Modeling and analyzing nano-rod pushing with an AFM

In developing nano-devices and nano-structures, traditional methodologies on MEMS meet the difficulty from the scale restriction. With the strategy of objects assembly, using AFM to handle nano-rods and other nano-objects is considered as an important and high potential technology in constructing nano-structures. However most of AFM only has one tip as the end effector and cannot control both translational and rotational motions during manipulation, this makes it be difficult to realize posture controllable manipulation especially in nano environment. In this paper, the behavior of nano-rod under pushing is theoretically analyzed and modeled. Viscous friction is incorporated in the model and the two situations that the pivot of the nanorod is either inside or outside the rod are addressed. By modeling, the pivot can be determined at each manipulation in real time, and the pushing points can be planned to realize posture controllable manipulation by using nano-hand strategy which is inspired by stable pushing theory of object manipulation in macro world, and to improve the reliability and the precision of manipulation.