A: Optical microscope picture (50x objective) shows two-probe lithography with a nanopipette probe for writing and an AFM probe for imaging. BSA protein deposition on an aldehyde modified surface is demonstrated.

B: Imaging of the deposited features with an AFM probe.

C: AFM topographic image shows the printed features as in B. 

WSxM software has been used for image processing of the pictures above: I. Horcas et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 78, 013705 (2007)

Nanonics' two-probe systems are unique for nanolithography manipulation and imaging. A nanopipette is used as a first probe to perform the lithography under capillary forces or voltage controlled  deposition. The second probe is used for accurate SPM imaging.

• The advantages of online writing and reading are:

• It is not necessary to change the tips to perform lithography and subsequent AFM imaging – both tips can be mounted on one system. This allows for higher AFM resolution and for easier location of the deposited features.
• Immediate scanning following the deposition procedure can be achieved.

•  Multiprobe systems are operated by tip and sample scanning modes which allow for flexible positioning and manipulation.

• All probes, nanopipettes and AFM probes are completely exposed to the Z optical axis of upright and inverted microscopes.

• Nanonics’ Fountain Pen Nanolithography permits the integration of a variety of inks and samples. 
   

Ideal system for this application:
 
MultiView 4000 ^TM 

MultiView 4000TM system with two probes for nanolithography writing and AFM/SPM imaging mounted on a Dual Optical Microscope with free Z optical axis.	Two probes close up picture shows nanopipette probe (right) for nanolithography and a second probe (Left) AFM/SPM imaging.