Manipulations of atoms and molecules by scanning probe microscopy.
Scanning probe microscopy (SPM), including scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), has become a powerful tool in building nanoscale structures required by modern industry. In this article, the use of SPM for the manipulation of atoms and molecules for patterning nanostructures for opt-electronic and biomedical applications is reviewed. The principles and procedures of manipulation using STM and AFM-based technologies are presented with an emphasis on their ability to create a wide variety of nanostructures for different applications. The interaction among the atoms/molecules, surface, and tip are discussed. The approaches for positioning the atom/molecule from and to the desired locations and for precisely controlling its movement are elaborated for each specific manipulation technique. As an AFM-based technique, the dip-pen nanolithography is also included. Finally, concluding remarks on technological improvement and future research is provided.
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-6106, USA.
Ampere A
AA
Tseng
Zhuang
Z
Li
D008422:Materials Testing; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods; D020527:Microscopy, Scanning Probe / Q000379:methods*; D016252:Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D012984:Software; D013499:Surface Properties