Nanoscale fracture studies using the scanning force microscope

We present a variety of experiments concerning friction and fracture mechan isms using two-dimensional arrays of microfabricated nanotowers as template s. The scanning force microscope tip is used as a tool to apply well-define d forces to the surface of the patterned substrate. Force statistic measure ments reveal information about the forces involved in the fracture process and the probability of fracture of selected towers. These methods are discu ssed in the context of nanometer-scale mechanisms. Using optimized paramete rs, a controlled removal of individual nanotowers and the ability to "write " predefined patterns on a nanometer scale can be achieved. (C) 2001 Americ an Institute of Physics.