CPS: Small: Collaborative Research: Automated and Robust Nano-Assembly with Atomic Force Microscopes

本研究的目标是开发一种基于原子力显微镜的网络物理系统，该系统可以实现纳米级组件（如纳米颗粒，碳纳米管，纳米线和DNA）的自动化，鲁棒性和高效组装成纳米器件。在这个项目中的方法是基于这样的前提，即自动化，强大和有效的纳米组装可以通过在原子力显微镜与纳米级组件的间歇性局部扫描的尖端为基础的推动实现。特别地，为了解决在尖端推动下纳米级部件的时间和空间连续移动，本研究探索了间歇局部扫描与基于区间非均匀有理B样条的等几何分析相结合的方法，为物理操作的有效集成提供了理论基础和算法基础（推送和扫描）和计算（规划和模拟），以实现稳健、高效和自动化的纳米组装。由此产生的理论和算法也将适用于更广泛的网络物理系统。如果成功，这项研究将导致纳米组装从原型演示到大规模制造的飞跃性进展。该项目通过其综合研究、教育和外联活动，为从高中到研究生院的学生提供网络物理系统和纳米组装方面的经验和理解。 我们的目标是提高国内学生对科学和工程的兴趣，从而加强我们在全球劳动力中的竞争力。

The objective of this research is to develop an atomic force microscope based cyber-physical system that can enable automated, robust and efficient assembly of nanoscale components such as nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, nanowires and DNAs into nanodevices. The approach in this project is based on the premise that automated, robust and efficient nanoassembly can be achieved through tip based pushing in an atomic force microscope with intermittent local scanning of nanoscale components. In particular, in order to resolve temporally and spatially continuous movement of nanoscale components under tip pushing, the research is exploring the combination of intermittent local scanning and interval non-uniform rational B-spline based isogeometric analysis in this research.Successful completion of this research is expected to lead to foundational theories and algorithmic infrastructures for effective integration of physical operations (pushing and scanning) and computation (planning and simulation) for robust, efficient and automated nanoassembly. The resulting theories and algorithms will also be applicable to a broader set of cyber physical systems. If successful, this research will lead to leap progress in nanoscale assembly, from prototype demonstration to large-scale manufacturing. Through its integrated research, education and outreach activities, this project is providing experiences and understanding in cyber-physical systems and nanoassembly for students from high schools to graduate schools. The goal is to increase interest in science and engineering among domestic students and therefore strengthen our competitiveness in the global workforce.