A nanopositioner for scanning probe microscopy: the KoalaDrive

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Conventional nanopositioners often exhibit shaking due to inertial motion and sawtooth driving signals.
• Existing scanning probe microscopy designs can be bulky, limiting mechanical stability and miniaturization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce KoalaDrive, a novel piezoelectric nanopositioner with ultra-compact dimensions.
• To demonstrate its application in scanning probe microscopy, specifically for coarse approach and integration into scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs).
• To highlight the benefits of improved smoothness, stability, and miniaturization.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new piezoelectric nanopositioner (KoalaDrive) with dimensions <2.5 mm diameter and <10 mm length.
• Integration of KoalaDrive into a piezo tube for xyz-scanning, creating a compact STM.
• Testing of the drive's compatibility with ultra-high vacuum (UHV), low temperatures, and magnetic fields.

Main Results:

• KoalaDrive achieves smooth travel without shaking, unlike traditional inertial nanopositioners.
• Complete STMs were integrated into 4 mm outer diameter piezo tubes (<10 mm length) using KoalaDrive.
• The design enables ultracompact scanning probe microscopy with high mechanical stability.
• The drive is compatible with UHV, low temperature, and magnetic field environments.

Conclusions:

• KoalaDrive offers a significant advancement in nanopositioner technology for microscopy.
• Its ultra-compact size and smooth operation facilitate the development of highly stable and miniaturized scanning probe microscopes.
• The technology paves the way for novel applications, including multi-tip STMs comparable in size to single-tip systems.