Electron-beam lithography of nanostructures at the tips of scanning probe cantilevers

We developed a process to fabricate nanoscale metallic gate electrodes on scanning probe cantilevers, including on the irregular surface of protruding cantilever tips. The process includes a floating-layer technique to coat the cantilevers in an electron-beam resist. We demonstrate gate definition t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: L. Forrer, A. Kamber, A. Knoll, M. Poggio, F. R. Braakman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIP Publishing LLC 2023-03-01
Series:AIP Advances
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0127665
Description
Summary:We developed a process to fabricate nanoscale metallic gate electrodes on scanning probe cantilevers, including on the irregular surface of protruding cantilever tips. The process includes a floating-layer technique to coat the cantilevers in an electron-beam resist. We demonstrate gate definition through a lift-off process and through an etching process. The cantilevers maintain a high force sensitivity after undergoing the patterning process. Our method allows the patterning of nanoscale devices on fragile scanning probes, extending their functionality as sensors.
ISSN:2158-3226