Scanning probe imaging and manipulation of matter is of crucial importancefor nanoscale science and technology. However, its resolution and ability tomanipulate matter at the atomic scale is limited by rather poor control overthe fine structure of the probe. In the present communication, a strategy isproposed to construct a molecular nanomanipulator from ultrathin single-walledcarbon nanotubes. Covalent modification of a nanotube cap at predeterminedatomic sites makes the nanotube act as a support for a functional "tool-tip"molecule. Then, a small bundle of nanotubes (3 or 4) with aligned ends can actas an extremely high aspect ratio parallel nanomanipulator for a suspendedmolecule, where protraction or retraction of individual nanotubes results incontrolled tilting of the tool-tip in two dimensions. Together with the usualSPM three degrees of freedom and augmented with rotation of the system as awhole, the design offers six degrees of freedom for imaging and manipulation ofmatter with precision and freedom so much needed for advanced nanotechnology. Asimilar design might be possible to implement with other high-aspect rationanostructures, such as oxide nanowires.
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