation of the AFM probe touching the spheres. As for cutting performance, the samples were prepared on an AT-cut quartz crystal resonator (QCR) set on an AFM sample holder. The QCR oscillates at its resonance frequency (9 MHz) with an amplitude of a few nanometers. Thus it is possible to cut the sample surface smoothly by the interaction between the AFM probe and the oscillating surface, even when the samples are viscoelastics such as polymers and biological samples. The ultrasonic nano-manipulation and cutting system would be a very useful and effective tool in the fields of nanometer-scale engineering and biological sciences.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.