Silicon is chosen for several reasons: 1. Mechanical Strength: Silicon has excellent mechanical properties, including high hardness and stiffness, making it durable and suitable for repeated use. 2. Fabrication Precision: Silicon can be precisely micro-fabricated using established semiconductor processing techniques, allowing for consistent and reproducible tip shapes. 3. Compatibility: Silicon is compatible with various coating materials (e.g., gold, platinum) that can enhance its conductivity or other properties, making it versatile for different applications.
