J-065
Controlled Manipulation of Molecular Samples with the nanoManipulator
Authors: M. Guthold, M. R. Falvo, W. G. Matthews, S. Paulson, S. Washburn, D.
Erie, R. Superfine, F. P. Brooks, Jr., and R. M. Taylor II
Affiliation: Department of Computer Science, Department of Physics, Department of
Chemistry; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Abstract
The nanoManipulator system adds a virtual-reality interface to an atomic-force microscope
(AFM), thus providing a tool that can be used not only to image but also to manipulate
nanometer-sized molecular structures. As the AFM tip scans the surface of these structures,
the tip-sample interaction forces are monitored which in turn can yield information
about the frictional, mechanical and topological properties of the sample. Computer
graphics is used to reconstruct the surface for the user, with color or contours
overlaid to indicate additional data sets. Moreover, by means of a force-feedback
pen, which is connected to the scanning tip via software, the user can touch the
surface under investigation to feel it and to manipulate objects on it. This system
has been used to investigate carbon nanotubes, DNA, adeno- and tobacco-mosaic virus.
Nanotubes have been bent, translated and rotated to understand their mechanical properties
and to investigate friction on the molecular level. Using AFM lithography in combination
with the nanoManipulator, the electro-mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes are
being investigated. The rupture force of DNA has been measured and the elastic moduli
of viruses are being studied. It will be discussed how some of the graphics and
interface features of the nanoManipulator made these novel investigations possible.
Investigators are invited to apply to use the system as described on the web at http://www.cs.unc.edu/Research/nano/doc/biovisit.html.
Martin Guthold, Ph. D.
Computer Science Department
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Phillips Hall, CB# 3255
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3255
Phone: (919) 962-3526
Fax: (919) 962-0480
guthold@cs.unc.edu