Nanomechanical actuation using molecular forces of amino azo benzene dye

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Abstract/Contents

Abstract
The emerging fields of nanomotors and optomechanics are based on the harnessing of light to generate force. However, our ability to detect the changes in material properties as a result of these forces (such as small surface stresses) is limited by temperature drift, environmental noise, and low-frequency flicker electronic noise. To addresses these limitations, we functionalized microfabricated silicon cantilevers with an azo dye, silane- based self-assembled monolayer. We developed a fast, one pot, simple, room-temperature linkage chemistry to connect methyl red (the actuator) to 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (a silicon attachment) to form (E)-2-((4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)diazenyl) -N- (3(triethoxysi- lyl)propyl)benzamide (MR-APTES). These molecules change their shape when exposed to light at specific wavelengths, enabling modulation of surface stress by light. Atomicforcemicroscopy, contactangleanalysis, ellipsometry, andX-rayphotoelectron spectroscopy verified successful assembly of molecules on the cantilever. Ultraviolet and visible spectra demonstrated optical switching of the synthesized molecule in solution. MR-APTES was then used to form a self assembled monolayer (1 nm thick) on surface ofasiliconcantileverof500µmlong100µmwideand1µmthick. Theoptical-mechanical actuation of cantilever surface stress was observed by exciting the MR-APTES with a 405 nm laser and optically monitoring tip deflection, allowing us to measure forces of approximately 0.3 pN per molecule. Cantilever tip deflection (3 nm) was measured with a Witec alpha atomic force microscope. By turning the laser on and off at a specific rate (1 Hz), we measured cantilever tip deflection via Fourier techniques, thus separating the signal of interest from the noise. This technique, which is similar to electronic lock-in techniques empowers the design of highly sensitive chemical sensors and forms the basis of a new class of nanomechanical actuators.

Description

Type of resource text
Form electronic; electronic resource; remote
Extent 1 online resource.
Publication date 2014
Issuance monographic
Language English

Creators/Contributors

Associated with Rastegar, A. Joseph
Associated with Stanford University, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Primary advisor Melosh, Nicholas A
Primary advisor Pruitt, Beth
Thesis advisor Melosh, Nicholas A
Thesis advisor Pruitt, Beth
Thesis advisor Howe, Roger Thomas
Advisor Howe, Roger Thomas

Subjects

Genre Theses

Bibliographic information

Statement of responsibility A. Joseph Rastegar.
Note Submitted to the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Thesis Thesis (Ph.D.)--Stanford University, 2014.
Location electronic resource

Access conditions

Copyright
© 2014 by Ali Joseph Rastegar

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