Precise control of nanofabrication by atomic force microscopy

With an aim of the precise control of the anodic oxidation process by atomic force microscopy, the technical improvement has been carried out based on the mechanism studies. The accuracy and reliability of the nanofabrication have been improved by the combination of ambient humidity control, improvement of instrumental performance and meniscus lifetime control. In parallel, the mechanism study has been proceeded through the detection of Faradaic current. The in situ Faradaic current detection of the nano-oxidation process can actually work as a sensitive monitor for the nano-oxidation process with a high reliability. From an engineering viewpoint with an eye to practical applications, controllable physical parameters which affect on the product size are enumerated to consider what we should do to raise the precision of nano-oxidation. Then the fast fabrication in a large area by a patchwork method, Faradaic current detection during oxidation-reduction reaction, and nanofabrication by current-control are shown as examples.