Development of an integrated device for processing and detection of micro and nano structures on a miniaturized sphere utilizing atomic force microscopy
1 The State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Robotics Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
2 Center for Precision Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
  • Volume
  • Citation
    Wang J, Kang Z, Yan Y, Geng Y. Development of an integrated device for processing and detection of micro and nano structures on a miniaturized sphere utilizing atomic force microscopy. Adv. Equip. 2025(1):0005, https://doi.org/10.55092/ae20250005. 
  • DOI
    10.55092/ae20250005
  • Copyright
    Copyright2025 by the authors. Published by ELSP.
Abstract

Microspheres, with diameters ranging from tens of microns to several millimeters, find extensive application in precision bearings, optical cameras, and lithography machines due to their unique mechanical and optical properties. Concurrently, the demand for improved dimensional accuracy and enhanced surface quality of these microspheres has significantly increased. As a result, the research focus has increasingly shifted towards micro-nano structuring and high-precision measurement of microspheres. In this study, an integrated device comprising a custom-developed AFM system, a control system, and proprietary software was established to achieve seamless integration of machining and measurement on the surface of microspheres. Moreover, the control system of the device has been established. The computer software is also developed based on the C++ graphical user interface (GUI) application development framework QT software. To achieve the center alignment between the micro-sphere and the air-bearing spindle, a strategy based on the device is proposed. Nanostructures, including square pit structures, triangular structures, and circular structures, are successfully machined and measured on the surface of GDP microspheres. Our findings provide a new approach for machining and measuring micro-nano structures on the surface of micro-target balls used in ICF.

Keywords

integrated device; home-made AFM; miniaturized sphere; nanofabrication; measurement

Preview