Use of dielectrophoresis in the fabrication of an atomic force microscope tip with a carbon nanotube: a numerical analysis

To fabricate an atomic force microscope tip with an attached carbon nanotube (CNT), we simulated dielectrophoresis, produced by a nonuniform electric field. We calculated the dielectrophoretic force and torque of CNTs dispersed in a fluid. We then investigated the effect of various parameters such as the initial conditions of the CNT, the distance between the tip and the electrode, and the shape of the tip's apex. Using the results of the simulation, we examined the assembly conditions for achieving a high success rate. In particular, we found that the optimal distance between the tip and the electrode was 10 microm.