Virtual Manipulation of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes with Atomic Force Microscope

This paper describes a virtual reality (VR) simulator for the manipulation of carbon multi-wall nanotubes with atomic force microscope (AFM). Major challenges in interfacing a human operator with tasks of manipulating nanotubes via a haptic VR interface are outlined. After a review of our previous efforts, we present the current state of our VR simulator for multi-wall nanotube manipulation. The collision detection, interaction force modeling, deformation simulation and haptic rendering of nanotubes are then discussed. Results of virtual manipulation of carbon nanotubes are presented within an immersive VR set-up.