Title:Review on AFM Tip-Based Mechanical Nanomachining: The Influence of the Input Machining Parameters on the Outcomes
VOLUME: 12 ISSUE: 6
Author(s):Yongda Yan, Yang He, Yanquan Geng, Zhenjiang Hu and Hao Li
Affiliation:Key Laboratory of Microsystems and Micro-structures Manufacturing of Ministry of Education, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China.
Keywords:Atomic Force Microscope, machining parameters, machining response, Tip-based nanomechanical machining.
Abstract:Background: Nowadays, atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip-based
nanofabrication technique has been determined as an effective material removing
tool for fabricating various nanostructures due to its low cost, easy operation,
nanoscale accuracy and requirement of atmospheric experimental environment.
Methods: We conducted a structured search of AFM tip-based machining databases
for peer-reviewed research literature using a focused classification criterion.
The advantages and deficiencies of the screened papers are analyzed in detail.
Results: Fifty-one papers were included in this review and they were mainly divided
into five parts. Thirteen papers outlined the influence of the normal load on
the machined depth and both experimental and theoretical methods to obtain the
relationship between the normal load and the machined depth are discussed based on these papers.
Seven papers presented the effect of the scratching velocity on the machining results and the authors
found the scratching velocity have a large influence on the tip wear and the shape accuracy of the
machined nanostructures. The effects of the tip geometrical shape and the scratching direction are
described in five papers to demonstrate the importance of the selection of the scratching direction.
Ten papers defined the influences of the sample and probe materials on the machining outcomes.
They estimated the nanoscale machinability of the sample materials by using AFM-based scratching
method and the tip wear after machining. Moreover, some applications of AFM-based mechanical
nanomachining method were outlined in six papers.
Conclusion: Following an overview of the feasibility and effectiveness of using mechanical scratching
with various machining parameters, specific directions for future research in AFM tip-based mechanical
scratching method is presented.
