A single-body structure is presented for use as a tool tip for making
modifications and/or collecting measurements on a target object. The
single-body structure comprises a first end portion, a second end portion
opposite the first portion, and a mid portion between the first and second
end portions, wherein a central axis can be defined extending from the
first end portion to the second end portion, and wherein the single-body
structure has a maximum linear dimension of approximately 50 microns or
less. The single-body structure may be comprised of diamond. One of the
first and second end portions may have a larger cross sectional area, in a
plane perpendicular to the central axis, than does the other of the first
and second end portions. One of the first and second end portions may have
a larger cross sectional diameter, in at least one direction perpendicular
to the central axis, than does the other of the first and second end
portions.
