Nanomanipulator based on a high-speed atomic force microscope capable of controlling a cantilever loading force using a magnetic solenoid

In this paper, we describe a real-time manipulation system based on a high-speed atomic force microscope (HS-AFM) in various environments such as air and liquid. Using the system, AFM images of the manipulated surface were periodically updated during manipulation. To manipulate samples, a loading force should be applied to a cantilever. For manipulation in liquid environment, we employed a magnetic coated cantilever to apply a magnetic force capable of working even in liquid condition. The magnetic force was generated by a magnetic solenoid. To demonstrate the system, dot indentation and scratching of polycarbonate surface were performed in air and liquid under monitoring the manipulation scene using the high-speed AFM. The real-time manipulation system is expected to become a powerful tool for various applications such as biological manipulations.