research
We study the interplay among micro-/nano-scale objects and interfaces, and harness them to assemble devices that benefit us
Capillary Machines: controlled assembly driven by precise engineering of capillary forces.
The precise assembly of objects at the micro-/nano-scales requires well-controlled forces that are sufficient to move the objects around, yet gentle enough to avoid any plastic deformations. Cheng and his colleagues at Harvard created “capillary machines”, a class of simple plastic devices that move vertically across the air-water interface when operated, to assemble micro- and nanometer-scaled systems. Complex topologies, such as hair-braids which were otherwise not possible to make at such small length scales, have been demonstrated with this method (see our paper in Nature and video below). At CAS, we’re pushing the boundaries of capillary machines towards much more complex systems. We aim to achieve high throughput, arbitrary topologies, and material selectivity during assembly.
For more details, see publications page