Scientists from Northwestern University in the US have developed a new process to investigate nanomechanics in real time, thanks to the use of platinum.

Researchers have designed and built the world's first complete micromachine, which is able to fit into existing electron microscopes and is able to mechanically test nanoscale objects.

It is the first time a universal nanoscale material testing system (n-MTS) has been developed that can effectively achieve mechanical testing of nanoscale objects, meaning that scientists can more accurately measure and understand the mechanical behaviour of nanotechnology.

Platinum has played an important role in the development of the n-MTS, as a major obstacle for the research team was how to mount individual nanostructures onto the device.

Using an electron-beam-induced deposition of platinum, the scientists nanowelded nanostructures that they had picked up and cut to the desired length.

The nanostructures were picked up and cut using a nanomanipulator inside a dual-beam scanning electron microscope, explains Science Daily.


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