This book presents a comprehensive report on the research on nanosensors and -devices conducted
by the researchers in the Robotics and Automation Laboratory at Michigan State University and our
collaborators. The Robotics and Automation Laboratory was established after I joined the faculty
of Michigan State University in 1997. For the last decade, the research directions of the laboratory
have been expanded from traditional industrial robots to nanorobots. After we successfully tested our
nanorobotic system for nano manipulations and assembly, we were looking for opportunities to develop
nanodevices to demonstrate the capability of our newly developed nanorobotic system. In 2004, I met
Dr Harold Szu, US Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (formerly with Office of
Naval Research), in a conference. We had a very interesting discussion on nanomanufacturing and
nanosensors. He inspired me to consider using nanorobots to manufacture nanowire-based infrared
detectors. This has led to many interesting projects. Over the years, Harold has provided us with much
valuable advice. I wish to express my deep appreciation for his inspiration and assistance.
Dr King Wai Chiu Lai was my first research associate working on the nanodevices. He played
important roles in many of the research efforts reported in the book. King, as my coeditor, has put
a lot of effort into this book. The completion of this book would have not been possible without his
tireless and careful work. In addition, all of the contributors of this book are my former or current
PhD students, postdoctoral research associates, and collaborators. I wish to thank all of them for their
contributions to this book.
Last but not least, I express my sincere thanks to Office of Naval Research, in particular Drs James
Buss, Keith Krapels, James Waterman, and Michael Duncan, and the National Science Foundation for
providing financial support for the research efforts reported in this book.