Pick, break, and placement of one-dimensional nanostructures for direct assembly and integration

A direct, simple, and versatile assembly method for the manipulation of one-dimensional nanostructures and their integration with microscale devices has been demonstrated. Using a probe station with an unbiased tungsten probe, the facile process has been employed to accurately pick, break, and place individual titanium dioxide nanoswords and zinc oxide nanowires under a room-temperature, dry environment. The surface morphology of the nanostructures, probe tips, and adhesion forces were characterized. As such, the technique could enable the rapid assembly of individual nanostructures with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatible or complex microscale devices.