Simultaneous positioning and orientation of single nano-wires using flow control

Abstract

We present a material-property independent method for manipulating both the position and orientation of nanowires (NWs), by feedback control of flows. For example, the NWs need not be electromagnetically polarizable. Control of NWs in a microfluidic device is demonstrated across a 170 μm × 170 μm region with on-demand trapping, translation, and simultaneous rotation of dielectric, semiconducting, and metallic NWs. An average trapping precision of 0.6 μm in position and 5.4° in orientation is achieved for the NWs considered, making it attractive for sensing and directed assembly applications.