Active pen nanolithography

A direct-write nanolithographic printer comprising:

• a chip comprising a cantilever array which is adapted for individual electronic control of cantilever actuation;
• a lithography apparatus which is adapted for electrically and mechanically controlling the chip for direct-write printing by delivery of ink from the cantilever array to a surface, the lithography apparatus comprising an intermediate circuit board and an instrument head;
• and
• a cartridge which is adapted for electrically and mechanically coupling the chip to the lithography apparatus, wherein the cartridge is reversibly connectable to and removable from the lithography apparatus during normal use of the printer, and the cartridge comprises:
• a first printed circuit board that supports the chip, the first printed circuit board being reversibly connectable to and removable from the instrument head;
• a second printed circuit board comprising at least one high-density electrical connector, the second printed circuit board being reversibly connectable to and removable from the intermediate circuit board of the lithography apparatus via the high-density electrical connector;
• and
• a flexible ribbon which provides electrical connectivity and mechanical decoupling between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board.