Microfabricated tools for pick-and-place of nanoscale components

Abstract

We present a high-aspect ratio three-beam electro-thermally actuated gripper made from single-crystalline, highly doped silicon, and compare the performance to a five-electrode electrostatic gripper in terms of actuation and manipulation capabilities. The electrothermal gripper can be configured in a number of different ways, which leads to a high degree of adaptability to various manipulation scenarios. Finally, we consider different options for customising the gripper microcantilevers by add-on nanotips.