Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Based Nanoknives

Published

November 5, 2006

Author(s)

Gurpreet Singh, Paul Rice, Richard J. McIntosh, Roop L. Mahajan

Abstract

A prototype microtome knife for cutting 100 nm thick slices of frozen-hydrated biological samples has been constructed using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). A piezoelectric-based 3-D manipulator was used inside a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to select and position individual MWCNTs, which were subsequently welded in place using electron beam-induced deposition (EBID). The device employs a pair of tungsten needles with provision to adjust the distance between the needle tips, accommodating various lengths of MWCNTs. We have performed experiments to test the breaking strength of the MWCNT in the completed device using an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip. An increasing force was applied at the midpoint of the nanotube till the point of failure, which was observed in-situ in the SEM. The initial force/deflection data appear promising, and efforts are underway to characterize and improve the strength of the device by conducting more such tests and modifying the welding process.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of IMECE 2006

Conference Dates

November 5-10, 2006

Conference Location

Chicago, IL, US

Conference Title

2006 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition

Pub Type

Conferences

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DOI Link

Keywords

nanoknife, carbon nanotubes, EBID welding, frozen-hydrated biological samples, TEM sample preparation, diamond knife, microtome

Citation

Singh, G. , Rice, P. , McIntosh, R. and Mahajan, R. (2006), Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Based Nanoknives, Proceedings of IMECE 2006, Chicago, IL, US, [online], https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2006-14659 (Accessed October 15, 2025)