Atomic force microscopic measurement of lateral pushing forces during nanomanipulation

Nanomanipulation is a key technique in nanofabrication and in research on interactions among nanoparticles. This study describes a new method for measuring the manipulating force during nanomanipulation. The method was used to measure the lateral forces during the manipulation and cutting of carbon nanotubes. Thus, the method provides direct mechanical measuring results for research on the forces among nanoparticles, substrates, and manipulating tools. The method can be used to study nanodesigns and probe the mechanical properties of new nanomaterials.