Contact detection between a CNT and an STM tip

Contact detection between tool and object is a major challenge on the nanoscale, where the scene is observed with scanning electron microscopes. This video demonstrates the capabilities of the new developped touchdown sensor. The carbon nanotube (CNT) shown, has a length of several µm and a thickness of about 300nm. Based on the touchdown sensor technology, the contact between the tool (STM-tip) and the CNT can be detected reliably. Furthermore, the sensor can be used as a force sensor with µn resolution.