Method for manipulating microscopic particles and analyzing the composition thereof

We disclose a method for analyzing the composition of a microscopic particle resting on a first sample surface. The method comprises positioning a micro-manipulator probe near the particle; attaching the particle to the probe; moving the probe and the attached particle away from the first sample surface; positioning the particle on a second sample surface; and, analyzing the composition of the particle on the second sample surface by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis or detection of Auger electrons. The second surface has a reduced or non-interfering background signal during analysis relative to the background signal of the first surface. We also disclose methods for adjusting the electrostatic forces and DC potentials between the probe, the particle, and the sample surfaces to effect removal of the particle, and its transfer and relocation to the second sample surface.