Abstract: A device comprising at least one cantilever comprising at least two tips is described, where the tips have substantially the same tip heights. Methods for making and using such a device are also provided. The height of one tip off of the surface can be more easily determined when the two tips have equal height.

Abstract: Inkwells adapted for use in direct-write nanolithography and other applications including use of wells, channels, and posts. The wells can possess a geometry which matches the geometry of tips which are dipped into the inkwells. The channels can be open or closed. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be used to control ink flow. SEM can be used to characterize the inkwells. Ink flow can be monitored with video. Hydrophobic material layers can be used to prevent cross contamination. Microsyringes can be used to fill reservoirs. Satellite reservoirs can be used to prevent bubble formation.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising at least one cantilever comprising at least one tip and at least one heating element. Methods for making and using such a device are also provided.

Abstract: A device comprising at least one cantilever comprising at least one piezoresistor is described, where the cantilevers comprise silicon nitride or silicon carbide and the piezoresistors comprise doped silicon. Methods for making and using such a device are also provided.

Abstract: Devices for performing nanofabrication are provided which provide small volume reaction space and high reaction versatility. A device may include a reaction chamber adapted for nanoscale modification of a substrate and vacuum conditions; a scanning probe tip assembly enclosed within the reaction chamber; a first port coupled to the reaction chamber for delivering a gas; a second port coupled to the reaction chamber for applying a vacuum; and a substrate assembly insertedly mounted to the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber may include a body having one or more flexible walls and one or more supports to prevent the reaction chamber from collapsing under a vacuum. The device may further include an electrical conduit for coupling the tips of the scanning probe tip assembly to electrical components outside the reaction chamber. Also provided are apparatuses incorporating the devices and methods of using the devices and apparatuses.

Abstract: A dual tip probe for scanning probe epitaxy is disclosed. The dual tip probe includes first and second tips disposed on a cantilever arm. The first and second tips can be a reader tip and a synthesis tip, respectively. The dual tip probe further includes a rib disposed on the cantilever arm between the first and second tips. The dual tip probe can also include a strain gauge disposed along the length of the cantilever arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in fabricating structures and depositing materials from tips to surfaces for patterning in direct-write mode, providing ability to travel macroscopic distances and yet provide for nanoscale patterning. Useful in small scale fabrication and nanolithography. The instrument can be compact and used on a laboratory bench or desktop. An apparatus comprising: at least one multi-axis assembly comprising a plurality of nanopositioning stages, at least one pen assembly, wherein the pen assembly and the multi-axis assembly are adapted for delivery of material from the pen assembly to a substrate which is positioned by the multi-axis assembly, at least one viewing assembly, at least one controller. Nanopositioning by piezoelectric methods and devices and motors is particularly useful. The apparatus can include integrated environmental chambers and housings, as well as ink reservoirs for materials to be delivered. The viewing assembly can be a microscope with a long working distance.

Abstract: Two dimensional arrays of cantilevers for use in transferring inks from the cantilever tip to substrates are improved with use of viewports to view the cantilevers from a far side. This improves the leveling behavior when large numbers of cantilevers are present. It also provides for better laser access. Bioarrays and combinatorial applications are particularly important. Massively parallel direct write printing with more than 55,000 cantilever tips can be achieved.

Abstract: Massive parallel printing of structures and nanostructures at high speed with high resolution and high quality using two dimensional arrays comprising cantilevers and tip-based transfer of material to a surface. The array is designed so only tips touch the surface. This can be accomplished by long tips and bent cantilevers and alignment. An article comprising: a two-dimensional array of a plurality of cantilevers, wherein the array comprises a plurality of base rows, each base row comprising a plurality of cantilevers, wherein each of the cantilevers comprise tips at the cantilever end away from the base, wherein the number of cantilevers is greater than 250, and wherein the tips have an apex height relative to the cantilever of at least four microns, and a support for the array. Combinatorial arrays and bioarrays can be prepared. The arrays can be manufactured by micromachining methods.

Abstract: Inkwells adapted for use in direct-write nanolithography and other applications including use of wells, channels, and posts. The wells can possess a geometry which matches the geometry of tips which are dipped into the inkwells. The channels can be open or closed. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be used to control ink flow. SEM can be used to characterize the inkwells. Ink flow can be monitored with video. Hydrophobic material layers can be used to prevent cross contamination. Microsyringes can be used to fill reservoirs. Satellite reservoirs can be used to prevent bubble formation.