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.