Investigations on the positioning accuracy of the Nano Fabrication Machine (NFM-100)

Abstract

Abstract This contribution deals with the analysis of the positioning accuracy of a new Nano Fabrication Machine. This machine uses a planar direct drive system and has a positioning range up to 100 mm in diameter. The positioning accuracy was investigated in different movement scenarios, including phases of acceleration and deceleration. Also, the target position error of certain movements at different positions of the machine slider is considered. Currently, the NFM-100 is equipped with a tip-based measuring system. This Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) uses self-actuating and self-sensing microcantilevers, which can be used also for Field-Emission-Scanning-Probe-Lithography (FESPL). This process is capable of fabricating structures in the range of nanometres. In combination with the NFM-100 and its positioning range, nanostructures can be analysed and written in a macroscopic range without any tool change. However, the focus in this article is on the measurement and positioning accuracy of the tip-based measuring system in combination with the NFM-100 and is verified by repeated measurements. Finally, a linescan, realised using both systems, is shown over a long range of motion of 30 mm.