AUTHOR=Mead James L. , Klauser Waldemar , von Kleist-Retzow Fabian , Fatikow Sergej TITLE=Advances in assembled micro- and nanoscale mechanical contact probes JOURNAL=Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering VOLUME=8 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/mechanical-engineering/articles/10.3389/fmech.2022.983334 DOI=10.3389/fmech.2022.983334 ISSN=2297-3079 ABSTRACT=

The micro- and nanoscale characterization and mapping of surface properties and surface behaviour is critical to both physical and biological science. Mechanical contact probes are a critical tool for investigating surface and interface science, and have seen greater development and a diversification in recent years. In particular, mechanical contact probes that have been fabricated from the bottom-up by the assembly of synthesized nano- or microscale materials can provide enhanced functionality and sensitivity over traditional microcantilevers. This work provides an overview of recent developments in the field of assembled micro- and nanoscale mechanical contact probes, with a specific focus on three probe types: colloidal particle probes with high aspect ratio and a high lateral sensitivity, one-dimensional probes comprising of nanotube and/or nanowire deflection elements, and liquid metal-based probes. For each probe type, the state-of-the-art is reviewed, and their assembly, design, functionality and capabilities are discussed. An outlook on the future direction of probe development and potential applications is also given.