Imina Technologies' miBots are gambling die-sized nanomanipulators
which, unlike conventional systems, are virtually untethered and move
independently. These miniature robots can travel around a microscope stage at 2
mm/sec and stop instantly, then manipulate and probe samples from biological
cells to semiconductors.
Working individually or in groups, miBots can be fitted with
tools such as grippers, probes, and optical fibers so that, in addition to
manipulating the sample, they can illuminate a nano workspace and conduct force
or electrical measurements. Vacuum ready, miBots' monolithic structure makes
them mechanically and thermally stable and less sensitive to vibration.
Driven by piezo actuators, the nanomanipulators travel
around the microscope stage, pivot, and lift their tools up and down at the
touch of a joystick or a graphical interface. Their independent x, y, and z
controls deliver delicate positioning that is important in scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). MiBots can also be programmed to do repetitive tasks using
scripting languages like MATLAB.
A variety of stage options are available for miBots. For
installation on inverted light microscopes (LM), SEMS, or focused-ion beam
systems (FIBs), the miBase provides control and maneuvering room for up to four
miBots. For installation in smaller SEMS, the miCube and multiCube provide
bases for one or four miBots, respectively, while for large samples, such as
semiconductor wafers, the DY-13-OL platform can be used.
Imina Technologies, www.imina.ch
