Nanomanipulation and Nanomanufacturing based on Ion Trapping and Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM)

Development of a versatile nanomanipulation tool is an overarching theme in nanotechnology. Such a tool will likely revolutionize the field given that it will enable fabrication and operation of a wealth of interesting nanodevices. This study seeks funding to create a novel nanomanipulation system with the ultimate goal of using this system for nanomanufacturing at the molecular level. The proposed design differs from existing approaches. It is based on a nanoscale ion trap integrated to a scanning prove microscope (SPM) tip. In this design, molecules to be assembled will be ionized and collected in the nanoscale ion trap all in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) environment. Once filled with the molecular ions, the nanoscale ion trap-SPM tip will be moved on a substrate surface using scanning probe microscopy techniques. The molecular ions will be placed at their precise locations on the surface. By virtue of the SPM, the devices that are being nanomanufactured will be imaged in real time as the molecular assembly process is carried out. In the later stages, automation of arrays of these nanomanipulators will be developed.