An apparatus is provided for gripping nano-scale objects, wherein the
apparatus includes a probe including a base portion and a terminal
portion. First and second nanotubes are secured to the base portion of
the probe, wherein each of the first and second nanotubes include a
protruding portion which extends past the base portion and the terminal
portion of the probe. First and second electrodes are formed on the base
portion of the probe and electrically connected to the first and second
nanotubes. A third electrode is disposed on the terminal portion of the
probe. A control circuit applies a voltage to the first, second and third
electrodes to close the protruding portions of the first and second
nanotubes by charging the first and second nanotubes to a first polarity
and charging the third electrode to a second polarity opposite to the
first polarity.