1 research outputs found
Individual Template-Stripped Conductive Gold Pyramids for Tip-Enhanced Dielectrophoresis
Gradient fields of optical, magnetic,
or electrical origin are
widely used for the manipulation of micro- and nanoscale objects.
Among various device geometries to generate gradient forces, sharp
metallic tips are one of the most effective. Surface roughness and
asperities present on traditionally produced tips reduce trapping
efficiencies and limit plasmonic applications. Template-stripped,
noble metal surfaces and structures have sub-nm roughness and can
overcome these limits. We have developed a process using a mix of
conductive and dielectric epoxies to mount template-stripped gold
pyramids on tungsten wires that can be integrated with a movable stage.
When coupled with a transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode,
the conductive pyramidal tip functions as a movable three-dimensional
dielectrophoretic trap which can be used to manipulate submicrometer-scale
particles. We experimentally demonstrate the electrically conductive
functionality of the pyramidal tip by dielectrophoretic manipulation
of fluorescent beads and concentration of single-walled carbon nanotubes,
detected with fluorescent microscopy and Raman spectroscopy