Nanomanipulator and actuator fabrication on glass capillary by focused-ion-beam-chemical vapor deposition

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures on a glass capillary have a number of useful applications such as manipulators, actuators, and sensors in the various microstructures. We observed a phenomenon that two diamondlike-carbon pillars on a tip of glass capillary fabricated by 30 keV Ga+ focused-ion-beam-chemical vapor deposition (FIB-CVD) with a precursor of phenanthrene vapor was able to work as a manipulator during FIB irradiation. It became clear that it was caused by electronic charge repulsion between two pillars, which accumulated electric charge by FIB irradiation. By applying this moving mechanism, we have developed a 3D nanomanipulator and actuator on a tip of glass capillary by FIB-CVD. Furthermore, in situ observations of movement for a 3D nanomanipulator and actuator have been demonstrated by applying voltage onto a Au-coated glass capillary.