Variable contact surface gripping technique for microsized objects

Abstract

A special approach is presented regarding an ice-gripping technique for microsized objects, from the initial idea to the test result. This approach uses water vapour under its triple point for ice forming when gripping or releasing the object. These conditions eliminate liquid water and cause deposition and sublimation to occur. The cooling of sharp apex tips is made possible in this way and eliminates great surface tension of liquid water that makes releasing difficult. The experimental setup and its components are described. It has been shown that this principle is capable of gripping, moving and releasing objects of 40 μm in size, requires no external intervention (such as electron beam-induced deposition) for releasing the object, is very simple and cost-effective and is shape and orientation insensitive. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2013.