A nanofactory by focused ion beam

Abstract

A focused ion beam (FIB) system is process equipment used to make a wide variety of small structures of various materials by irradiating a focused gallium ion beam of nanometer-order diameter to a surface of specimens and by utilizing spattering etching and ion beam induced deposition. In order to realize greater diversity of structures with use of the FIB system, we developed a technology of making three-dimensional structures by using gas assist etching, and a precision wheel stage to be used in the focused ion beam (FIB) system. Using these technologies with the FIB system, we achieved a nano processing machine which can be called a nano milling machine or a nano lathe.