Design of a shim for a nanopositioner

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to assist in the development of a low cost nanopositioner by designing a specific component - a shim that is located in the scan tip assembly of the nanopositioner. Nanopositioners must maximize precision to successfully produce features of fewer than 100 nm. The kinematic coupling used to place the tool tip is capable of producing a high level of precision across tool changes, assuming the groove mount is held in place. It is therefore very important to secure the groove mount to prevent dislocation and enhance the viability of nano-scale device fabrication. The shim developed within this thesis serves to secure the groove mount of the kinematic coupling, which was previously held in place solely with magnetic attraction. The shim secures the groove mount by applying a force to the side of the groove mount in addition to increasing the magnetic attraction between the groove mount and universal mount of the nanopositioner. It was first modeled with solid and magnetic modeling software before being manufactured and tested. With the addition of the shim, the vertical force required to displace the groove mount increased by a factor of 9.4, from 0.14 N to 1.29 N. Similarly the lateral force increased by a factor of 27.9, from 0.09 N to 2.45 N. As a result, the nanopositioner is significantly better suited to perform its function. The nanopositioner will be used to produce nano-scale devices including carbon nanotubes, molecular actuators, and transistors, with applications across several disciplines. Future work includes developing a tool to bend the shim tabs and simplify the manufacturing process.